Japan’s centenarian population crosses 100,000 for the first time, with nearly 90% women. What makes them live so long?

Japan has crossed a remarkable demographic milestone: the number of people aged 100 or older has exceeded 100,000 for the first time.

The Japanese health ministry said Tuesday that 107,677 people aged 100 or above were living in the country as of September 1. The figure marks the first time the number has crossed 100,000 since the government began keeping records in 1963.

There is another striking detail hidden inside that number. Nearly 90% of Japan’s centenarians are women.


The number of people aged 100 and above has now reached a record high for 56 consecutive years, highlighting just how dramatically Japan’s population has aged.

Japan is already known for its exceptional longevity. But what is behind it? Is there a single Japanese food, drink or daily habit responsible for so many people reaching their 100th birthday?

The answer is considerably more complicated — and perhaps more interesting.

Staying active may matter more than intense exercise

One of the interesting things about traditional Japanese lifestyles is that physical activity does not necessarily have to mean spending an hour in a gym.

Walking, cycling, household activities and simply remaining mobile throughout the day can add up.

Regular physical activity is associated with better cardiovascular health, muscle function, balance and mobility — all particularly important as people get older.

Japanese adults have historically incorporated considerable movement into everyday routines, although activity levels vary considerably by age and generation.

The bigger lesson may therefore be less about a specific Japanese exercise routine and more about avoiding a completely sedentary lifestyle.

The Japanese diet is about more than sushi

When people hear about Japanese longevity, food is usually one of the first things that comes to mind.

But the traditional Japanese diet is much broader than sushi.

It has historically included foods such as fish, soy products, vegetables, rice, seaweed and fermented foods, often served in relatively modest portions.

This dietary pattern can provide protein, fibre and a variety of micronutrients while relying less heavily on highly processed foods than many modern Western diets.

That does not mean every Japanese meal is automatically healthy. Japan, like every developed country, has seen major dietary changes over time.

But the traditional pattern offers one potentially useful lesson: overall dietary quality matters more than a single “superfood.”

Why sugar gets attention

Another feature often discussed when comparing Japanese and Western diets is sugar consumption.

Traditional Japanese meals have generally included fewer sugary desserts and sweetened foods than many Western eating patterns.

Reducing excessive consumption of added sugars can be beneficial because diets high in added sugar are associated with obesity and metabolic problems when they contribute to excess calorie intake.

But it would be misleading to say that avoiding sugar is the reason Japanese people live longer.

Longevity is rarely caused by one dietary rule. It is the cumulative effect of many factors over decades.

Breakfast can be surprisingly substantial

A traditional Japanese breakfast can look very different from the typical sugary or highly processed breakfast common in some Western diets.

It may include rice, fish, tofu, eggs, vegetables and miso soup, depending on the household and region.

Such a meal can provide a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fats rather than relying almost entirely on refined carbohydrates.

The important point is not that a Japanese breakfast guarantees longevity. Rather, a balanced meal can make it easier to meet nutritional needs and maintain energy throughout the day.

And then there is green tea

Green tea has been part of Japanese culture for centuries, and it is another habit frequently linked with the country's longevity.

Green tea contains compounds called catechins, a type of polyphenol with antioxidant properties. Researchers have investigated their potential effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health.

But again, caution is needed.

Drinking green tea does not make someone immune to disease or guarantee a longer life. Much of the research around individual foods and longevity shows associations rather than proof that one particular food causes people to live longer.

For most people, green tea is best viewed as one component of an overall dietary pattern rather than a magic longevity drink.

Japan's longevity secret may actually be a lifestyle

Perhaps the most useful lesson from Japan's centenarian boom is that there may be no single Japanese secret to reaching 100.

A person's lifespan is influenced by genetics, healthcare, living conditions, income, education, social connections, physical activity, diet and many other factors.

What stands out about Japan is the way several potentially beneficial factors have existed together for generations: relatively healthy traditional eating patterns, regular movement, widespread healthcare access and cultural practices that can support social participation and daily routines.

And even Japan's extraordinary longevity comes with challenges. A rapidly ageing population means more demand for healthcare, pensions, long-term care and support for older people.

So the story behind Japan's 100,000-plus centenarians isn't simply about discovering a secret that lets everyone live to 100.

It is about something much more ordinary — and potentially more useful.

Longevity may be less about one extraordinary habit and more about thousands of ordinary choices repeated consistently for decades.