Three Times The National Average in Japan, Why Has Kyoto's "Kyotango City" Become A City of Longevity?

Japan has one of the highest average life expectancies in the world, and it continues to increase each year.

In Japan, there are many places known for their longevity, and Kyoto Prefecture is one of them, being celebrated as a "City of Longevity" worldwide. This time, let's explore the secrets of Kyotango City, a vibrant and long-lived city located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture.

What Kind of City is Kyotango City?

Kyotango City is located at the northernmost tip of the coastal Kyoto region, approximately a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Kyoto City.

Kyotango City is comprised of six towns: Kumihama Town, Nodagawa Town, Tango Town, Mineyama Town, Yasaka Town, and Ōmiya Town. Its allure lies in the thriving oyster bay with abundant planktonic life in Kumihama Bay and the geological heritage of the San'in Kaigan Geopark. Besides its coastline, Kyotango City offers spectacular sights like the Blue Cave and Yuhigaura, along with a rich tradition of Tango lacquerware that has been around for approximately 300 years. It's a place rich in natural beauty and deep history.

Most importantly, the residents here have exceptionally long lifespans! Kyotango City boasts a centenarian population that is three times higher than the national average in Japan, and it has even been home to Guinness World Record holders for the longest lifespan.

What's remarkable is not just their longevity but also the number of healthy elderly individuals in the city, which is a notable aspect worth highlighting.

What Is the Recognized "Healthy Life Expectancy"?

Do you know the term "Healthy Life Expectancy"? Healthy Life Expectancy is a new health indicator advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000. It refers to the period in which a person can live independently in good physical and mental health.

Everyone wishes for longevity and hopes to lead a healthy and active life forever. However, as age increases, the body does indeed become weaker…

According to statistics from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in 2021, the average life expectancy for Japanese people was 81.41 years for males and 87.45 years for females. In contrast, the healthy life expectancy was 72.68 years for males and 75.38 years for females. There is a difference between the average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, with males having a difference of -8.73 years and females having a difference of -12.07 years.

Currently, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine and Kyotango City's Yasaka Hospital are jointly conducting research to uncover the secrets of longevity. The study involves over 1,000 individuals aged 65 and above from Kyotango City, and it covers various aspects including family structure, lifestyle, blood analysis, and bone density. This cohort study (epidemiological research) is ongoing, and it includes health assessments for approximately 2,000 items, monitoring disease progression, with a long-term plan extending until 2032.

The Reasons For the Good Health and Longevity of Many Residents of Kyotango City

Research is gradually indicating that there are three significant reasons for the good health and longevity of people in Kyotango City.

Reason One: Lifestyle Pace

The people of Kyotango City, who enjoy good health and longevity, wake up in the morning to work in the fields and rice paddies, providing ample opportunities for interaction with family and neighbors.

Furthermore, they maintain a regular daily routine, such as going to bed when it gets dark in the evening. Such routines allow their bodies to naturally adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Reason Two: Diet

The healthy and long-lived people of Kyotango have been consuming "traditional Japanese cuisine" made from locally sourced ingredients since childhood. This cuisine is characterized by a higher intake of protein from legumes and seafood than from animal sources, and it is rich in dietary fiber from vegetables and fruits. It appears that a healthy "gut" is created through the intake of a wide range of nutrients.

All of these can be seen in the local cuisine of Kyotango City, with dishes like "Tango Sanzushi (丹後散寿司)" made with mackerel, "Konoshiro Sushi (このしろ寿司)" made with tofu residue and hemp seeds, and "Heshiko (へしこ)" made by fermenting salted fish in rice bran for an extended period. These simple yet time-consuming local dishes, primarily fermented foods, are the nourishing cuisine that contributes to the city's reputation for health and longevity.

Reason Three: Exercise

In Kyotango City, where many people are engaged in agricultural labor, a significant number of individuals naturally strengthen their grip and leg strength through fieldwork. This is also one of the factors contributing to their health and longevity.

When observing the vascular age of the healthy and long-lived individuals in Kyotango City, who "eat well, move well, and maintain a good pace," it is evident that their vascular age is approximately 10 years younger than the national average. Additionally, their bone density is higher than the national average, and the incidence of colorectal cancer is also lower.

The gut is the body's largest immune organ. Approximately 70% of the immune cells are concentrated in the gut, where they continually protect the body from pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells.

Furthermore, the gut is intricately connected to all organs, including the brain and heart, and it has a significant impact on our lifespan and personality.

If you look at the long-lived individuals in Kyotango City, you will find that they are connected to their community through activities like working in the fields, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging with their neighbors. Through these daily exercises and social connections, the balance of the bacteria living inside their bodies (the gut microbiota) is adjusted and activated.

"Longevity Secrets" You Can Experience in Kyotango City!

Additionally, from April to the end of November, Kyotango City hosts the "Kyotango City Health Tourism" event, where you can experience the secrets of longevity through food and walking activities.

During this event, participants can undergo health check-ups and attend seminars to learn about the dietary and lifestyle habits of centenarians. In addition to trying out the "Centenarian Bento" made with local ingredients, you can also enjoy guided walks along the beautiful coastline of the geological park, all while strolling through the charming retro fishing town.

Afterwards, you can relax in the "Yoshinonosato Ukawa Onsen," renowned for its skin benefits, and soak in the hot springs. Consider giving this program a try, as it offers the opportunity to both rejuvenate your body and mind and gain insights into a healthy lifestyle.

If you're interested, there are several local restaurants where you can enjoy "Longevity Bento" and "Longevity Gourmet" dishes, some of which include the same dishes that the long-lived residents of Kyotango City have enjoyed. Each restaurant offers its own unique flavors, and you can find the one that piques your interest on their website.

Let's learn from the healthy and long-lived people of Kyotango City, keep smiling, and lead a healthy life.