Key Facts
• September 15 marked Respect for the Aged Day in Japan.
• 29.4% of Japan’s population is aged 65 or older, a record high.
• Total population aged 65+ is 36.19 million (15.68 million men, 25.01 million women).
• 9.3 million people aged 65+ are still employed.
• Centenarians in Japan reached 99,763, up 4,644 from the previous year.
• Women account for 88% of centenarians (87,784 women, 11,979 men).
• In 1963, there were only 153 centenarians; the number surpassed 10,000 in 1998.
• Centenarian population trends: 80,000+ in 2020, 90,000+ in 2022, nearing 100,000 in 2025.
• Highest centenarian ratios per 100,000 people: Shimane, Kochi, Tottori, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Nagano.
• Lowest centenarian ratios: Saitama, Aichi, Osaka, Chiba, Tokyo.
• Japan’s oldest person is Shigeko Kagawa, 114, living in Nara Prefecture.
• Kagawa remains active, enjoying TV, newspapers, and calligraphy at daycare.
Summary
Japan’s aging population continues to set records, with 29.4% of its citizens aged 65 or older as of 2025. This demographic includes 36.19 million individuals, of whom 9.3 million remain employed. The number of centenarians has also risen significantly, reaching 99,763, with women comprising 88% of this group. Historical data shows a steady increase in centenarians since 1963, when there were only 153. Regional disparities exist, with Shimane having the highest centenarian ratio and Tokyo among the lowest. Shigeko Kagawa, Japan’s oldest person at 114, exemplifies active aging, maintaining a routine of reading, watching TV, and practicing calligraphy. These figures highlight the challenges and opportunities of an aging society.
