Remembering the Legendary Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara
For decades, the name synonymous with medical longevity in Japan was Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara. He was an incredibly active and influential physician, educator, and author who worked right up until a few months before his death in July 2017. At the time of his passing, he was 105 years old and had become a symbol of Japan's exceptional life expectancy. Dr. Hinohara's career spanned over six decades at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo, where he not only treated countless patients but also championed preventative medicine and the system of annual comprehensive health checkups that are now commonplace in Japan.
His advice on healthy living, often centered around the idea of finding joy and purpose, was widely followed. He believed energy comes from feeling good, not from adhering to overly strict rules about diet or sleep. Dr. Hinohara's legacy extends beyond his medical practice; he published around 150 books and was a firm believer in the therapeutic power of music and art, even writing the script for a musical at age 88. He embodied the concept of ikigai, or one's reason for being, finding his in his work and dedication to helping others.
The Story of Dr. Shigeko Kagawa, Japan's Oldest Person
While Dr. Hinohara was the oldest practicing physician until his death, the title of Japan's oldest person was held by another retired doctor in 2025. In August 2025, it was reported that retired physician Shigeko Kagawa became Japan's oldest living person at the age of 114. Graduating from medical school before World War II, Dr. Kagawa served as an obstetrician and gynecologist and retired at 86. Her life offers another perspective on senior health and longevity.
Her family notes that her longevity secrets are not extraordinary but revolve around a regular routine, consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, and eating three well-portioned, proper meals a day. While her approach appears less intense than Dr. Hinohara's perpetual work ethic, it reinforces the power of consistency and healthy habits over the long term. Both physicians' stories highlight the cultural appreciation for seniors in Japan and the potential for a long, healthy life.
Contrasting Their Philosophies on Longevity
Although both Dr. Hinohara and Dr. Kagawa achieved remarkable ages, their publicly known philosophies on longevity offer slightly different insights, reflecting that there's more than one path to a long life.
| Feature | Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara (Died at 105) | Dr. Shigeko Kagawa (114 in 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Ethic | Extremely active, worked until months before death, advocated late retirement. | Retired from practice at 86, embraced a more leisurely routine. |
| Dietary Philosophy | Followed a spartan diet (e.g., coffee, orange juice with olive oil for breakfast), not too many rules. | Follows a regular routine of three proper, well-portioned meals daily. |
| Mental & Social Life | Strong emphasis on purpose (ikigai), volunteer work, music, and social activity. | Values routine and maintains a free and independent spirit, according to her family. |
| Physical Activity | Insisted on taking the stairs and carrying his own bags; 2,000+ steps daily. | Remained active, including carrying the Olympic torch at 109. |
Broader Lessons from Japanese Centenarians
Beyond individual stories, Japan's high life expectancy is attributed to a combination of diet, lifestyle, and social factors. A balanced diet, low in red meat and high in fish, vegetables, and soy products, is a cornerstone. Other factors include robust social connections and a deep-seated cultural respect for elders. The practice of preventive medicine, championed by figures like Dr. Hinohara, is also a significant contributor to overall public health.
Dr. Hinohara's insights into living a long and fulfilling life are timeless. He once said, “Don’t ever retire, and if you must, retire a lot later than age 65”. His points offer practical guidance for anyone seeking to improve their longevity and quality of life.
A Centenarian's Guide to Healthy Aging (Adapted from Dr. Hinohara):
- Don't worry excessively about following strict eating or sleeping schedules; instead, find joy in your activities, just as you did as a child.
- Always take the stairs. He famously walked up two steps at a time, keeping his body strong and active.
- Share your knowledge and experiences with others. A life of contribution brings incredible drive and purpose, which fuels energy.
- Incorporate music and art into your life. He believed both could be very therapeutic.
- Cultivate a broad circle of friends and social contacts. A strong social network is linked to both physical and emotional well-being.
- Never underestimate the therapeutic benefit of laughter. Humor can help overcome pain.
Practical Japanese Lifestyle Habits for Longevity
- Embrace a balanced diet: The traditional Japanese diet, or washoku, is high in vegetables, fish, and soy products, while being low in red meat and sugar. Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids from fish and antioxidants from green tea are key practices.
- Practice portion control: The practice of hara hachi bu, or eating until you are 80% full, is common in Japan. This helps prevent overeating and obesity, a major risk factor for many diseases.
- Stay physically active: Regular physical activity is a staple of life, often incorporated into daily routines. Examples include walking or biking for transport and participating in national broadcast exercises like Radio Taiso.
- Find your purpose (ikigai): This concept is central to Japanese life and provides a powerful reason for waking up each day. Maintaining a sense of purpose and usefulness, even after conventional retirement, is strongly linked to longevity and well-being.
- Maintain social connections: Strong community bonds are crucial for emotional and mental health. The feeling of belonging and being connected to one's community is highly valued and helps reduce feelings of isolation.
The Longevity Legacy: A Lasting Example
The stories of Dr. Hinohara and Dr. Kagawa are more than just anecdotes; they are profound testaments to the potential of the human lifespan. Their lives underscore the fact that longevity is not purely a matter of genetics but is heavily influenced by lifestyle choices, mindset, and community. Japan, as a society, has cultivated an environment that supports and celebrates healthy aging, offering a powerful case study for the rest of the world. While we can no longer ask Dr. Hinohara for his wisdom, his advice, along with the example set by other centenarians, continues to inspire a healthier, more purposeful life.
For more insight on Dr. Hinohara's life and wisdom, a tribute can be found in a New York Times obituary detailing his extraordinary contributions.
