Japan Has Nearly 100,000 People Aged 100 or Older in 2025

Japan has reported nearly 100,000 people aged 100 or older in 2025, extending its global lead in life expectancy for the 55th consecutive year.

Official figures released in September show that 99,763 centenarians live in the country, with women accounting for almost 90 percent of the total.

The government marks the achievement each year on September 15, coinciding with the national holiday dedicated to respect for the elderly. The milestone reflects long-term demographic and social trends, with Japan continuing to record the highest proportion of centenarians among developed nations. In 1963, there were only 153 centenarians nationwide, highlighting the rapid shift over the past six decades.

Longevity shaped by culture and policy

Researchers attribute Japan’s record-breaking longevity to a mix of diet, public health measures, and community practices. Traditional eating habits emphasize fish, soy, vegetables, and green tea, while consumption of red meat, sugar, and salt has historically been lower. Public campaigns in recent decades targeted excess salt and promoted balanced nutrition.

Government policies also played a role in improving life expectancy. Expanded healthcare, welfare programs for the elderly, and awareness initiatives around active lifestyles contributed to the rise. Beyond institutions, a collective cultural approach to aging has helped normalize and even celebrate advanced age, encouraging citizens to stay engaged in their communities.

Everyday practices that support aging

Among the habits linked to Japanese longevity is Radio Taiso, a three-minute routine of calisthenics broadcast daily on radio and television since 1928. Millions continue to participate, including elderly groups who practice together in parks and community centers. Experts view such activities as beneficial not only for physical health but also for maintaining social bonds.

The story of Tomoko Horino illustrates this cultural backdrop. At 100 years old, she continues her work as a beauty consultant and was recognized as the oldest in her profession worldwide. Her example underscores how centenarians in Japan often retain independence and vitality beyond the age typically associated with frailty in other societies.

A woman traveler sits on a bench with her suitcase, enjoying a scenic ocean view in Okinawa, Japan. Photo Credit: imacoconut / Shutterstock.comOkinawa and the Blue Zone effect

Okinawa, a southern island prefecture, is one of the world’s identified “Blue Zones”—regions where people live significantly longer than average. For more than 50 years, the Okinawa Centenarian Study has tracked over 3,000 residents to identify reasons for their exceptional longevity. Findings point to a diet rich in vegetables, moderate portions, regular natural activity, and strong community ties rooted in spiritual and social traditions.

Attitudes toward aging also make a difference. In Okinawa, old age is widely regarded as a natural stage of life rather than a decline, supporting positive mental outlooks that contribute to wellbeing. This mindset, combined with healthful lifestyles, continues to attract international research interest.

Do you want to live 100 years?

Experts say there is no single secret to living a century, but several factors consistently appear in long-lived populations. A balanced diet with moderate portions, daily physical activity, and strong community support networks are central. Mental health also plays a critical role, as optimism and a positive view of aging are associated with longer lifespans.

Japan’s centenarians demonstrate that longevity is about more than genetics or medical care. Their lifestyles emphasize social connection, purposeful routines, and gradual daily movement rather than intense exercise. While cultural and policy contexts differ across countries, researchers suggest that adopting elements of this approach can improve quality of life and potentially extend it.

Japan’s example shows how long-term investments in health, cultural practices, and community values interact to produce extraordinary life expectancy. As the number of centenarians approaches 100,000, the country maintains its role as a global case study in how societies can adapt to aging populations while promoting longevity and quality of life.

Top Photo Credit: imtmphoto / Shutterstock.com