Okinawa breaks record with 589 new centenarians, oldest is 113 years

Okinawa breaks record with 589 new centenarians, oldest is 113 years


September 16, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On September 15, Senior Citizen’s Day (Roujin no Hi), Okinawa Prefecture announced 589 residents (83 men and 506 women) turned 100 years old this year as of September 1—an increase of 98 from the previous year, marking a record high. The total number of Okinawans aged 100 and above rose by 54 to 1,269 (143 men and 1,126 women), the highest ever.

 

The oldest centenarian this year is Matsu Gaja of Nakagusuku at 113 years old, followed by Nahi Yonamine of Kitanakagusuku, also 113 years old. The 20 oldest centenarians in the prefecture are all women, excluding the four persons whose names and sexes are undisclosed. The oldest male on the list was 107 years old.

 

The three municipalities in Okinawa with the most centenarians were Naha City with 225, Uruma City with 130, and Nago City with 85. Nationwide, there are 86,510 people aged 100 years old and older (10,60 men and 76,450 women).

 

September 15 through 21 is designated Senior Citizen Week. The new centenarians will receive congratulatory letters and commemorative gifts from Governor Denny Tamaki and the national government.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)

 

Go to Japanese

 


 


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