Why the Japanese Government can't Afford to Award their Centenarians?

Japan has the highest life expectancy rate in the world.

The late Misao Okawa, celebrating her 116th birthday in Japan. Image Source- The Mirror

Today approx 80,000 people are over 100 years old in Japan, and 82% of them are women.

In 1963, the Japanese government started counting its citizens who have reached 100 years old.

Those all 100 years old were awarded a solid silver cup (Sakazuki).

Only 153 qualified for that congratulatory award.

The award presented to them had a Sakazuki cup along with a signed certificate from the Prime Minister and a beautiful wood presentation box. These cups were worth 8,000 yen(approx $65) each, with a thank you note for centenarians’ contribution to society.

Image Source- Nippon

In 2016, the number of centenarians rose to 65,000, According to the estimate of today’s 80 to 90 years old population, the number of centenarians will reach 3 lakh by 2040.

The centenarian population in japan has expanded.

Bow the Japanese Government stopped advertising those 100 years old in newspapers and Media.

Last year Japanese government shelled out $2.1 million on gift items.

The Japanese government gradually reduced the diameter of the silver cups just for rising production costs.

The new smaller Silver Cup awarded to centenarians | Image Source- inventor spot

Because of the growing population over 100 years of age, now Government wants to replace the solid silver cup with less pricey gift items such as silver plated cups for the occasion.

Rumors are, that they can use a letter of congratulations.

References:

1. https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-33991309
2. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/20/japan-cheaper-cups-centenarians-sakazuki