Number of People Aged 100 and over in Japan Tops 90,000 for First Time

Welcome to "Learn Japanese from the News."

Thanks for joining us.

In this program, we'll learn Japanese and about the country through Japanese news stories.

Today we have a story about aging and longevity.

Number of People Aged 100 and over in Japan Tops 90,000 for First Time.

Chiara, who's the oldest person you know?

I think that's my grandmother, um...

she was almost 99 when she passed a few years ago.

For me, it's my great grandmother who lived until 103.

Ooh!

Before we go to the news clip, let's go over some words to listen for.

"otoshiyori."

older adult.

"nagaiki."

longevity.

"hyaku-sai ijoo."

age 100 and over.

OK, let's watch the news clip.

According to the health ministry,
as of September 15 there are 90,526 people in Japan
aged 100 and over.

That's up 4,016 from last year.

10,365 are men,
and 80,161 are women.

Women account for 88.6%.

The longest-living woman is Tatsumi Fusa of Osaka Pref.,
who is 115 years old.

According to her family,
Tatsumi leads a well-disciplined life Her family says,
"We think the reason for her longevity

is that she eats three meals
a day and finishes all of her food.” The longest-living man

is Nakamura Shigeru of Hiroshima Pref.,
who is 111 years old.

Nakamura says he likes hot coffee
and is always singing in the bath.

In Japan, we hear a lot about healthy aging and longevity.

Yes it's true.

It's such a big topic here in Japan, and it really does affect every level of society.

So, the numbers vary depending on the source, but according to data compiled by the health ministry, Japan ranks among the highest in the world in terms of average life expectancy for both men and women.

That's impressive.

Definitely.

OK, now let's review some sentences from the story.

According to the health ministry,
as of September 15 there are 90,526 people in Japan aged 100 and over.

Now read along with me.

"ku-gatsu juu-go-nichi made ni hyaku-sai ijoo ni natta

otoshiyori wa kyuu-man gohyaku-nijuu-roku-nin desu."

Wow, so there are over 90,000 centenarians in Japan right now.

That's incredible!

Yes, now, in the news story, we heard the word "otoshiyori."

This is just one of the ways we refer to older adults in Japanese.

Let's check in with Tokunaga-sensei to learn more.

The word "otoshiyori" combines "toshiyori"
with the honorific prefix "o-."

We also refer to older adults
as "kooreesha."

We also use the English-derived terms
"shirubaa" and "shinia."

For example, there’s the phrase
"shinia-muke fasshon."

The question of what age
is an "otoshiyori" or "shinia" is a tricky one.

The definition of "otoshiyori" varies
depending on the times and context.

And some say it’s unfair
to make distinctions based on age.

So don’t call someone "otoshiyori"
just because they’re advanced in age.

They may take offense.

OK, let's move on to our next sentence.

The longest-living woman is Tatsumi Fusa of Osaka Pref.,
who is 115 years old.

Now read along with me.

"josee de ichiban nagaiki nano wa Oosaka-fu ni sundeiru

Tatsumi Fusa-san de hyaku-juu-go-sai desu."

115 years old!

That's amazing.

But I think it's important to remember that these centenarians don't just live in a vacuum.

Like the rest of us, they rely on community and support systems.

Good point.

Japan has a number of systems in place to support older adults.

For example, we have something called "kaigo hoken seedo" - Long-term Care Insurance.

"Kaigo hoken seedo" is a public social insurance program that provides long-term
care services for people aged 65 and over.

That includes caregiver visits to help with bathing, cooking, and other household chores.

Those in need of continuous care who are unable to live at home can use elder care facilities.

But important question, does this also cover us non-Japanese residents?

Yes.

There are some conditions, but international residents are also eligible to receive Long-term Care Insurance benefits.

That's not all.

Those who pay pension premiums for at least 10 years are eligible to receive benefits starting at 65.

And that also applies to international residents.

Well that's very good to hear for those who want to settle permanently in Japan.

Long-term Care Insurance and the National Pension System are both public programs.

Recently, private sector services are also in the spotlight.

That includes "haishoku-saabisu", that is, "meal delivery services," and "gaishutsu shien-saabisu", where caregivers accompany clients on outings and appointments.

So we've looked at some of the systems and services that support Japan's aging population.

But of course, our lifestyle choices and habits are also key factors when it comes to longevity.

Mhmm.

Definitely.

I think that also that the will to live is equally important as your financial situation or your health.

And there's a word for this in Japanese which is "ikigai," now this means "purpose" or "reason for being."

Well said.

And for our final segment today, we meet a woman who's found her "ikigai" as an entrepreneur.

In Tokyo's Ginza district, there's a woman who's showing people how to put pen to paper.

Toba Reiko is 85 years old.

Toba is a penmanship instructor.

She holds two classes a week at this shared office, and has about 20 students.

She says she's had a passion for calligraphy for a long time.

After retiring, she began teaching penmanship out of her home.

And four years ago, she officially started her own business.

She was supported by Katagiri Mio, who says that more and more older adults are looking not just to earn a living, but to live with purpose.

People sense that they can't
live on pension benefits alone.

They need a source of income.

Many hope to make that happen
through entrepreneurship.

Toba is in good health and lives independently.

She says she earns more than half of her income through teaching.

We live in times where there's
less face-to-face interaction.

But the classroom is a space
for connection.

I teach my students penmanship.

In turn, they've taught me
about life.

Well that's great.

When you live with "ikigai," you're truly living your best life.

She is amazing, I mean starting a business at any age is difficult enough, but for her...

quite an accomplishment.

Yes.

I definitely think having a reason to get up every morning...

having that "ikigai" is very important.

So when I'm older, I hope to have a giant vegetable garden, so that I can grow vegetables and feed my whole community!

Wow, that sounds great!

Yeah.

OK, and that's all for today.

We'll see you next time.

Bye!