#Japan #Tokyo #AgeWellJapan #Age-Well Design Lab #Hiroko Akiyama

AgeWellJapan Marks 6th Anniversary

In a significant milestone, AgeWellJapan, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has officially celebrated its 6th anniversary on January 10, 2026. Under the leadership of CEO Mikako Akagi, the company extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters and partners.

Entering its seventh year, AgeWellJapan is poised to accelerate the practical implementation of the 'Age-Well' initiative. A key development is the appointment of Hiroko Akiyama, a distinguished professor emerita from the University of Tokyo, who will serve as an advisor and supervisor of the Age-Well Design Lab. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance partnerships among industry, academia, government, and citizens in addressing the challenges of a super-aged society.

Hiroko Akiyama: Advisor Profile

Akiyama's impressive academic background includes a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Illinois and positions such as a fellow at the National Institute on Aging in the U.S. She has been a professor at the University of Tokyo, specializing in social psychology and gerontology, and has held several prestigious roles including Vice President of the Science Council of Japan. Over the past 35 years, she has conducted extensive research on the health, economic stability, and social interaction changes experienced by the elderly, focusing on community development and partnership models that support an aging population.

Dialogue Highlights: Addressing the Aging Society

A talk between CEO Mikako Akagi and advisor Hiroko Akiyama celebrated the anniversary by discussing strategies for fostering collaboration between younger and older generations in a super-aged society. Akiyama described Kamakura's Imai-zai, a community dubbed 'Kamakura’s Tibet' due to its aging demographics, emphasizing its 15-year journey towards resident-led community development. This model integrates efforts from various sectors to rejuvenate local life and social engagement.

The conversation explored evolving lifestyles during old age, recognizing healthy and motivated seniors as a 'moving target.' Akiyama introduced the concept of 'contributory longevity' as a driving force for seniors to actively design their lives, highlighting the importance of personal agency in the context of reaching a centenarian lifespan.

New Ideas Through Generational Interactions

The synergy between youth and seniors can birth innovative ideas and inspire transformative changes. Akiyama expressed her strong support for the young leaders of AgeWellJapan who are challenging themselves to make the most of the centenarian era. This cooperative approach aims not just to generate knowledge but to elevate grassroots changes into evidence-based practices.

Akiyama underlined the necessity for collaborative initiatives among businesses, academia, government, and citizens, framing this partnership as essential in advancing solutions to the challenges posed by an aging society. The dialogue aimed to share this vision widely, positioning Japan at the forefront of global aging initiatives.

Nationwide Festival Expansion in 2026

As part of its commitment to spreading the Age-Well philosophy throughout communities, AgeWellJapan will initiate the local rollout of its festivals in 2026. Building on experiences from events in Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagoya, and Akita, the organization plans to collaborate with municipalities and local companies to create 'regional Age-Well' options where all ages can connect and innovate together.

Mikako Akagi expressed her profound gratitude for Akiyama's involvement, acknowledging her contributions to gerontology and the ongoing changes sparking positive interactions across generations. AgeWellJapan is now set to elevate these grassroots changes into actionable frameworks, promising an exciting year ahead.

What is Age-Well?

Age-Well embodies a proactive approach to aging, focusing on emotional and mental richness while inspiring continuous challenges. The emphasis is on internal states of being—feelings, thoughts, and resultant behaviors—rather than merely external conditions. Central to this initiative are the principles of 'self-awareness, challenge, and discovery,' depicted in the 'Age-Well Map.'

About AgeWellJapan

AgeWellJapan aims to create a society where everyone aspires to live until 100 positively. Its mission transcends supporting just seniors, leveraging multi-generational collaborations involving youth, communities, businesses, and universities. Key initiatives include intergenerational exchange services like 'Motto Mate,' a multi-generational community hub called 'Mottoba!' and participatory events like the 'Age-Well Festival.'

To learn more, visit: AgeWellJapan.

For inquiries regarding this press release, please contact:
AgeWellJapan PR Team
Email: [email protected]