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

Fewer births and deepening labour shortages are placing mounting pressure on Japan’s social care system.

x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Toshisuke Kanazawa, a 90-year-old bodybuilder, trains in his gym in Hiroshima, Japan, on September 11, 2026 [Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images] By Caolán Magee Published On 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 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.