Japan's Centenarian Population Tops 100,000

The number of people aged 100 and older in Japan has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching a record 107,677, with women accounting for 88% of them. The oldest resident is 114-year-old Kishimoto Fuyo of Kyoto, the BBC reported.

Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno expressed delight that so many people are living to a ripe old age in good health and remaining active, citing advances in medicine and technology. At the same time, he highlighted the need to sustain the social security system. Experts also attribute the longevity of the Japanese to a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

However, the country is also facing significant population aging and decline. The total fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.14 children per woman last year, and sales of adult diapers have exceeded sales of children's diapers for over a decade.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has described the population decline as a "quiet emergency". By 2070, the population is projected to fall to 87 million, approximately 30% below the peak reached in 2008. People over the age of 65 are expected to make up nearly 40% of the population by then.

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