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Centenarians Surge in Japan Amidst Population Crisis
15 Sep
Summary
- Over 100,000 people aged 100 or older now reside in Japan.
- Japan's population is declining due to low birth rates.
- Rising social security costs burden public finances significantly.
As of September 2026, Japan celebrates a remarkable milestone with over 100,000 centenarians, reaching 107,677. This figure has risen consecutively for 56 years, a testament to advancements in healthcare that keep citizens active and living longer. The vast majority, around 88%, of these centenarians are women, reflecting Japan's high life expectancy.
However, this demographic achievement is overshadowed by a critical national challenge: Japan's population is shrinking at an unprecedented rate. Falling birth rates and low immigration levels have caused the citizen count to drop below 120 million for the first time in 42 years. This demographic shift is straining public finances, as social security costs rise alongside an aging populace, adding to Japan's already substantial national debt.
