Japan has reached a new milestone in its aging population. According to government data, the number of people aged 100 or older has surpassed 95,000 for the first time. An astonishing 90% of them are
.
As of September 1, Japan had 95,119 centenarians, marking a rise of 2,980 from the previous year. Of this group, 83,958 are women, while 11,161 are men, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare.
This marks yet another record in Japan’s long-standing demographic challenge as the country faces a rapidly aging population coupled with declining birth rates.
JAPAN’S DEMOGRAPHIC CRISIS: A SLOW-BURNING PROBLEM
Japan’s aging population is not a new issue, but it is becoming more severe each year. Separate data released revealed that the number of people aged 65 and over has also reached a record high. Japan now has 36.25 million elderly citizens, accounting for 29.3% of the total population.
These figures place Japan at the top of the global rankings for the proportion of elderly people in a country with a population of more than 100,000, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. This demographic shift is one of the biggest challenges Japan faces in the 21st century.
JAPAN HOME TO THE WORLD’S OLDEST PERSON
Japan’s status as a country with one of the longest life expectancies is further confirmed by the fact that it is home to the world’s oldest living person. Tomiko Itooka, who was born on May 23, 1908, is currently 116 years old, according to the US-based Gerontology Research Group.
Itooka took the title of the world’s oldest living person after the previous record-holder, Maria Branyas Morera, passed away in Spain last month at the age of 117.
LONGEVITY IN JAPAN: SECRETS FROM THE OLDEST MAN
Japan’s oldest man, Kiyotaka Mizuno, is 110 years old. He lives in Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture, with his family and maintains a simple but steady routine. Speaking to local media, Mizuno admitted that he has “no idea at all” about the secret to his long life.
Mizuno starts his day at 6:30 a.m. and eats three meals a day, without being particularly picky about his food. His favourite pastime is listening to live sports, including sumo wrestling, according to the Ministry of Health.
JAPAN’S SHRINKING POPULATION AND RISING COSTS
Japan’s increasing number of centenarians is set against the backdrop of a shrinking overall population. The country’s total population stands at 124 million, but recent data shows a decline of 595,000 people in the previous year alone.
This shrinking population presents significant challenges for the country. The elderly population is expanding, which drives up healthcare and welfare costs. Meanwhile, Japan’s working-age population is shrinking, resulting in fewer taxpayers to support these costs.
The government has made efforts to slow the population decline and address the aging crisis. However, these efforts have seen limited success.
GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO ADDRESS THE AGING POPULATION
The Japanese government has taken steps to address the aging population and the demographic crisis. Among these measures is the gradual extension of the retirement age. Beginning in fiscal 2025, 65 will become the standard retirement age for all employers.
The government hopes that by extending the retirement age, it can maintain a larger labour force and reduce the financial strain on the healthcare system and social welfare programs. However, experts remain sceptical about whether these measures will be enough to offset the country’s declining birth rate and aging population.
THE ROAD AHEAD FOR JAPAN
Japan’s demographic crisis is a complex issue with no easy solutions. As the population continues to age and shrink, the country faces mounting economic challenges. The expanding elderly population will increase demand for medical care and long-term services, while the shrinking workforce could lead to labour shortages and decreased economic growth.
The Japanese government will need to continue exploring innovative solutions to balance the demands of an aging population with the needs of a shrinking labour force. Whether through immigration reform, technological advancements, or continued efforts to extend the working age, Japan’s response to this crisis will shape the country’s future for decades to come.
