Japan’s Centenarians Reach Nearly 100,000, Setting Record High
As of September 1, 2025, the number of centenarians in Japan has reached nearly 100,000, marking a historical record high and maintaining a growth trend for 55 consecutive years. Experts attribute the longevity of the Japanese people to their balanced diet, strong social relationships, and active lifestyle. Additionally, efficient healthcare services, preventive measures, and a clean environment play vital roles in supporting their long and healthy lives.
Japan stands out among OECD countries for having one of the highest life expectancies. As of September 1, 2025, Japan is home to 99,763 centenarians, with the majority being women accounting for approximately 88%. The oldest living person is 114-year-old retired doctor Shigeko Kagawa, while the oldest living man is 111-year-old Kiyotaka Mizuno.
What enables so many Japanese individuals to reach the age of 100 and beyond? What kind of lifestyle do they lead? How do factors such as living environment, cultural atmosphere, and healthcare standards contribute to their longevity?
Japanese people have inherited and maintained the dietary and lifestyle practices from the Showa era, creating a phenomenon of longevity among their population. During that time, people worked diligently, consumed seasonal foods, and lived self-sufficiently, embodying a philosophy of acceptance and resilience.
The Japanese embrace the life philosophy of “ikigai,” a term that lacks a direct English translation but encompasses the idea of finding the meaning or value in life, the reason to get up every day. By identifying activities they love, are good at, that the world needs, and that bring rewards, individuals discover their ikigai.
Here are seven key secrets to Japanese longevity as presented by The Times of India:
– Japanese dietary preferences include high consumption of fish, vegetables, soy products (tofu, miso), seaweed, and mushrooms, with lower intake of red meat and processed foods.
– The traditional Japanese diet emphasizes fresh, small frequent meals, and variety. Particularly in Okinawa, residents adhere to the “hara hachi bu” practice of eating until 80% full, focusing on chewing food slowly rather than fast consumption.
– Compared to many Western countries, Japan shows relatively lower mortality rates for certain cancers (breast cancer, prostate cancer) and heart diseases. The lifestyle of eating fish (rich in Omega-3 fatty acids), low saturated fats, and moderate salt intake supports heart and vascular health.
– Japanese middle-aged men have significantly lower cholesterol buildup in their arteries compared to American white men, attributed to their high consumption of seafood.
– Longevity studies, especially those focusing on Okinawa, highlight the importance of having ikigai, engaging in continuous physical and mental activities, and maintaining strong social connections.
– Japanese seniors actively participate in work, family, or community activities.
– Physical exercise is ingrained in the daily lives of the Japanese people through activities such as walking, gardening, gentle exercises, using public transportation, doing household chores, all contributing to maintaining mobility and preventing frailty.
Moreover, activities like “Radio Taiso” (radio calisthenics program) enjoy widespread popularity in Japan.
Japan boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, regular health check-ups, good public hygiene, and a longstanding tradition of preventive healthcare.
Clean water, efficient public health systems, low pollution lifestyles, and emphasis on waste management all contribute to elevating the overall health levels of the population.
It appears that some Japanese individuals possess genetic characteristics or variations that help resist aging, diseases, inflammation, and maintain efficient metabolism, as indicated by research on centenarian siblings in Okinawa.
Respecting elders, community recognition, actively addressing aging, and maintaining mental well-being are crucial. Many centenarians in Japan still feel a sense of purpose, maintain close social ties, and possess a peaceful mindset. Concepts such as having ikigai, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in social interactions all contribute to mental well-being.
In conclusion, while aging is inevitable, Japan’s experience demonstrates that with the right lifestyle practices, growing old can also signify staying strong and healthy for a longer period.