Japan has set a new record with the highest number of people aged 100 or more in its history. As of September, there are 99,763 centenarians in the country, and 88% of them are women.

Japan has been the world leader in the number of centenarians for 55 years in a row. Health Minister Takamaro Fukoka congratulated the 87,784 women and 11,979 men who reached this milestone and thanked them for their long-standing contributions to society.

This milestone highlights Japan’s status as the country with one of the longest life expectancies in the world. Experts credit a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and mental well-being as key factors behind their longevity. However, Japan’s very low birth rate means the population is aging faster than most other nations.

This news is likely to inspire global conversations about how to achieve a longer and healthier life.