SocietyJapan’s centenarian population surpasses 100,000 for first time

Japan has recorded more than 100,000 people aged 100 or older for the first time, government figures show. The Health and Welfare Ministry counted 107,677 centenarians, 88% of them women. The figures were released on Sept. 15, Respect the Aged Day, when the government honours centenarians with a letter from the prime minister and a silver sake cup.