Average Life Expectancy in Japan Dips Slightly for Women

Jul 25, 2025 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Japan’s average life expectancy in 2023 saw a slight decline for women and remained unchanged for men, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Women in Japan had an average life expectancy of 87.13 years, down 0.01 years from the previous year, while men remained steady at 81.09 years. Despite the slight dip, Japanese women retained the world’s longest life expectancy for the 40th consecutive year. Men, however, dropped from fifth to sixth place in global rankings.

The ministry noted that differences in statistical methods among countries make direct comparisons difficult. It attributed the near-flat trend in life expectancy to a rise in deaths from natural aging and pneumonia, offset by a decline in fatalities from heart disease.

Source: TBS

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