The ministry released the statistics on a Tuesday to mark Respect for the Aged Day on Sept. 15. The number of centenarians increased by 7,914 from the previous year.

Women account for 88% of Japan's centenarian population, totaling 94,298. Fuyo Kishimoto, 114, is recognized as the oldest woman in Japan and resides in Kyoto. Hikaru Kato, 112, is recognized as the oldest man in Japan and resides in Kumamoto.

The government honors centenarians with a letter from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and a silver sake cup. Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno has served in the role since Oct. 21, 2025.

"I am very pleased that so many people are remaining active and healthy for so long," Ueno said. He cited progress in medical technology, healthy lifestyle, and diet as factors contributing to longevity.

Ueno stated the importance of maintaining a sustainable social security system as the population ages and declines. Experts estimate Japan's population will decline to 87 million by 2070, with nearly 40% of residents aged 65 or older.

Japan's total fertility rate dropped to 1.14 in 2025, below the 2.1 children per woman required to maintain the current population. More than 20% of single men and women aged 18 to 34 have no intention of ever marrying, according to a survey by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. Nearly half of single respondents in that age group said they see no benefit in marriage.

Ueno acknowledged that high costs of raising and educating children contribute to marriage reluctance among young people. He also acknowledged that the mental and physical burden on working parents contributes to marriage reluctance.

Why It Matters

The milestone of over 100,000 centenarians reflects Japan's demographic shift: extended lifespans alongside a shrinking workforce. With experts projecting the total population will fall to 87 million by 2070 and nearly 40% of residents will be aged 65 or older, pressure on social security systems intensifies. The data shows the scale of the challenge facing policymakers as the ratio of elderly citizens to working-age adults grows.

Low fertility rates, which dropped to 1.14 in 2025 against a replacement level of 2.1, drive these projections. Surveys indicate reluctance among young adults to marry, citing financial burdens and work-life balance issues. Addressing these structural factors is central to any strategy aimed at stabilizing the population and ensuring the sustainability of public services in the coming decades.

Timeline

There were 153 people aged 100 or older in Japan when centenarian surveys began in 1963. The number of centenarians in Japan exceeded 1,000 in 1981. The number of centenarians in Japan surpassed 10,000 in 1998. Japan's population peaked at 128 million in 2008.

Japan's total population was 126 million during the 2020 census. Nearly 30% of Japan's population was aged 65 or older in 2020.

What's New

The official record states that the number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached 107,677 in September 2025, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. "I am very pleased that so many people are remaining active and healthy for so long." There are 94,298 female centenarians in Japan. Kenichiro Ueno has served as Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare since 21 October 2025.

Japan's total population decreased in 45 of its 47 prefectures in 2025. Foreigners make up approximately 3% of Japan's population. Japan's average life expectancy was 84 years in 2024.

How Sources Differ

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare statistics state that the number of centenarians in Japan exceeded 100,000 for the first time.