The number of Japanese people living to 100 has soared to a record high. Figures released by the Health and Welfare Ministry show that there are now 36,276 centenarians in Japan – 4,000 more than last year. Another 20,000 people are set to turn 100 this year.
The number of centenarians in Japan, which is renowned for the longevity of its citizens, has been on the rise for the last 40 years. However, over the last decade the number of citizens reaching their 100th birthday has risen dramatically. So much so, that the UN projects that there will be nearly 1 million people aged 100 and over in the country by 2050.
Figures show that 86% of centenarians are women. The oldest woman is 113 and lives on the southern island of Okinawa, the oldest man is 112-year-old Tomoji Tanabe from the southern prefecture of Miyazaki.
Japan centenarians at record high. BBC.co.uk. September 12th 2008.
