The number of male centenarians increased by 327 to 8,167.By prefecture, the population of centenarians per 100,000 residents was highest at 96.25 in Shimane, which has defended its top rank for four years in a row. 9 were in western Japan.Saitama ranked lowest of the 47 prefectures at 30.97, while Aichi was penultimate at 35.05 and Chiba ranked No. "In 1963, when the government started to publicly recognize citizens aged 100 or older, the number of centenarians stood at 153. However, starting this fiscal year, the ministry has decided to award silver-plated cups instead to cut down on expenses. As a result, the cost per cup has fallen from ¥7,600 to ¥3,800.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 14, 2016 07:07 UTC