How Does Japan Have Nearly 100K Centenarians?

discernreport.com
Tackle Your Credit Card Debt by Paying 0% Interest Until 2027

Japan’s population of people aged 100 or older just crossed the 99,000 mark, a figure that would have seemed like science fiction just a few decades ago. As of September 1, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare tallied 99,763 centenarians, an increase of 4,644 from the year before. This milestone comes as the nation marks its 55th straight year of breaking its own record for longevity, with women comprising the overwhelming majority—88 percent, or 87,784 individuals—compared to 11,979 men.

At the top of this remarkable group sits 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa, a retired obstetrician and gynecologist from Nara Prefecture who didn’t hang up her stethoscope until age 86. Kagawa made headlines in 2021 by carrying the Olympic torch at 109, a testament to the vitality that defines so many in her cohort. The oldest man, 111-year-old Kiyotaka Mizuno, rounds out a picture of endurance that the rest of the world can only envy.

What fuels this extraordinary lifespan? Officials point to a combination of disciplined eating habits and an unyielding commitment to staying in motion, even as the years pile on. Japan’s rates of heart disease and cancers like breast and prostate remain among the lowest globally, thanks in large part to meals built around fish, vegetables, and soy, while steering clear of excessive red meat and salt.

This isn’t some fad diet but a cultural norm passed down through generations, one that prioritizes balance over indulgence. Take the Okinawan approach, for instance, where residents—famous for producing more centenarians per capita than anywhere else—follow “hara hachi bu,” the practice of stopping at 80 percent full to avoid overeating. Sweet potatoes, seaweed, and tofu form the backbone of their plates, delivering antioxidants and fiber that keep bodies resilient. As one expert on Blue Zones, the regions renowned for exceptional longevity, notes, this simple restraint “allows the body to focus on repair rather than digestion.”

Movement weaves seamlessly into daily life, too. Elders in Japan rarely sit idle; they walk to markets, climb stairs on public transit, and join in Radio Taiso, the nationwide morning calisthenics routine that’s aired since 1928. This three-minute broadcast draws millions, including those well into their hundreds, fostering a rhythm of activity that wards off frailty.

A Japanese proverb captures it plainly: “Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.” It’s a far cry from sedentary routines elsewhere, where convenience often trumps effort. These habits build not just physical strength but a quiet resilience, the kind that turns routine chores into lifelines.

It’s time to kick the government out of your healthcare. America First Healthcare helps freedom-loving Americans get better health insurance that costs 20% less.

Beyond the plate and the pavement lies something deeper: a sense of purpose that anchors the spirit. In Okinawa, this manifests as “ikigai,” the personal reason for waking up each day—be it tending a garden, crafting, or sharing stories with neighbors.

One 100-year-old from the island put it this way: “The secret to a long life is not to worry. And to keep your heart young—don’t let it grow old. Open your heart to people with a nice smile on your face.”

Her words echo a broader truth among Japan’s elders: longevity thrives on connection and calm, not isolation or stress.

Another centenarian, reflecting on her routine, shared, “My secret to a long life is always saying to myself, ‘slow down’, and ‘relax’. You live much longer if you’re not in a hurry.”

These aren’t platitudes but lived wisdom, drawn from decades of choosing peace over panic. Community plays a key role here, too, through “moai”—lifelong support circles where friends pool resources and encouragement, buffering life’s blows.

Japan’s government has tracked centenarians since 1963, when the count stood at a mere 153. That number has exploded six hundredfold, mirroring advances in healthcare and a society that reveres its seniors. Yet this silver lining casts a shadow: the same year that brought this record also saw births plummet to 687,689—the lowest since records began—while deaths hit 1.6 million, shrinking the overall population to 120 million. Tokyo’s response includes incentives like free childcare and four-day workweeks for young couples, aimed at easing the path to family life. It’s a pragmatic push to sustain the traditions that have sustained so many for so long.

In a world racing toward burnout, Japan’s centenarians offer a roadmap back to basics: eat wisely, move often, cherish your why, and lean on your people. Their numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re proof that deliberate living pays dividends measured in decades.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Your Essential Partner in Health Readiness

In an increasingly unpredictable world—where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and global travel can leave us vulnerable to sudden health challenges—being prepared isn’t just smart; it’s essential.

That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering innovative solutions that empower individuals and families to take control of their health with emergency medication kits designed for real-life scenarios. As someone who’s always advocated for proactive wellness, I was impressed by how Jase Medical combines expert medical guidance with convenient, customizable options to ensure you’re never caught off guard.

At the heart of their offerings is the Jase Case, a comprehensive emergency antibiotic kit priced at just $289.95. This powerhouse contains five life-saving antibiotics and five vital symptom-relief medications, capable of treating over 50 common infections—from respiratory issues and skin conditions to traveler’s diarrhea and more.

What sets it apart? It’s fully customizable with 28 add-on options, including a specialized KidCase for children ages 2-11, making it ideal for families.

Whether you’re stocking up for home emergencies or preparing for remote adventures, the Jase Case provides peace of mind with medications that boast extended shelf lives—up to five years or longer when stored properly, with studies showing 90% potency retention even after 20 years.

For those on the move, the Jase Go travel med kit at $129.95 is a game-changer. Curated by physicians, it addresses over 30 common travel ailments, from digestive upsets to minor injuries, ensuring explorers, hikers, and globetrotters can handle health hiccups without derailing their plans.

And for targeted concerns, Jase Medical offers specialized kits like the UTI Kit ($99.95), which includes test strips and treatments for urinary tract infections, vaginal candidiasis, and even jock itch, or the Parasites Kit (starting at $199.95), featuring compounded Ivermectin and Mebendazole to combat internal and external parasitic infections.

But Jase Medical isn’t just about one-off kits; their Jase Daily service provides an extended supply of your ongoing prescriptions, supporting hundreds of medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart health, high blood pressure, mental health, and more. This ensures long-term preparedness, safeguarding against factory shutdowns or extreme weather that could interrupt your regular supply.

The process couldn’t be simpler or more reassuring. Start by customizing your order online, then benefit from a thorough review by a team of world-class physicians who ensure safety and accuracy. In most cases, prescriptions are issued after a quick consultation—sometimes just a call to clarify allergies or needs—and your kit arrives discreetly at your door. While they don’t accept traditional health insurance, many customers use HSA cards, and refills are available for added convenience.

What truly stands out is the real-world impact. As radio host Glenn Beck puts it, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”

One satisfied customer shared, “It could have been a nightmare. Instead, the best trip we’ve had,” after their kit turned a potential health crisis into a minor blip during a family vacation.

In a time when health uncertainties loom larger than ever, Jase Medical isn’t just selling products—it’s delivering empowerment. Don’t wait for the next disruption; visit Patriot.TV/meds today to build your personalized emergency plan and step into a more secure tomorrow. Your health, and your family’s, deserves nothing less.