Japonia a depășit pentru prima dată pragul de 100.000 de persoane cu vârsta de cel puțin 100 de ani

Japan has surpassed 100,000 centenarians for the first time, with 107,677 individuals aged 100 or older as of September. This marks an increase of nearly 8,000 from the previous year, continuing a 56-year trend of growth in this age group. The majority, 88%, are women. Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno expressed satisfaction with the longevity of the population, attributing it to diet and a developed healthcare system. However, Japan faces demographic challenges, including a declining total population and record-low birth rates, which strain elderly care systems and reduce the available workforce. The country is increasingly relying on foreign workers amid rising anti-foreign sentiment.