In a world where speed trumps health and “self-care” is just another #hashtag on Instagram, Japan remains a beautiful reminder that a long and healthy life is not the result of a miracle food supplement, but of daily choices. And these the Japanese make not with difficulty, but with respect for their bodies, their environment, and their time – without stress, without pretense. When most of the world is chasing productivity, the Japanese choose balance, nature, and quiet rituals that give their days order and meaning.
But don't be afraid - you don't have to wear a kimono or learn Japanese to live a long life. calligraphy. All you have to do is adopt some of their simple but extremely effective habits. These seven secrets can help you not only extend your life, but also truly live it – with more peace, less stress and significantly more meaningAnd hey, who wouldn't want to be an 80-year-old who still walks in the hills and has better skin than a 30-year-old with all the serums Instagram?
7 Japanese habits for a happy life
1. Taking a hot bath every day – like a spa, only every day
When the Japanese say “bath,” they don’t mean a quick shower before work, but the true art of relaxation. Their “onsens” (hot springs) are like natural wellness oases. But a home bathtub counts too! Warm water relaxes muscles, reduces stress (even after Zoom meetings), and boosts blood circulation. Bonus? Youthful-looking skin that apparently isn’t afraid of looking in the mirror in the morning.
Science says: Regular baths reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. We would add: if you also have a cup of matcha in your hands, it's almost a sin to miss it.
2. Tidying Up – Marie Kondo on Steroids
In Japanese culture, cleanliness is almost a religion – literally. Shintoism dictates cleanliness of both the body and the environment. Japanese children clean their classrooms, and adults clean every corner of their homes. It’s no wonder that stress runs out of space when everything smells good. Think about it: when there’s no dust on the shelves, there’s less dust in your head.
Bonus philosophy: A tidy environment = a tidy mind. And another thing: a mammal is your friend.
3. Daily exercise – but without a gym membership
Forget about three-hour torture on the stationary bike. The Japanese swear by moderation – stretching, walking, slow, meditative tai chi. For them, exercise is a daily ritual, not a seasonal flashback before summer.
Scientific basis: Regular, light exercise reduces the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and – if you believe it – even obesity.
4. Waking up early – to catch the sun (and peace)
It's no secret: the Japanese wake up early. Not because they have to, but because they want. Morning rituals like the sun salutation are not new-age hipsterism, but centuries-old traditions. Starting the day calmly, without coffee in one hand and a bag in the other? Yes, that exists too.
Advice from Tokyo: If you wake up before your alarm clock, you're on the right track. But if you meditate while doing so... you're almost a Zen master.
5. Enjoying Japanese food – sushi is just the beginning
Traditional Japanese food is a feast for the taste buds and health. Rice, fish, miso soup, fermented vegetables – in short, food that doesn't scream "fast food" but "slow, smart and satisfying". Portions are smaller, ingredients are seasonal and the principle "hara hachi bu" (eat until you're 80 % full) is standard.
Interesting fact: In 2013, UNESCO declared Japanese cuisine an Intangible Cultural Heritage. And it's not because of Instagram.
6. Drinking matcha – the green drink of Zen warriors
Matcha is the green tea you don't drink - ga you experience. Full of antioxidants, L-theanine (a substance that promotes relaxation) and a subtle taste of… forest meditation. The Japanese drink it because they know it’s good for them. The West, because it’s “photogenic.” But the truth is – it works wonders for focus and health.
Pro tip: A cup of matcha before work. Coffee can wait.
7. Hiking – walking as a mental detox
The Japanese landscape is a dream playground for all nature lovers. And the Japanese make the most of it. Regular trips to the mountains, forest bathing (“shinrin-yoku”) and contemplation in silence… it’s not a luxury, it’s a way of life.
Effect in nature: less stress, more serotonin. And the occasional deep thought about the meaning of life (or at least what's for lunch).
Conclusion: The Japanese path to longevity is… purely human
You don't have to speak Japanese or know how to fold origami to adopt their habits. It's about taking care of yourself, being calm, and respecting your body and nature. So - why not make a small change today? Say, get up 10 minutes earlier. Or make matcha instead of your third coffee. Longevity doesn't happen overnight - but it starts with just one.
