Recently, Japan’s population of centenarians surpassed the country’s previous record set in 1990.

In addition to having the highest number of centenarians (90,000), the Japanese also have the highest percentage (0.06%) of the population.

Defying conventional wisdom about the human body, mind, and spirit, the world’s longest-lived people are living longer than ever before thanks to their work ethic, seafood-rich diet, strong social bonds, and advances in medical technology.

In 1963, when the number was first recorded, just 153 people in Japan had lived to be 100. Over a thousand in 1981, then over ten thousand in 1998, and over fifty thousand in 2012.

Presently, there are 45,141 persons who will reach 100 between now and next March. Those Japanese citizens who make it to a ripe old age are honored with silver trophies, letters, and flowers from the government.

Also, yesterday was a public holiday known as Respect for the Aged Day.

Shimane Prefecture, the second-least populous region on the Japanese island of Honshu, is home to the greatest concentration of these centenarians.

Women account for 88% of the world’s centenarians; this year has seen the passing of the two oldest people ever.