According to an announcement by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of people aged 100 or older in Japan has exceeded 100,000 for the first time. Women account for the vast majority, and the oldest person is a 114-year-old woman. Japan has the world's largest number of centenarians, with advances in medical technology and active lifestyles among older people cited as factors behind the country's longevity.
The total number of people aged 100 or older in Japan has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677 as of the 1st of this month. Japan is said to have the world's largest number of centenarians, and women account for approximately 88% of the total. The oldest person is 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto (岸本ふよ), a resident of Kyoto City.
The oldest man is 112-year-old Hikaru Kato (加藤光), a resident of Kumamoto City. Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Kenichiro Ueno (上野賢一郎) cited advances in medical technology and other factors behind longevity, and said he was pleased that people were remaining healthy and active for so long.
As population aging progresses, the sustainability of the social security system has been identified as an important issue. Experts cite healthy diets and active lifestyles as factors behind the longevity of Japanese people. The Japanese diet is centered on seafood, vegetables and rice, and its low intake of saturated fatty acids is considered to be a contributing factor.
The total fertility rate fell to 1.14 last year, a new record low, and the population is projected to decline to 87 million by 2070. People aged 65 and over currently account for approximately 30% of the population, but that share is expected to reach approximately 40% by 2070. Changes in population dynamics are expected to affect the structure of society.