#Japan #Tokyo #Minato #Yoritaro Sugi #FIDA GOLD CUP

Stay Vibrant with Insights from Yoritaro Sugi

On January 21, 2026, at the MINATO Ikigai Special Lecture held at the Shinmei Ikikur Plaza in Minato, Tokyo, the esteemed Yoritaro Sugi, Special Health Strategy Supervisor at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, delivered an engaging talk on maintaining wellness as we age.

The Importance of Oral Health

The session commenced with Sugi emphasizing the significant role of oral health. He shared anecdotes from his childhood, highlighting how consuming tough foods and the act of chewing were foundational to his current dental health. At the age of 81, he still has all his natural teeth, an achievement that elicited gasps of surprise from the audience.

Sugi stressed that for the elderly, maintaining oral hygiene is not merely about dental aesthetics but a matter of health. Drawing from his experience in disaster relief, he explained how oral bacteria can infiltrate the body and compromise vital organs and immune systems, underlining the need for maintaining oral cleanliness, particularly during emergencies.

Dance as a Tool for Mental Vitality

Throughout his lecture, Sugi identified isolation as a true risk associated with aging. He observed that withdrawing from social interactions—often due to self-imposed limits of thinking “I’m too old now”—can exacerbate physical and mental decline. This resonated deeply with many attendees.

He asserted that “engaging in conversations and moving your body are paramount.” As a concrete method to combat loneliness and promote health, he advocated for dance. He highlighted the FIDA GOLD CUP, a dance competition celebrating the GOLD generation, underscoring how remembering choreography and donning costumes to perform on stage generates excitement and significant change in seniors’ physical and mental health.

Sugi explained how exposure and performance can activate hormones previously dormant, leading to better posture, improved moods, and even transformative life changes. His message was clear: dance offers profound benefits beyond fitness, fostering mental well-being.

Living in the Moment

Concluding his presentation, Sugi confronted the reality of aging—nothing is guaranteed for tomorrow. “In later life, our health can fluctuate daily,” he urged. “Thus, we must cherish and make the most of today, rather than postponing our intentions.”

This insightful talk also highlighted the 'Know Hepatitis Project,' initiated in 2012 to promote awareness regarding hepatitis and the importance of testing. The project aims to empower citizens with knowledge and encourage early detection and treatment, aligning with the 'Health First Project' that advocates for overall well-being and integrates hepatitis awareness efforts.

Furthermore, Sugi introduced the 'FIDA GOLD CUP,' an initiative designed to keep seniors physically and mentally healthy through dance. Under Sugi’s leadership, FIDA JAPAN established the Dance Health Club, providing resources for senior dance teams while also hosting competitions to inspire the GOLD generation.

The term 'GOLD' signifies those aged 65 and above, embodying the idea of 'Good Old,' reflecting the beauty of aging gracefully and healthily.

Event Details

Event Name: MINATO Ikigai Special Lecture
Date: January 21, 2026
Location: Shinmei Ikikur Plaza, 1-6-7 Hamamatsucho, Minato, Tokyo, 105-0013
Speaker: Yoritaro Sugi, Special Health Strategy Supervisor, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

This event not only highlighted important health topics but also showcased the vibrant potential of older adults actively engaging with their community and maintaining their health.