
Japan celebrates a record of nearly 100,000 centenarians in 2025, marking 55 years of growth, driven by healthcare and lifestyle. Women constitute 88% of this demographic, with figures like 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa embodying active ageing. This milestone coincides with Elderly Day, honouring seniors. While longevity is celebrated, Japan faces demographic challenges like population decline, impacting healthcare and pension systems.