Japan has over 90,000 centenarians, number has grown by five times in 20 years

There are now 90,526 Japanese citizens aged 100 and above. – Photo: 123rf

The number of centenarians in Japan has risen to a fresh record, underscoring the challenges facing the country as its population rapidly gets older.

There are now 90,526 Japanese citizens aged 100 and above, an increase of 5% from a year earlier and more than five times the amount two decades ago, according to a report released Friday by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.