Japan's centenarian population surpassed 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677 people aged 100 or older as of September 1. The figure marks an increase of 7,914 from the previous year and continues a streak of annual growth now at 56 consecutive years.

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry released the data on Tuesday, based on the basic resident register. Women comprise the vast majority, totaling 94,298 or roughly 88 percent of the total. Another 54,294 individuals are expected to turn 100 during the current fiscal year.

Fuyo Kishimoto, 114, of Kyoto, is Japan's oldest woman. Hikaru Kato, 112, of Kumamoto, holds the title of the oldest man. The ministry noted that the data comes ahead of the annual Respect for the Aged Day holiday, when those turning 100 receive congratulatory letters from the prime minister and silver-plated cups.

Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno stated he was pleased that so many people remain active for a long time, attributing the trend in part to advances in medical technology and longer healthy lifespans. When records began in 1963, Japan had just 153 centenarians. The total exceeded 1,000 by 1981, 10,000 by 1998, and 50,000 by 2012.

The milestone underscores Japan's position as a global leader in longevity, driven by public health improvements, medical care, diet, and lifestyle factors. At the same time, the growing elderly population contributes to rising welfare and care costs amid the country's low birth rates and shrinking overall population.

The average number of centenarians per 100,000 residents stands at 87.51 nationally. Regional variations exist, with higher concentrations in certain rural prefectures.