Story perspectives

Japan's Centenarian Population Soars Amid Birth Rate Crisis

9/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

Japan's centenarian population has reached nearly 100,000, with women comprising 88% of this group.
The oldest living person is 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa, a retired physician from Nara.
Longevity factors include healthy diets, active lifestyles, and effective medical care.
In 2024, Japan recorded 687,689 births, the lowest since 1968, alongside 1.6 million deaths.
The government is promoting family-friendly policies to address the declining birth rate.

1 of 1

Story summary

Japan's centenarian population has reached nearly 100,000, with women comprising 88% of this group.
The oldest living person is 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa, a retired physician from Nara.
Longevity factors include healthy diets, active lifestyles, and effective medical care.
In 2024, Japan recorded 687,689 births, the lowest since 1968, alongside 1.6 million deaths.
The government is promoting family-friendly policies to address the declining birth rate.