Japan's Remarkable Longevity in Absolute Terms
As of September 2025, Japan holds the world record for the highest absolute number of centenarians, with a reported 99,763 people aged 100 or older. This continues a trend of 55 consecutive years of increase in its centenarian population. Japanese government data, released annually on Respect for the Aged Day, highlights this growing demographic. The overwhelming majority, about 88%, of Japan's centenarian population are women. This national phenomenon is particularly noteworthy given the country's declining birth rate and overall shrinking population, which puts increasing pressure on its healthcare and pension systems.
The factors behind Japan's exceptional longevity are complex and multi-faceted. Key elements include the traditional Japanese diet, which is rich in fish, vegetables, soy products, and seaweed, and low in red meat and processed foods. Additionally, many Japanese citizens maintain active lifestyles well into old age through daily walking, cycling, and community exercises like Radio Taiso. Strong social connections, robust family support, and a high-quality universal healthcare system further contribute to the physical and mental well-being of the elderly.
Comparing Japan's Longevity with Other Nations
While Japan leads in the total number of centenarians, other countries are also home to significant elderly populations, often topping lists in previous years or by different metrics. The United States, for example, has seen its centenarian population grow significantly, and in recent census reports was noted for having a large absolute number. However, when viewed on a per capita basis—measuring centenarians per 10,000 people—the picture can change significantly. For example, some 'Blue Zones' like Sardinia, Italy, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, show unusual longevity patterns and high prevalence rates, even if their total centenarian numbers are lower than more populous countries.
A Global Look at Centenarian Populations To put the figures in perspective, consider a breakdown of centenarian populations using recent available data. While exact figures can be volatile and difficult to verify globally, comparisons highlight different national trends.
| Country | Latest Estimate (Year) | Centenarian Count | Ratio (approx. per 10,000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 99,763 (Sept 2025) | ~99,763 | 80.6 |
| United States | 98,034 (2024) | ~98,034 | 2.9 |
| China | 54,166 (2013) | 54,166 | ~0.4 |
| Italy | 21,211 (2024) | 21,211 | 3.6 |
| France | 31,269 (2024) | 31,269 | 4.7 |
Data sources include national and international reports, with varying dates and methodologies. Please note that figures can fluctuate annually due to both demographic shifts and potential data inaccuracies.
The Role of Blue Zones
The term 'Blue Zone' refers to geographical areas where people live measurably longer lives and where centenarians are more common. These regions often share several common characteristics that shed light on factors influencing exceptional longevity. The five known Blue Zones are:
- Okinawa, Japan: The high concentration of centenarians is linked to a plant-based diet, low-stress lifestyles, and strong community ties known as 'moai'.
- Sardinia, Italy: This island has a higher-than-average population of male centenarians. Their longevity is connected to a traditional, active lifestyle, and a diet rich in vegetables, grains, and goat's milk.
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Residents enjoy a high concentration of healthy centenarians. Their diet and lifestyle involve beans, corn, gardening, and a strong sense of purpose.
- Ikaria, Greece: People here have been found to live ten years longer, on average, than those in the rest of Europe. The reasons include a traditional diet, strong social networks, and low levels of stress.
- Loma Linda, California: The high longevity among the Seventh-day Adventist community is attributed to their vegetarian diet and religious commitment to exercise and healthy living.
The Importance of Reliable Data
Pinpointing which country has the most centenarians has become a more complex task due to challenges in data collection. The reliability of global centenarian numbers has been debated due to potential data errors, unreliable public records, and issues with age verification. For instance, a 2010 government audit in Japan revealed patchy record-keeping, and a 2024 Ig Nobel Prize-winning study highlighted potential inflation due to welfare fraud and clerical errors. The U.S. Census Bureau also cautions about the volatility of its statistics because the count is relatively small compared to the overall population. This means that while official numbers are the best available, they must be interpreted with caution, and trends over time are often more informative than a single year's absolute count.
The Longevity Forecast
The global centenarian population is on a significant upward trend, with projections indicating a substantial rise in the coming decades. The United Nations estimates suggest a global centenarian population of nearly 4 million by 2054. Demographic shifts will likely alter the global rankings. By 2054, China is projected to have the largest absolute number of centenarians, driven by its massive population size, while Japan and the U.S. will continue to see strong growth.
Conclusion
While a country's absolute number of centenarians is an impressive statistic, the rate per capita provides a more nuanced understanding of national longevity. Based on the most recent government data from September 2025, Japan officially has the most centenarians, with its population nearing 100,000. This milestone, however, is part of a larger, more complex story involving cultural practices, dietary habits, and social support systems. The lessons learned from Japan and other longevity hotspots around the world offer valuable insights into the secrets of a long and healthy life. As the global centenarian population continues to grow, nations worldwide will need to address the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging populace.
The global rise in centenarians is not just a statistical anomaly but a reflection of broader advancements in health and quality of life. For more on how healthy behaviors contribute to longevity, explore the National Institute on Aging website.
