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Japan vs South Korea Life expectancy
Japan has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 South Korea stood at roughly 79% of Japan’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 100%.
| Year | Japan | South Korea | South Korea as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 67.7 | 53.8 | 79% |
| 1970 | 71.92 | 62.16 | 86% |
| 1980 | 75.99 | 66.05 | 87% |
| 1990 | 78.84 | 71.6 | 91% |
| 2000 | 81.08 | 75.91 | 94% |
| 2010 | 82.84 | 80.12 | 97% |
| 2020 | 84.56 | 83.43 | 99% |
| 2024 | 84.04 | 83.63 | 100% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass South Korea in Life expectancy?
It has not come to that. Japan has posted the larger Life expectancy in every published year (1960–2024).
How do Japan and Korea, Rep. compare today?
Japan is ahead: 84.04 against 83.63 — the trailing economy stands at about 100% of the leader.
Are these Life expectancy figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — years — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: