1 in 10 Japanese are older than 80

More than 10 percent of Japanese people have crossed 80 years or older for the first time, new official data showed, as the nation faces a rapidly greying population. Government data released on Sunday, ahead of "Respect for Aged Day" national holiday yesterday, also showed that the share of Japan's population at 65 or older expanded to a record 29.1 percent from 29.0 percent a year ago. The level compared with second-ranked Italy's 24.5 percent and third-ranked Finland's 23.6 percent. "Japan has the highest percentage of elderly population in the world," the ministry said. For decades, Japan has seen its population shrink as young people delay marriage largely due to unstable jobs and economic difficulties.