Japan has reached a significant milestone, with the number of centenarians, people aged 100 or older, hitting a record high of over 95,000. This figure, released by the Japanese government, further underscores the country’s ongoing demographic crisis. The data reveals a stark gender disparity, with women comprising almost 90% of the centenarian population, totaling 83,958, compared to 11,161 men. This increase, a jump of 2,980 from the previous year, signifies a continuing trend of an aging population in Japan.
The demographic shift is not limited to centenarians. Separate government data released earlier showed that the number of individuals over 65 years old has reached a record high of 36.25 million, making up 29.3% of Japan’s total population. This percentage positions Japan at the top of a list of 200 countries and regions with populations exceeding 100,000.
Among the world’s oldest living individuals, Japan holds a prominent position. Tomiko Itooka, born on May 23, 1908, currently holds the title of the world’s oldest living person at 116 years old. She resides in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo prefecture, and is known for expressing gratitude to the staff and reminiscing about her hometown.
Kiyotaka Mizuno, Japan’s oldest man at 110 years old, lives in Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture, with his family. He maintains a disciplined routine, waking up at 6:30 am and enjoying three meals daily without being picky about his food. Mizuno’s hobby is listening to live sports, including sumo wrestling.
Japan’s aging population poses a multifaceted challenge. The expanding elderly population strains the healthcare system and social welfare programs, leading to increasing costs. Simultaneously, a shrinking labor force struggles to meet these growing needs. The country’s overall population has declined by 595,000 in recent years, dropping to 124 million. Despite various initiatives, the government has yet to achieve meaningful success in mitigating the decline and aging of its population. One notable measure is the gradual extension of the retirement age, with 65 becoming the standard retirement age for all employers from fiscal 2025.
As Japan continues to navigate this demographic challenge, it faces a crucial task: finding sustainable solutions to ensure the well-being of its aging population while addressing the economic and social implications of a shrinking workforce.
