The World Leader in Centenarians: Japan
For the 55th consecutive year, Japan has set a new record for its centenarian population. As of September 2025, the government reported 99,763 citizens aged 100 or older, marking a steady decades-long increase. While nations with larger populations might have a larger absolute number of centenarians in some studies, Japan’s consistent growth and high per capita rate make it a standout case study in longevity.
The country's high life expectancy is often linked to a combination of factors, including a nutrient-dense diet, an active daily routine, and a comprehensive healthcare system. The vast majority of these centenarians are women, a trend that is also observed in many other parts of the world.
Factors Contributing to Japanese Longevity
Health experts point to several key reasons for Japan's exceptional longevity. These factors are not isolated but work together to create a powerful environment for healthy aging.
Diet and Nutrition
- Traditional diet: The traditional Japanese diet is low in saturated fat and high in vegetables, fish, tofu, seaweed, and other plant-based foods. This provides essential nutrients while keeping calories and unhealthy fats low.
- Portion control: Many Japanese meals are served in smaller portions, which helps in maintaining a healthy body weight and reduces the risk of age-related health issues.
- Blue Zones connection: Regions like Okinawa are famous for their longevity, often attributed to their traditional diet and active, low-stress lifestyle.
Lifestyle and Community
- Active routine: A culture of staying active is a key factor. Many Japanese elders practice regular, gentle exercises like Radio Taiso, a calisthenics routine broadcast since the 1920s.
- Strong social connections: Close-knit communities and strong family bonds offer robust social support, which is linked to better mental and physical health in old age.
- Low stress: The concept of ikigai, or a purpose in life, is deeply ingrained and provides motivation for many older Japanese people to stay engaged and active.
Advanced Healthcare and Public Health
- Preventive care: The country has long-standing public health campaigns promoting healthy habits, such as reducing salt intake to combat high blood pressure.
- Quality healthcare access: Regular medical check-ups and a strong healthcare system ensure that age-related diseases are detected and managed effectively.
Global Centenarian Comparison: Japan vs. the United States
While Japan leads in both absolute numbers and per capita, the United States also has a large centenarian population. However, the demographic picture and growth trajectory differ significantly.
| Feature | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Centenarian Count (Latest) | ~99,763 (Sept 2025) | ~98,034 (2024) |
| Ranking (Absolute Number) | 1st (as of Sep 2025) | 2nd (as of Sep 2025) |
| Centenarians per 100,000 | ~80.6 (2025) | ~28.8 (2024) |
| Dominant Gender | Overwhelmingly Female (88%) | Overwhelmingly Female (~78%) |
| Growth Trend | Record-setting annual growth for decades | Quadrupled since 1950, projected to continue |
| Key Factors | Healthy diet, active lifestyle, social engagement | Medical advances, improving living standards |
| Projected Future | Continued growth, but facing population decline | Quadrupling by 2054 to 400,000+ |
Challenges of an Aging Population
While a growing centenarian population is a testament to national health and living standards, it also presents significant challenges. In Japan, for instance, the demographic shift has raised concerns about a declining overall population, labor shortages, and the long-term sustainability of healthcare and pension systems. Other countries are also adapting to these new demographic realities, with policy discussions focused on adapting to the needs of an increasingly older society.
Conclusion
While the United States has a very large and rapidly growing centenarian population, Japan has consistently held the top spot in recent years for having the most people over 100 years old, particularly when accounting for population size. The reasons for this are a complex interplay of healthy traditional diet, active lifestyle habits, and strong community support, alongside a robust public health system. As the global centenarian population is projected to continue its remarkable growth, the lessons from Japan offer valuable insights for societies around the world aiming to support longer, healthier lives.
Note: While Japan currently leads, long-term projections by organizations like the Pew Research Center suggest that other large nations with high populations, such as China and the United States, may have a larger number of centenarians in the coming decades due to their sheer size and continued growth.
Further Reading
For more detailed information on global longevity trends and the demographics of centenarians, the Pew Research Center offers in-depth analysis of worldwide population data. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/09/us-centenarian-population-is-projected-to-quadruple-over-the-next-30-years/
