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The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan surpassed a record 100,000 this year, the latest government figures show, underscoring the country’s rapidly aging and declining population.
The Health and Welfare Ministry statistics released show Japan now has 107,677 centenarians, up 7,914 from the previous year and exceeding the 100,000 mark for the first time. Nearly 88% of them are women.
Kyoto resident Fuyo Kishimoto was recently recognized as the oldest Japanese woman at age 114. Japan’s oldest male is 112-year-old Hikaru Kato from Kumamoto in southern Japan.
The figures were released to mark this year’s September 15 Respect for the Aged Day, when healthy and active centenarians are honored by the government with a letter from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and a silver sake cup.
“I’m very pleased that many people are living long, healthy, and active lives,” Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno told reporters, citing progress in medical technology, healthy lifestyle, and diet as contributing factors.
Ueno noted the importance of maintaining a sustainable social security system as the population continues to age and decline.
Many younger people, however, are not optimistic about their future.
The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research released the results of a survey indicating more than 20% of both men and women who are single and aged between 18 and 34 have no intention of ever marrying, with nearly half saying they see no benefit in marriage.
Ueno acknowledged that the reasons for marriage reluctance among young people include the high costs of raising and educating children and the mental and physical burden on working parents. He said the government will continue addressing their concerns and attempt to turn around problems related to Japan’s aging population and dwindling births.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.