In this Asian city of 52,000, 115 residents are over 100 years old

The number of the centenarians was counted as of Sept. 1, the city said in a statement.

The proportion of centenarians in the city's population, 228.49 per 100,000 people, is about three times the national average, and 2.7 times the average for Kyoto Prefecture.

According to United Nations data from last year, Japan leads the world with 12 centenarians per 10,000 people. Experts and local authorities in Kyotango attribute the longevity of its residents to a combination of factors, including a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and strong community bonds.

Elderly people sit at a pagoda in Japan. Photo by AFP

A survey conducted by Shukan Bunshun and published by the magazine in February found that common foods consumed by Kyotango’s centenarians include yogurt, soy, fish, vegetables, fruits, seaweed, udon noodles, and seasonal produce. They eat in moderation without excessively restricting any specific food group. Smoking is not prevalent, and while alcohol consumption was not widely reported, sake kasu—a byproduct of sake production valued for its flavor and health benefits—was mentioned.

Many of Kyotango's centenarians are lifelong residents who grow their own vegetables, fish, and work in the fields. Health check-ups reveal that their blood vessels are approximately 10 years younger than their actual age, which is thought to contribute to their longevity.

In addition to their physical health, Kyotango’s elderly residents maintain a positive outlook on life. They practice contentment, are grateful for their experiences, and are not necessarily tied to specific faiths or beliefs.

While these factors contribute to their long lives, they are not unique to Kyotango, according to Shukan Bunshun. Similar rural communities across Japan also benefit from clean environments, healthy diets, and positive attitudes. The unusually high rate of centenarians in Kyotango is partly due to the city’s declining population, which has decreased from 83,000 in 1950.

The United Nations’ population projections for 2024 estimate there are around 722,000 centenarians worldwide, according to the Pew Research Center.

Japan leads with the highest number of people aged 100 and older, at 146,000, followed by the U.S. with an estimated 108,000, China (60,000), India (48,000), and Thailand (38,000). Although centenarians make up less than 1% of the population in these countries, they account for more than half (55%) of the global centenarian population.

In terms of proportion, Japan, Thailand, and the U.S. have a higher share of centenarians compared to China and India, which have large but younger populations. Japan has approximately 12 centenarians per 10,000 people, Thailand has five, and the U.S. has three. In contrast, China and India each have fewer than one centenarian per 10,000 people.