In this article:  
  • The average life expectancy in Japan
  • Is it genes?
  • Is it diet?
  • Is it lifestyle and exercise habits?
  • Is it the healthcare system?
  • Is it social cohesion?
  • Downsides of the Japanese way of life – karoshi and karo-jisatsu
  • What health lessons can we learn from Japan? 
The average life expectancy in Japan

As of 2025, the Japanese have an average life expectancy of 85.27 years1. Women have a life expectancy of 88.03 years, the second highest in the world after Hong Kong – while for men it is 81.99 years, the seventh highest internationally, well ahead of the US and UK2.

So why do they have such a long life expectancy? In this article, we look at some of the possible reasons why Japan has an average life expectancy so much higher than most other countries. 

Is it genes?

There is some evidence that Japanese people have genes which help them to live longer. In particular, the mt5178c>A (ND2-237 Met) variant has been suggested to have a protective effect on the development of chronic diseases such as kidney disease3 and coronary heart disease4 in Japanese individuals.

A study of the effects of environment on gene expression (known as epigenetics) in Japanese centenarians (aged 100 years and older) and supercentenarians5 (aged 110 years and older) found that the expression of genes related to cancer, and to conditions involving both neurological and psychiatric disorders, showed younger than expected epigenetic states. This suggested a delay or avoidance of disease onset. Also, greater activity of an anti-inflammatory protein, TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-β), was reported in the centenarians. Anti-inflammatory proteins are important for healthy ageing and longevity, as chronic inflammation can lead to various age-related diseases.

Another genetic factor of importance is personality. A 14-year longitudinal study6 investigated personality traits of Japanese older adults. It reported that being extrovert, open and, especially, conscientious, is important for longevity as these traits are linked to beneficial health-related behaviours such as better stress response, adaptability and commitment to better behaviour.

Is it diet? 

The Japanese generally eat healthily and drink little alcohol. Their diet, Washoku (Japanese traditional food), consists of seasonal foods – large amounts of fruits, vegetables, rice, grains, fish, soy, green tea, and seaweeds – and low amounts of meat and dairy products. As well as eating small portions for their meals, they practice hara hachi bu (a Confucianism-based caloric restriction habit), the custom of eating until you are 80% full7-9.

The Okinawan diet (from Okinawa, Japan) is even healthier and has approximately 20% fewer calories than the traditional Japanese diet. It is largely composed of plant-based foods, 80% from vegetable sources including legumes (mainly soy), a little fish, and limited amounts of lean meats7. 

Such diets and Shokuiku (food and nutrition education)9 result in less obesity. As of 2025, Japan has an obesity rate of only 4.9% while for the UK it is 28.7%10.

Is it lifestyle and exercise habits? 

The Japanese way of life embodies their cultural values and deep roots of tradition. In addition to their diet, their lifestyle is very healthy, involving light physical activity such as a lot of walking and gardening, the practice of mindfulness and purpose in daily life (ikigai), along with having regular health check-ups and maintaining social connections (discussed below)9.

Results from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES)11 and Gerontological Evaluation Study12 reported that older adults who were involved in physically active leisure activities and group-based leisure activities, including golf, exercise, Tai Chi, dancing and craft, had a lower risk of death and functional disability. 

The concept of ikigai – having a purpose in life, literally “a reason for being” – was also assessed using the data from JAGES13. Ikigai is thought to help reduce psychological distress and improve personal wellbeing in Japanese older adults. Analysis showed association with lower risks of functional disability and dementia development, possibly by buffering the adverse effects of stressors or by encouraging health-promoting behaviours. It also improved the physical health of older Japanese men and those of high socioeconomic status.

Is it the healthcare system?

Since the 1960s, Japan has had universal healthcare, with equal and universal access for all through a health insurance scheme that is paid for by the government, employers and individuals14. Health screenings and check-ups are performed regularly and include blood tests, scans, physical examinations and risk factor assessments8,9.

