Today, I would like to share with you few specific habits of Japanese that assist them in living longer heathier life. As many people around the globe are curious to know the reasons, Why Japanese people are so healthy and are having long lifespans?
Japan has other various problems within its society, such as natural disasters, death by fatigue and overwork, suicide, etc. But there are also good traits and habits of Japanese culture that contribute to a healthy and long lifespan. According to the report of Business Insider and research article titled ‘Forecasting Life Expectancy, Years of Life Lost’ by Kyle J Foreman, Japanese people have the longest life in the world.
Life expectancy in Japan is 85.7 Years.
Business Insider
Here are healthy Japanese habits that can help you live longer if you strictly adopt them into your life.
1. 1. Habit of Taking Bath Daily
First, is the habit of taking a bath daily. In Japan, there are more than 3000 hot spring areas. Public baths are everywhere in the city, and bathtubs are basically installed in every house. Japanese people love taking baths, even the monkeys too. I think this habit of taking a bath is a big reason why Japanese people can stay physically healthy.
I think there are three main reasons for bathing everyday:
- It warms your body, which has the effect of helping your muscles relax.
- Water pressure within the bath helps improve metabolism as well as excretes toxins within the body.
- Being in water allows your body to float; the pressure on bones and muscles are reduced, which helps to relieve back pain and stiff shoulders.
Japan has an abundance of water, so one can take a bath every day, but in many countries, it may be difficult to take a bath every day.
However, having said that, please be cautious to not to take bath daily as there are medical reports that suggests that excessive bathing may cause skin dryness and may crack the skin. Bacteria may enter into the body through those cracked surface on skin. Moreover, bathing may reduce smell from the body rather then reducing the illness.
2. 2. Habit of Cleaning
Second, is the habit of cleaning. Japanese people love cleaning. Or rather, it’s become a habit. Basically, they clean their house every day. If they have time, they also clean their neighborhood and public areas. Even Japanese soccer fans took their trash home after the world cup match.
I think the reason why Japanese people clean so much is that it connects to an important concept of Shintoism, which is cleanliness.
It is vital to practice cleanliness. This purifies you and helps avoid bringing calamities to society. That is why Japan is a very clean country.
Noriaki Ikeda, Shinto Priest
Another reason may be because we have been cleaning since early childhood at school. This cleaning habit keeps the environment around you clean and hygienic. I think this hygienic environment is one of the reasons why Japanese people can live a healthy lifestyle.
We don’t want others to think we are bad people who don’t have enough education or upbringing to clean things up.
Maiko Awane, Assist. Director of Hiroshima Prefectural
3. 3. Habit of Daily Exercise
Third, is the habit of special daily exercise. Have you ever heard the word radio calisthenics? This is a common exercise you can see in the morning in Japan. It’s called Rajio Taiso, which is a composition of many stretches and movements you do with a song.
It seems that it is said to be “one of the reasons why Japan is considered to be a country of longevity” from overseas. Originally it was made in 1928 to improve the health of Japanese people.
4. 4. Habit of Getting Up Early
Fourth, is the habit of getting up early. Here is an interesting story about Japanese people around 1900, which is written by Lafcadio Hearn from the United States, who was an English teacher in Japan.
One morning, before the sun rose, I heard a sound near my house. I wondered what it was, and when I looked outside, the villagers were chatting and gargling, washing their faces using dich water. I was wondering what these people were doing, and as soon as the sun rose from the mountain, they all turned to the sun.
More Interesting ArticlesThey said, ” Thank you for always looking over us” and prayed with a clap of their hands. Until about 100 years ago, Japanese people used to get up early every morning and worship the sun.
Now, this habit only remains during the New Year, but the old Japanese used to do that every day.
Lafcadio Hearn
The reason for worshiping the sun is that in Shintoism, the sun is the supreme deity of Japan.
Unfortunately, young people, today don’t have such a habit, but many of the older generations still get up early and some people continue this habit. By getting up early, and exposed to the morning sun, your natural clock will reset and be in tune with the day’s energy.
5. 5. Habit of Eating Japanese Food
Fifth, is the habit of eating Japanese food. The reason why Japanese food is healthy is that it is said to be a healthy diet with a good nutritional balance. For this reason, it was registered as a healthy practice by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
A Japanese meal is usually composed of one soup and three side dishes. Rice, the main dish, is high in carbohydrates, Fish or soy products are high in protein. You can get vitamins and minerals from simmered and pickled vegetables. In addition, fermented foods such as Miso and Natto will improve intestinal digestion.
Let food be your medicine.
Okinawan Phrase, Nuchi Gusui
In this way, Japanese food is a well-balanced and healthy diet, so you can keep your body youthful and healthy. It’s delicious and you can eat various kinds of colorful ingredients, so it’s very fun to eat.
6. 6. Habit of Drinking Matcha
Sixth, is the habit of drinking Matcha. In modern Japan, not so many people usually drink matcha, but Japan has a habit of drinking matcha.
The reason why matcha is healthy is that matcha contains an abundant amount of nutrients. For example, it is rich in minerals such as calcium and dietary fibers. It also contains many antioxidants such as catechins.
Matcha may provide the following benefits;
- Enhance Metabolism
- Boost Brain Functions
- Protect the Liver
- Prevent Cancer
- Promote Healthy Heart
- Help in Loosing Weight
Moreover, since matcha is made from tea leaves itself, it contains several times more nutrients than ordinary tea.
7. 7. Habit of Hiking Mountains
Seventh, is the habit of hiking mountains. There are many mountains in Japan, and many people make it a habit to climb those mountains. I think hiking is also one of the reasons why Japanese people are healthy. This is because it strengthens your legs and feet, so your body does not weaken.
8. 8. Conclusion
Today I shared few healthy habits in Japan. What do you think of them? I’m sure some people might be surprised that it was completely different from the customs of your country. But, if you are interested in any of these habits, please try to incorporate habits into your life. And let’s create a healthy life together!
Also share the good habits that are incorporated in your cultures and traditions irrespective of their health benefits.
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