Japan has been gripped by a declining population for decades, but one age group is adding new members and there are more of them than ever. For the first time in Japan, the number of people aged 100 or older has surpassed more than 100,000 – a new record in the country known for longevity.
The population of centenarians rose again – for the 56th consecutive year – to 107,677 in September, up almost 8,000 from the previous year, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said Tuesday. Most are women, accounting for 88% or 94,298 of the total, the ministry added.
