Over 90,000 individuals in Japan reach the ripe age of 100, marking a significant milestone.
Japan Leads the World in Centenarians: A Growing Phenomenon
Japan is setting a global example in longevity, with over 100,000 centenarians as of this year, according to the Health Ministry. This number has been on the rise for 55 consecutive years, a testament to the country's unique approach to health and wellness.
The journey to this milestone began in 1963 when the government started tracking centenarians, with only 163 individuals in Japan at that time. Today, Japan has more centenarians than any other country in the world.
The increase in centenarians has not been without its challenges. Occasional scandals have led to stricter controls on tracking centenarians, with efforts to rectify data errors and address missing birth certificates. For instance, in 2010, the remains of Tokyo's 'oldest man', Sogen Kato, were found in his home 32 years after his death, revealing data errors that had inflated the number of centenarians.
Despite these challenges, Japan continues to shine as a beacon of longevity. In 2021, Shigeko Kagawa, a 114-year-old woman, became one of the oldest torchbearers at the Tokyo Olympics. She was joined by Kiyotaka Mizuno, an 111-year-old man, as the oldest citizens of Japan.
Experts attribute Japan's longevity to factors such as diet, daily activity, and strong social ties. The Japanese diet is rich in fish and vegetables, low in red meat and salt, and is often credited for the country's relatively low mortality rate from heart disease and common cancers.
Japan's government has also played a significant role in promoting healthier lifestyles. In 2008, they introduced the 'Metabo Law', requiring annual health check-ups for adults aged 40 to 74. The law includes waist measurement and identifies those at risk of metabolic syndrome, offering counselling and lifestyle guidance as preventive care.
Japan also runs campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles, urging citizens to reduce salt intake and avoid poor eating habits. Obesity rates are particularly low among women in Japan, which may explain their longer life expectancy.
However, Japan faces significant demographic challenges, including a low birth rate and a rapidly ageing population. This raises concerns about the future of the workforce and social security systems. Despite these challenges, the centenarians of Japan continue to contribute to society, with each one receiving a congratulatory letter from the Prime Minister.
One of the oldest men in Japan in 2022, though not explicitly named in the search results, shared his secrets to longevity: eat healthily, stay positive, keep busy, socialise, learn to relax, and embrace spirituality. These principles, combined with Japan's unique approach to health and wellness, continue to set Japan apart as a leader in longevity.
In a heartfelt congratulatory message, the Health Minister, Takamaro Fukuda, expressed gratitude for the contributions of Japan's centenarians, stating, 'Your longevity is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.'
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