The average life expectancy of Japanese women and men increased in 2025 from the previous year as mortality rates for some forms of cancer and heart disease declined, with women ranking first in the world for the 41st consecutive year, based on new government data.
The average life expectancy for women rose by 0.20 years to 87.33 years, while that for men increased by 0.25 years to 81.35 years.
The men’s ranking, however, slipped to seventh from sixth despite the increase, according to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Japan was followed in the global ranking for women by South Korea, at 86.6 years, and Spain, at 86.53 years.
Among men, Sweden ranked first at 82.52 years, followed by Switzerland at 82.4 years and Italy at 81.74 years, the ministry’s annual abridged life table showed.
The data included projections showing that Japanese female infants born in 2025 have a 39.70% risk of dying from cancer, heart disease or cerebrovascular disease, while the corresponding risk for male infants is 45.03%.
The abridged life table is compiled annually using population estimates and other information. The complete life table is compiled from the results of the national census, which is conducted every five years. — Bernama
