Japan has record 100,000 people aged over 100: How societies are ageing

Japan is now home to more than 100,000 people aged 100 or older, marking a new longevity milestone for a country confronting an accelerating demographic crisis.The number of centenarians reached a record 107,677 this year, according to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare – an increase of 7,914 from 2025 and the 56th consecutive annual rise. Women account for almost 88 percent of the total.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4The view from Russia: ‘No party can be antiwar’ in parliamentary electionlist 2 of 4How fantasy fans are keeping a Turkish blacksmithing tradition alivelist 3 of 4Why does Canada want to join the Europe-led JEF military partnership?list 4 of 4As Houthis grab Bab al-Mandeb, US appears willing to watch from sidelinesend of listHealth Minister Kenichiro Ueno said he was “very pleased that many people are living long, healthy and active lives”, citing advances in medical technology as well as healthy lifestyles and diets.But behind the celebration lies a profound imbalance. Japan’s elderly population continues to grow while the number of births remains at an all-time low, leaving a shrinking workforce to plug mounting pension, healthcare and soc...