Uploaded February 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Top 10 reasons why the Japanese live so long.
38% of the Japanese are over the age of 60. Discover the reasons:
10. MOAI - OKINAWAN SOCIAL CIRCLES
Moais are social groups, formed to provide varying support from social, financial, health, or spiritual interests.
9. SHINRIN YOKU - "FOREST BATHING"
Shinrin-yoku means taking in the forest through our senses.
One of the best therapies for physical and mental well-being, the perfect antidote for modern day stress.
8. KIREI - CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE
Kirei in Japanese means both “clean” and “beautiful”.
In Shinto, cleanliness is godliness.
Japanese cities are amongst the cleanest in the world.
The joy that this cleanliness sparks, adds to the Japanese longevity.
7. EFFICIENT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
It is extremely equitable, covered under universal healthcare.
This has brought a reduction in infectious diseases.
The Japanese also take special care of the elderly.
6. IKIGAI - A REASON FOR BEING
Ikigai is a Japanese motivating concept.
It refers to something or someone, that gives a person a sense of purpose, and a reason for living.
5. GENETICS
Many Japanese are also blessed with longevity genes.
An example is, Mitochondrial DNA 5178 (Mt5178) C/A polymorphism, That modulates physiological aging on kidney function.
4. EAT LESS - 80% FULL
The Japanese believe in the phylosophy, "Hara hachi bun me".
That means eat until you are 80% full. This helps in maintaining a low BMI.
3. DRINK MATCHA
The Japanese drink a lot of matcha, A powdered green tea, rich in antioxidants.
it helps protect the liver, promotes heart health and aids weight loss.
2. DITCH THE CAR AND WALK
Walking is preferred over using a car in Japan.
The Japanese have a very active lifestyle.
One in four persons, over 65, is still working.
1. HEALTHY BALANCED DIET
The Japanese eat a diet rich in seafood, seaweed, soy and fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
It is low in red meat, sugar and sweet drinks.
This is a big factor in reducing obesity and Ischemic heart disease and increasing longevity
Top 10 reasons why the Japanese live so long.
38% of the Japanese are over the age of 60. Discover the reasons:
10. MOAI - OKINAWAN SOCIAL CIRCLES
Moais are social groups, formed to provide varying support from social, financial, health, or spiritual interests.
9. SHINRIN YOKU - "FOREST BATHING"
Shinrin-yoku means taking in the forest through our senses.
One of the best therapies for physical and mental well-being, the perfect antidote for modern day stress.
8. KIREI - CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE
Kirei in Japanese means both “clean” and “beautiful”.
In Shinto, cleanliness is godliness.
Japanese cities are amongst the cleanest in the world.
The joy that this cleanliness sparks, adds to the Japanese longevity.
7. EFFICIENT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
It is extremely equitable, covered under universal healthcare.
This has brought a reduction in infectious diseases.
The Japanese also take special care of the elderly.
6. IKIGAI - A REASON FOR BEING
Ikigai is a Japanese motivating concept.
It refers to something or someone, that gives a person a sense of purpose, and a reason for living.
5. GENETICS
Many Japanese are also blessed with longevity genes.
An example is, Mitochondrial DNA 5178 (Mt5178) C/A polymorphism, That modulates physiological aging on kidney function.
4. EAT LESS - 80% FULL
The Japanese believe in the phylosophy, "Hara hachi bun me".
That means eat until you are 80% full. This helps in maintaining a low BMI.
3. DRINK MATCHA
The Japanese drink a lot of matcha, A powdered green tea, rich in antioxidants.
it helps protect the liver, promotes heart health and aids weight loss.
2. DITCH THE CAR AND WALK
Walking is preferred over using a car in Japan.
The Japanese have a very active lifestyle.
One in four persons, over 65, is still working.
1. HEALTHY BALANCED DIET
The Japanese eat a diet rich in seafood, seaweed, soy and fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
It is low in red meat, sugar and sweet drinks.
This is a big factor in reducing obesity and Ischemic heart disease and increasing longevity
