#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Women #Yumiko Otani #Tsubutsubu

Embracing the 100-Year Life Era

In Japan, where living to 100 has become a common expectation, many individuals are contemplating their futures: "How should I live the rest of my life? Is there still potential within me? I wish to embrace my later years with more freedom." This shift in perspective is increasingly observed among the population.

Yumiko Otani, the founder of Tsubutsubu, promotes a powerful message for this era; "I am living at this age for this time." Her talk live tour titled "The Cosmic Role of Japanese Women in Their 70s" is underway nationwide, inspiring countless individuals.

The Genesis of Yumiko Otani's Inquiry

Yumiko Otani's journey began with profound introspection: "Who am I?" and "How can humans live more freely and harmoniously?" These questions sparked her explorations over 40 years ago. Her pivotal connection with Japan's traditional food, grains, in 1982 led her to publish the book "Future Food: Living Deliciously in an Era of Environmental Pollution" in 1995. This book encapsulates a dietary style aligned with the principles of life and has influenced her ensuing investigations into the interconnectedness of food, language, consciousness, and lifestyle.

Thanks to her impact, there are now over 120 Tsubutsubu cooking schools operating across Japan, with over 40 published works and a total circulation exceeding 400,000 copies.

Why Focus on Women in Their 70s?

The women in their 70s have lived through significant transformations in Japan, witnessing post-war recovery, rapid economic growth, the expansion of consumer society, and women's increasing presence in the workforce. Otani considers these women to be “witnesses and stakeholders of Japan's internal transformation era.”

The question of what role these experienced women will play in shaping the future is particularly relevant not just for those in their 70s but for all generations looking toward aging.

A Nationwide Talk Live Tour

The current tour is organized by practitioners who resonate with Otani's inquiries and activities. Coordinated from Hokkaido to Kyushu, various local hosts who have shared knowledge about food and living practices are organizing events throughout the country.

Upcoming venues include:

• - Obihiro, Hokkaido
• - Fukuoka
• - Tamana, Kumamoto
• - Karuizawa, Nagano
• - Minobu, Yamanashi
• - Fujieda & Yaizu, Shizuoka
• - Kawasaki & Sagamihara, Kanagawa
• - Maibara, Shiga
• - Wakayama
• - Ogawa, Saitama
• - Yokkaichi, Mie

Each local event will serve not just to teach but to create a space for participants to reflect on their shared experiences and ponder "How do we want to live moving forward?"

At a prior event in Nagoya, attendees expressed heartfelt sentiments such as, "I found hope for the future," "My perspective on aging has shifted," and "I'm excited about what lies ahead." Participants shared insights like, "I was able to dispel my worries and regain hope for the future" (50s) and, "Despite the overwhelming negative news regarding global affairs and environmental issues, I felt a sense of excitement knowing that both the world and I can change based on our future aspirations" (60s).

This time together transforms the perception of aging from one of decline and anxiety to one of opportunities for creative freedom in life.

Event Details in Tokyo Waseda

Event Name: Yumiko Otani Talk Live Tour @ Waseda
"The Cosmic Role of Japanese Women in Their 70s"
Date: June 22, 2026 (Monday) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Venue:
Kaze no Mai Hiroba
143-5 Bentencho, Shinjuku-ku
Location Link

Details & Registration:
Event Page

Organizing Team

The event is coordinated by the Tsubutsubu Cooking School at Waseda, a part of Fuu Future Living Research Institute, dedicated to sharing Japan’s plant-based cuisine centered around grains and vegetables. Through cooking classes, seminars, and events, they promote wisdom for living harmoniously with nature even in urban settings.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact:
Junko Sakano
Tsubutsubu Cooking School, Waseda
143-5 Bentencho, Shinjuku-ku, 162-0851 Tokyo
Tel: 03-3203-2090
Fax: 03-3203-2091
Email: [email protected]