Additionally, the healthcare system prioritises patients’ needs and preferences and respects their right to be involved in their healthcare. This has proved to be an effective approach, with superior outcomes in comparison to other countries, including the UK15.

However, the financial and social underpinnings of Japan’s health provisions are threatened by economic decline and widening social inequalities. Together with rising costs and an ageing population, this raises the question of how long Japan’s healthcare system can remain universal.

As of 2024, Japan’s government healthcare expenditure was 9.0% of its GDP (gross domestic product). This was similar to that of the UK (9.1%), but less than that of Germany (10.6%) and the US (14.3%)16. These variations in spending may reflect the different healthcare models employed in these countries.

Is it social cohesion?

Strong social cohesion seems likely to have contributed to Japanese longevity. There is the moai17 tradition of the Okinawan population, particularly among the elderly. Moai are social support groups and friendship groups that offer emotional support and companionship. Such social connections result in happiness and less stress.

Studies have further shown the benefits of social interactions. 

The Adachi Cohort Study18 of individuals living in the urban districts around Tokyo showed that the men in the neighbourhoods in which people felt more connected to each other had a lower risk of death of any cause. This was particularly pronounced in men aged 65-74 years.

Furthermore, a study of inhabitants of Iwamizawa city, Hokkaido, Japan19, a city with a very high ageing rate and low population density, and a 3-year study20 of older adults from 384 Japanese communities both reported that community-level local participation was beneficial for advanced age and health and helped to reduce frailty onset among older adults.

Downsides of the Japanese way of life – karoshi and karo-jisatsu

Japanese culture does have some downsides, though. An issue with Japanese society is its work culture and poor work-life balance. Heavy workloads, long working hours and stress can cause karoshi, meaning death by overworking. This excessive work ethic is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, anxiety and depression, and other health complications. Overworking and work-related stress are also linked to the high suicide rates in Japan, especially in men. This is referred to as karo-jisatsu21-23. 

Subsequently, its government and companies are trying to rectify these problems through kintsugi. This is a traditional way to repair broken pottery and make it resilient again, and it serves as a metaphor for tackling mental health and overwork by helping employees have a better work-life balance via greater awareness, care and balance. Such measures include:21,24

  • Tracking employee working hours
  • Limiting overtime hours
  • Proposal of a 4-day work week instead of 5 days
  • Use of the Stress Check Program introduced in 2015 for employers with 50 or more employees to annually assess employee’s mental health 
  • Increased awareness of mental health issues 
  • De-stigmatisation for seeking help for stress-related problems.
What health lessons can we learn from Japan? 
  • A healthy diet can help you live longer, wherever you live. Follow UK government healthy eating guidelines in The Eatwell Guide.
  • It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle – physically and mentally.
  • Universal healthcare, with equal access to all (as we also have in the UK) helps extend our lives.
  • We shouldn’t underestimate the value of social cohesion - the sense of belonging to communities. We need to consider how to achieve and maintain social cohesion both as individuals and as a society.
  • Be mindful of  reducing stress and overwork, and aim for a work-life balance.

Reviewed and updated by Mojitola Idowu, October 2025.

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References 

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  2. Worldometer - Life Expectancy of the World Population, Countries ranked by life expectancy (2025) https://www.worldometers.info/demographics/life-expectancy/
  3. Ohtsu I, Ishikawa M, Matsunaga N, et al. Longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism modifies effect of aging on renal function in male Japanese health checkup examinees: an exploratory cross-sectional study. J Physiol Anthropol. 2019 Sep 5;38(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s40101-019-0204-3. PMID: 31488191; PMCID: PMC6729028.  https://jphysiolanthropol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40101-019-0204-3
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  16. Our World in Data -  Government health spending as a share of GDP, 1880 to 2024 https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/public-health-expenditure-share-gdp 
  17. Blue Zones - Moai—This Tradition is Why Okinawan People Live Better, Longer https://www.bluezones.com/2018/08/moai-this-tradition-is-why-okinawan-people-live-longer-better/  
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