A life of discipline and purpose
Jiroemon Kimura's life, spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was defined by a strong sense of purpose, a concept known in Japan as ikigai. Born in a fishing village in 1897, his work ethic began early. After retiring from a 45-year career at the post office at age 65, he did not simply stop working. Instead, he continued to work on his family's farm until he was 90 years old, staying active and connected to nature. This lifelong commitment to meaningful activity is often cited as a key factor in his long and healthy life.
The power of moderation: Hara Hachi Bun Me
One of the most frequently mentioned aspects of Kimura's lifestyle was his disciplined approach to eating. He lived by the Confucian-inspired adage hara hachi bun me, meaning to eat until you are about 80% full. This philosophy guided his meals, which were typically composed of small portions. He often started his day with rice porridge and miso soup, a simple, low-fat diet rich in grains and vegetables. This practice is believed to have prevented overeating and promoted better digestive and overall health. His motto, “eat light and live long,” perfectly summarized this dietary principle.
A daily routine of physical and mental stimulation
Even as he aged, Kimura maintained an active and intellectually engaged daily routine. His activities included:
- Early rising: He woke up early every morning, demonstrating a consistent and disciplined rhythm to his day.
- Reading the news: He spent two to three hours after breakfast reading the newspaper with a magnifying glass. This regular mental exercise kept his mind sharp and connected him to the wider world.
- Observing politics and sports: He enjoyed following parliamentary debates on television and watching sumo wrestling, keeping his mind stimulated with current events and cultural pastimes.
- Regular exercise: Even after his farming years, he adapted his physical activity. When his legs grew weak after turning 110, he began performing bicycle motions while lying down to keep his muscles active. He also continued taking daily walks and doing light gardening.
Cultivating a positive mindset
Beyond his physical habits, Kimura's mental and emotional state played a crucial role in his longevity. He was known for his positive and optimistic outlook, and his hearty, contagious laugh was a notable feature of his personality. His philosophical approach to life included:
- Endurance and perseverance: He faced adversity with a resilient attitude, reminding himself that tough experiences are good for growth. He famously said, "After every storm, peace always comes".
- Non-attachment: He did not fixate on specific outcomes or material possessions, accepting the ebb and flow of life without being overwhelmed by loss or grief. This mental detachment allowed him to find joy and purpose in living itself.
- Gratitude: He expressed profound gratitude for the life he was given, insisting his long life was due to the strength of those around him rather than his own efforts. This spirit of kansha, or gratitude, is a core value in Japanese culture.
Comparison of Jiroemon Kimura's lifestyle with a typical modern Western lifestyle
| Feature | Jiroemon Kimura's Lifestyle | Typical Modern Western Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Moderation-focused (hara hachi bun me), emphasizing small portions and simple foods like rice porridge, fish, and miso soup. | High prevalence of fast food, processed meals, and larger portion sizes. Emphasis on convenience over nutrition. |
| Physical Activity | Consistent, low-intensity activity integrated into daily life (farming until 90, daily walks, and home exercises). | Often sedentary, requiring scheduled gym visits to counteract lack of activity. Work often involves long periods of sitting. |
| Mental Engagement | Disciplined daily routine of reading newspapers, following politics, and social interaction. | High-volume consumption of passive media (social media, streaming) and information overload, potentially leading to mental fatigue. |
| Mindset | Optimistic, resilient, non-attached, and grateful. Emphasis on inner peace and purpose (ikigai). | Can be highly stressed, with a focus on immediate gratification and external achievements, potentially leading to anxiety. |
| Social Connection | Lived with family, remaining connected to a strong family support system. | Increasing isolation, with less intergenerational living and more fragmented social circles. |
Conclusion
Jiroemon Kimura's long life was not the result of a single secret, but a holistic approach encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. His disciplined dietary habit of eating until 80% full, coupled with a purposeful and active daily routine, laid the foundation for his robust health. Furthermore, his cheerful and resilient mindset, characterized by gratitude and a lack of attachment, enabled him to navigate life's inevitable challenges with grace. While genetics may have played a role, Kimura's example underscores the profound impact that simple, consistent, and positive lifestyle choices can have on longevity and quality of life. For those seeking lessons from history's longest-lived, Kimura’s life offers a timeless model of discipline, purpose, and inner contentment.
Learn more about his longevity secrets in the Psychology Today article titled, "Living to 116: The Lessons of Jiroemon Kimura." (Note: This is a placeholder link; a real link should be used).
