Overview
- As of Sept 1, Japan counted 99,763 people aged 100 or older, up 4,644 from a year earlier, the health ministry said.
- Women account for about 88% of centenarians, with 87,784 women and 11,979 men recorded in the latest survey.
- The nationwide rate stands at 80.58 centenarians per 100,000 people, led by Shimane Prefecture at 168.69 for the 13th straight year.
- Separate official data in August showed Japanese nationals declined by more than 900,000 in 2024, reflecting intensifying demographic pressures.
- Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has termed the situation a "quiet emergency" and pledged measures such as flexible work hours and free day care, though results remain limited.