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US vs Japan Life expectancy
Japan overtook United States in 1964. In 1960 United States stood at roughly 103% of Japan’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 94%, and the pair was closest in 1964 (100%).
| Year | United States | Japan | Japan as % of US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 67.7 | 69.77 | 103% |
| 1970 | 71.92 | 70.81 | 98% |
| 1980 | 75.99 | 73.61 | 97% |
| 1990 | 78.84 | 75.21 | 95% |
| 2000 | 81.08 | 76.64 | 95% |
| 2010 | 82.84 | 78.54 | 95% |
| 2020 | 84.56 | 76.98 | 91% |
| 2024 | 84.04 | 78.89 | 94% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass United States in Life expectancy?
In 1964. Japan’s published Life expectancy rose above United States’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United States and Japan compare today?
Japan is ahead: 84.04 against 78.89 — the trailing economy stands at about 94% 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: