Japan has recorded more than 100,000 people aged 100 or older for the first time. The health ministry said the number reached 107,677 as of September 1.
The figure highlights Japan’s rapidly aging population. It also adds to concerns about the country’s shrinking workforce and falling birth rate.
The government released the figures ahead of Japan’s annual Respect for the Aged Day. The survey showed that the number of centenarians rose to a record high for the 56th consecutive year.
Japan Centenarians Reach Record Number
The latest total represents a major demographic milestone for Japan.
Women account for about 90% of people aged 100 or older. Their numbers have continued to rise even as Japan’s overall population faces long-term decline.
Japan began keeping nationwide records on centenarians in 1963. At that time, only a small number of people had reached 100.
However, the figure has increased steadily over the decades. Now, more than 107,000 people in the country are at least 100 years old.
Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world. The World Bank places Monaco ahead of Japan based on median population age.
Aging Population Creates Economic Pressure
The growing number of older people also brings major economic challenges.
Japan already faces a serious labor shortage. Fewer working-age people must support a growing number of retirees.
As a result, pressure on the country’s social security system continues to increase. Pension, healthcare and elderly-care costs are also rising.
At the same time, a smaller workforce means a narrower tax base. That combination creates a difficult challenge for policymakers.
Japan has tried to address the problem through measures aimed at supporting workers, families and older citizens. Still, demographic trends remain difficult to reverse quickly.
Birth Rate Falls Again
Meanwhile, Japan’s population crisis is becoming more serious because fewer children are being born.
Government data released in June showed that the country’s fertility rate fell to another record low last year.
The decline has continued despite efforts to encourage young people to have children. High living costs, changing lifestyles and concerns about work and family life have all contributed to Japan’s demographic challenges.
Therefore, the growing centenarian population represents only one side of the country’s demographic story.
Japan is living longer, but it is also having fewer children.
Japan Faces a Long-Term Demographic Challenge
The latest figures offer a striking picture of Japan’s changing society.
More people are reaching 100, while the number of young people continues to shrink. Consequently, the country must find ways to support its aging population while maintaining enough workers to sustain the economy.
For now, Japan’s record number of centenarians stands as a symbol of longer life expectancy. At the same time, it underlines the urgent economic and social pressures created by the country’s aging and shrinking population.
