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The reasons for the long life of the Japanese have been revealed

Alexey Kryvenko, medical expert
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025

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28 February 2017, 09:00

Japan has been famous for many years for the longest life expectancy of its population. Interestingly, a century ago the life expectancy of the Japanese was below average. What happened, and why are Japanese residents now breaking records for the number of centenarians?

Fortunately, many old people living in the Land of the Rising Sun do not try to hide the reasons for this phenomenon, but even try to share advice with anyone who wants it.

The Japanese eat a lot of vegetables, every day. Their menu always includes salads, stewed vegetables, or just raw ones – as a snack. Everyone knows about the benefits of vegetables, but the Japanese put this knowledge into practice, taking care of their health.
The Japanese prefer vegetable oil to animal fats. There is a huge amount of information about how healthy it is for the body to consume at least one teaspoon of olive oil per day. Long-livers claim that vegetable oils increase life expectancy, but it is better to limit butter and cheese to a minimum.
The Japanese are sure that movement and proper breathing allow a person to stay healthy and happy for a long time. It is great if you do breathing exercises and yoga. If not, then it will be enough to do light gymnastic exercises in the morning, and in the afternoon and evening to take walks in the park or forest.

Most Japanese do not drink or smoke. Although, as the representatives of the nation themselves claim, it is not necessary to completely give up alcoholic drinks: for example, you can drink about 150 ml of quality wine at lunch.
The Japanese do not skimp on positive emotions. Most of them try not to worry - especially if the problem is not worth it. But it is desirable to show joy in relation to any little things. Scientists have proven that even during several minutes of joy and happiness, the immune defense works more actively, preventing the development of inflammatory and oncological diseases. If a person is predominantly in a gloomy mood, then his immunity weakens sharply, which can cause the development of all sorts of pathologies.
The Japanese work a lot – and this is no coincidence: brain activity is closely linked to the health of the brain.
Any Japanese long-liver will say that you need to work, but it is also important to have a good rest. You can’t keep your body in constant tension, otherwise it can negatively affect your health and life expectancy. One of the components of rest is considered to be a good sleep - it promotes clear thinking and restoration of metabolic and hormonal processes in the body.
Harden yourself – or at least don’t accustom yourself to heat. The house needs to be aired more often, and you need to dress according to the weather, but without excessive zeal.
Eating food is a real ritual for the Japanese. Their attitude to food is far from the same as that of Europeans. Perhaps that is why the Japanese almost never overeat: they honor moderation above all else, and not only in food.