Japanese centenarians surpass record for 47th consecutive year

Tokyo, Sep 15 (IANS) The number of people aged over 100 in Japan has increased to a record number of 67,782, a rise of over 2,000 compared to last year, an official statement said on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Friday, women make up 88 per cent of centenarians, reports Efe news.

The figures were released to commemorate Respect for the Aged Day, which is observed in Japan on the third Monday of every September.

The number of centenarians has increased every year since 1971, and the ministry expects the trend to continue because of advances in medical science and greater health awareness.

Nabi Tajima, from Kikai Island, born in August 1900, is the oldest woman in Japan at 117 years of age.

Masazo Nonaka, born in July 1905 in Ashono, southern Hokkaido, is the oldest man at 112.

Another 32,297 people are expected to turn 100 this year, 350 more than last year.

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