According to the 2000 Population Census conducted in Japan in October of last year, the population is 126.92 million people (62.10 million males, 64.82 females) making Japan the ninth most populous nation in the world. It is also the world's most densely populated nation with approximately 860 people per square mile. The least populated of the industrialized nations is Russia with a population density of about 24 people per square mile followed by the U.S. with a population density of about 75 people per square mile. During the five-year period from 1995 - 2000, Japan's population increased 1.35 million people which represents an increase of 1.1%. This is the smallest population increase in Japan since the end of the Second World War.

LIFE EXPECTANCY

Japan has one of the longest life expectancy rates in the entire world. According to the CIA World Factbook 2001, the average life expectancy at birth is 80.8 years while the average life expectancy in the United 77.26. Japan also has the forth-lowest infant mortality rate in the world with 3.91 deaths per 1000 births. It is estimated that today more than 16,000 Japanese are over 100 years old which represents approximately .0125 percent of the total population (126,771,662). Nearly 14 percent of the population is over 65 years old. The current holder of the "worldÕs oldest person" title is Kamato Hongo, who turned 115 on September 16th, 2002. Hongo is the second Japanese person to hold this title in recent years. Shigechiyo Izumi, who died in 1986 at the age of 120, also held the Guinness record. Both Hongo and Izumi were born in Isen Ð a small town on the southern island of Kyushu in Kagoshima prefecture Ð well known for the longevity of its residents. The title of oldest man in the world is held by Yukishi Chuganji (113) who also lives on Kyushu.

RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY DAY

Keiro-no-hi or "respect for the elderly day" is a national holiday in Japan celebrated September 15th. On this day, many communities host special events to honor senior citizens who have made outstanding contributions to society. The Tokyo municipal government presents citizens who have reached the age of 100 with commemorative gifts. School children often make special gifts and present them to their grandparents and elderly relatives. To learn more about the holidays and festivals of Japan please visit the Seasons and Festivals page at http://www.japancorner.com/seasons-festivals.asp.