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Age-Well Conference 2025: Redefining Aging

On September 16, 2025, the Age-Well Conference was held at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, organized by AgeWell Japan, a pioneering company in senior services. Under the leadership of Ryuushi Tatsumi, Director of the Age-Well Design Lab, this marks the fourth iteration of the event aimed at rethinking values in Japan's super-aging society. With around 400 attendees on-site and over 1,000 engaged across various programs, the conference's theme, "Redefining Aging," fostered discussions featuring perspectives from startups, major corporations, pharmaceutical companies, and media organizations on enhancing the quality of life in later years.

Keynote Address by Professor Hiroko Akiyama

The conference commenced with a keynote speech by Hiroko Akiyama, Honorary Professor at the University of Tokyo's Institute of Gerontology. Her comprehensive research spanning over 35 years on the mental and physical changes in the elderly highlighted the need for individuals to take charge of their later years. She emphasized the importance of restructuring social infrastructures to accommodate longevity and considered the creation of new industries that address the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population.

Thematic Corporate Sessions

Following the keynote, themed corporate sessions provided insights from leading industry players.

Age-Well × Food

In the session focusing on nutrition, representatives from Base Food and Syonan Soy Studio discussed redefining everyday meals. Moderated by Yasuto Fujita of Integrate, they explored aspects like nutritional balance and fermentation, presenting ideas for preventive health care and engagement through food.

Age-Well × Positive Aging

This session featured Daisuke Majita from Saisyun Medical Co. discussing the concept of 'Positive Aging,' emphasizing sensory health care through elements like fragrance and light, challenging traditional perceptions of aging, and promoting authentic self-expression.

Age-Well × Technology

Moderated by Kenichi Takashima and Kensuke Harada from SoftBank, this discussion tackled the importance of enhancing quality of life for seniors. They emphasized co-creation with AgeWell Japan to envision future customer experiences in a society that accommodates aging.

Age-Well × Work

This session, led by executives from different companies, highlighted the value of work in seniors' lives. They shared real-world examples demonstrating the importance of allowing older adults to continue contributing through work.

Age-Well × Community

Focused on community building, this session proposed viewing seniors not just as protected individuals but as co-creators in society. Discussions led by representatives from Chūnichi Shimbun and Sato Yume Corp. explored collaborative approaches for vibrant, inclusive communities.

Age-Well × Healthcare

This enlightening session by Chika Ishibashi from Kitahara Medical Strategies International focused on personalized healthcare in the later stages of life, pondering how medical practices can support individuality and a sense of self in aging.

Age-Well Design Awards

Recognizing exemplary initiatives through the Age-Well Design Awards was another highlight of the conference. Participants presented their innovative approaches aimed at transforming societal views on aging. The awards celebrated organizations and individuals challenging conventional stereotypes of aging, garnering significant admiration and interest from attendees.

Engaging Content for Participants

In addition to sessions and awards, the conference featured interactive experiences, including graphic recording of key ideas shared by speakers. Responses to Age-Well ideation boards and diagnostic evaluations of aging perspectives engaged participants in thoughtful dialogue throughout the event.

Future Opportunities

The conference concluded with a networking gathering, facilitating new connections among attendees and speakers. Looking ahead, AgeWell Japan aims to foster further collaborations geared towards creating a society that enables positive aging experiences for all.

About Age-Well Design Lab

The Age-Well Design Lab operates under AgeWell Japan, focusing on creating a positive aging society. By engaging with experts in well-being, senior marketing, and generational exchange, they research and share insights on nurturing an inclusive, dynamic environment for all ages.

With this event, AgeWell Japan positions itself as a leader in the conversation about aging, continuing to provide innovative insights and solutions for the future.