Japan has reached a record 99,763 centenarians as of September 1, with women accounting for roughly 88 percent, marking the 55th consecutive year the country has hit this milestone.

According to Japanese media, the number of people aged 100 or older increased by 4,644 from the previous year. Japan’s oldest woman is 114-year-old Kagawa Shigeko, and the oldest man is 111-year-old Mizuno Kiyotaka.

The government began tracking centenarians in 1963, when only 153 people were registered. Today, Japan consistently ranks among the countries with the highest likelihood of living to 100, second only to Hong Kong, according to the United Nations.

Health experts attribute Japan’s longevity, with an average life expectancy of 84.5 years, to lifestyle factors and a strong healthcare system. Each year, the Japanese prime minister sends a congratulatory letter and gift to those turning 100, honoring their contributions to society and promoting awareness of elderly welfare.

This year, more than 52,000 people are eligible for the award, which will be presented at a commemorative event next week. The celebration comes as Japan faces challenges related to an ageing population and declining birth rates, with the number of births falling for the 16th consecutive year.

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