The average life expectancy rose for both Japanese sexes compared with the previous year. Data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as cited by The Japan Times, showed the average lifespan reaching 87.33 years for women, up 0.20 of a year, and 81.35 years for men, an increase of 0.25 of a year.

South Korea ranked second globally for women with an average life expectancy of 86.6 years, followed by Spain at 86.53 years.

Two women take a walk in a park in Seoul, South Korea, April, 2025. Photo by Dang Le

For men, Sweden topped the international list at 82.52 years, ahead of Switzerland at 82.4 years and Italy at 81.74 years, according to NHK World.

Despite this overall improvement in longevity, Japanese men slipped one place in the global rankings, moving from sixth to seventh.

The Japanese health ministry attributed the steady gains in life expectancy partly to lower mortality rates from certain cancers and heart disease. Projections also showed a reduced lifetime risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease among infants born in 2025.

Jiji Press reported that this lifetime health risk fell to 39.70% for girls and 45.03% for boys. This represents a decrease of 0.59 and 0.38 percentage points, respectively, from a year earlier.

The current figures are based on Japan's annual abridged life table, which is compiled using estimated population data and other demographic information. A more comprehensive life table is produced every five years using results from the national census.