Japan's population of centenarians has crossed 100,000 for the first time, reaching a record 107,677 people aged 100 or older. The figure comes from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's latest data.

The count, as of September 1, is up by 7,914 from the previous year. It is the 56th consecutive year the number has risen. Women make up 94,298 of the total, about 88 per cent, while 13,379 are men.

Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno credited better living conditions, diet, nutrition and medical advances for the rise. The oldest woman is 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto of Kyoto, and the oldest man is 112-year-old Hikaru Kato of Kumamoto.

When tracking began in 1963, Japan had only 153 centenarians. The total has risen every year since, reflecting decades of progress in health and living standards. The milestone underlines both Japan's longevity success and the pressure of caring for a rapidly ageing society.