Aims To estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Japanese people, and the relationships to aging and sex, we carried out the present population‐based study. Methods The present study included 1198 men aged 60.7 ± 12.5 years and 1218 women aged 60.8 ± 12.7 years who participated in a study of aging carried out at the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology between 2006 and 2008, using linguistically validated versions of the International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short‐form (ICIQ‐SF). Results The prevalence of I‐PSS ≥8 was 25.2% in men and 11.8% in women, that of two or more a week urinary incontinence was 3.3% and 6.6%, respectively, and that of I‐PSS ≥8 and/or two or more a week urinary incontinence was 25.8% and 16.0%, respectively. The prevalence of the seven symptoms in I‐PSS increased with aging. Just 9.1% of men and 4.6% of women who reported LUTS were medicated for LUTS. Conclusions The results showed that the severity of LUTS in Japan was related to aging. The prevalence of LUTS with I‐PSS ≥8 in Japan is similar to that in other countries. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; ●●: ●●–●●.