Japan Records 107,677 Centenarians in September 2026 Data
Japan reached a record 107,677 residents aged 100 or older in September 2026, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and cited by CNBC Indonesia. The figure marks an increase of 7,914 centenarians from the previous year, extending the record-high count for 56 years.
Asako Miyashita, a Tokyo-based professional nutritionist and university lecturer, follows a traditional Japanese diet and treats food as medicine. Miyashita’s 92-year-old grandmother attributed her own longevity to consuming the correct foods. Miyashita incorporates five traditional foods into her daily meals to support health and longevity.
Purple Sweet Potatoes and Fermented Miso Soup
Purple sweet potatoes, known as imo in Japanese, are commonly eaten as snacks or desserts. These potatoes supply healthy carbohydrates and anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants found in red and purple vegetables that contain anti-aging properties and help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Miso soup utilizes miso, a paste made from fermented soybeans and grains. Fermented foods supply probiotics, which are live bacteria or yeasts that balance gut health and boost immune function. A study cited by CNBC Indonesia found that individuals who consume the highest amounts of fermented soy—such as miso, tofu, and tempeh—have a 10% lower risk of early mortality compared to those who rarely eat them.
Daikon Radish, Seaweed, and Fatty Fish
Daikon radish is a root vegetable used in Japanese cuisine to prevent colds and support immune health, with a single radish providing 124% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Carrots, beets, parsnips, and white radishes serve as nutritional alternatives when daikon is unavailable.
Seaweed delivers essential minerals including iron, calcium, folate, and magnesium, alongside dietary fiber linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Seaweed also contains the antioxidants fucoxanthin and fucoidan, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties.
Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna provide high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3 fats lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease inflammation. Miyashita also emphasizes that practicing mindful eating contributes to overall health and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Dietary Practices
What percentage of Japan’s centenarians are women?
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare September 2026 dataset notes the total count of 107,677 centenarians living in Japan, but the source text does not specify the exact gender breakdown of this total.
How does daikon radish compare to standard carrots in vitamin C content?
A single daikon radish provides 124% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, functioning as a primary immune-boosting root vegetable in traditional Japanese cooking alongside carrots, beets, parsnips, and white radishes.
What specific types of fermented soy products were evaluated in the longevity study?
The study examined fermented soy foods including miso, tofu, and tempeh, determining that high consumers had a 10% lower risk of early mortality.
Related reading