Which statement about Japan is false?

• A. Japan has the world's oldest population.
• B. Japan has the highest rate of people over 100.
• C. Official forecasts say elderly people will account for more than 35% by 2040.
• D. Japan's population is projected to rise above 100 million through 2100.

Answer: (D)

Japan’s population dynamics are defined by a rapidly aging society and a shrinking or stagnant total population. Life expectancy remains very high, and the fertility rate is well below replacement, so births do not keep the population growing and deaths accumulate as the large cohorts of older people persist. Official forecasts show the total population staying well below 100 million through 2100, with numbers typically placed in the high 80s to low 90s depending on the scenario, rather than rising above 100 million. This is why the statement about the population rising above 100 million through 2100 is not supported by the projections. The other points reflect the aging trend—Japan has one of the oldest populations, a very high number of centenarians, and projections that a substantial share will be elderly by 2040.