Turning 100 is no longer a novelty in Japan. Itsuko Inoue recently celebrated her 100th birthday, joining the ranks of Japan’s 71,000 centenarians. A native of Tokyo, Inoue survived both the earthquake of 1923 and the Second World War before going on to have five daughters. She will soon receive a certificate from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which is responsible for congratulating the new centenarians who grow in number every year.

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In September, Japan celebrated Respect for the Aged Day, a public holiday that pays tribute to the elderly for their contribution to the country and for their wisdom. An official from the Ministry came to Itsuko’s home to present her with her certificate.

“It seems like quite a feat, doesn’t it?” says Itsuko’s daughter Miwako. “One day after another of living a normal life all while witnessing the history of the country.” But behind this moving celebration, Japan, the world’s most aged country, faces a serious demographic problem and the government knows that finding sustainable solutions is a priority.

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According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, those over 65 now number almost 36 million, 28.4 per cent of the country’s total population. According to the United Nations, Japan now has the world’s oldest population, ahead of European countries like Italy, Germany, Portugal and Finland, amongst others.

People in developed countries are living longer. Japan’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research predicts that by 2040, 35 per cent of the country’s population will be senior citizens.

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