The number of centenarians in Japan will set a new record of 25,606 by the end of the month, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said ahead of Respect for the Aged Day.

This means more than 2,568 people will have joined the centenarian club since this time last year.

Women continue to make up the vast majority of centenarians, accounting for 85 percent, and topping 20,000 for the first time.