65歳以上の高齢者の割合、29.6%で過去最高に

Welcome to Japanese Daily News. I'm Maya. Today is September twenty-first — Respect for the Aged Day in Japan. New government data shows the elderly share of the population has hit a record high. Let's listen.

Now let's break it down, sentence by sentence.

Respect for the Aged Day is a Japanese national holiday to honor the elderly and celebrate longevity.

It means longevity — a long life.

To coincide with the holiday, the Ministry of Internal Affairs released its estimate of Japan's elderly population.

It means an estimate — a calculated figure.

People aged sixty-five or older number thirty-six point two four million, up twenty thousand from last year.

It means elderly people — seniors.

Their share of the total population is twenty-nine point six percent, a new record high.

It means a ratio or percentage.

That share is the highest among major countries with populations over forty million.

It means major or main.

Last year, nine point four three million people aged sixty-five or older were working — the most ever.

It means the highest number on record.

The number of working seniors has risen for twenty-two years in a row.

It means consecutive — in a row.

In other words, roughly one in four seniors is working.

It means calculation.

As Japan's birthrate falls and its population ages, working seniors have become a vital force supporting society.

It means the declining birthrate combined with an aging population.

Let's listen to the whole story one more time.

Time for a short quiz. Listen and try to answer.

About thirty-six point two four million people.

Twenty-nine point six percent — a record high.

About one in four.

That's all for today. Japan's population keeps getting older, and more seniors than ever are still working. See you next time.