Okinawa Prefecture is making significant strides toward achieving its health improvement goals with the introduction of the third phase of its health promotion plan, "Health Okinawa 21." This initiative, which commenced this year and spans twelve years, aims to increase the average and healthy life expectancy of its residents. A push council convened on the 3rd at the Small Business Promotion Center in Naha, where representatives from various sectors exchanged ideas on how to implement the roadmap for enhancing longevity across the island.
During the meeting, Kubo Itokasu, the head of the Prefectural Health, Medical Care, and Welfare Department, shared the ambitious target of making Okinawa the region with the highest life expectancy by 2040. Notably, statistics from 2020 revealed men in Okinawa had an average lifespan of 80.73 years, ranking 43rd nationally, and women had 87.88 years, ranking 16th. The alarming aspect of this data is the decline observed particularly among men, necessitating urgent action from various community leaders.
The overarching goal of the "Health Okinawa 21" initiative includes extending average life expectancy, ensuring healthy life spans, preventing premature deaths and reducing disparities related to healthy life expectancies across different communities within the prefecture. To achieve these aims, three priority areas of action were specified: improving obesity rates by increasing the number of residents maintaining appropriate weight, promoting health among working-age individuals, and strengthening collaborations with local governments and organizations to implement effective health projects.
The roadmap formulated by the department includes two versions: one for initiatives led by governmental offices, and another termed the community conference version, which invites participation from both public and private sectors. Reports on the progress of earlier initiatives indicate a decline in the average life expectancy from 2019 to 2022, as health span measurements showed men with fewer than 72 years and women under 75 years, which is below the national averages.
Within the roadmap, Kubo expressed the pressing requirements to rethink local healthcare systems, especially considering the expected increase of the population aged 85 and above by 2040. He emphasized the necessity for examining comprehensive care systems and advancing community-driven health initiatives.
Meanwhile, the health benefits of outdoor sauna experiences are gaining momentum on the island due to local entrepreneurs. The duo behind CHILL DOG, who embarked on what they call the "Sauna Pilgrimage" across Japan, found themselves establishing outdoor sauna experiences on the beautiful beaches of Okinawa, particularly at Antihama. After starting their sauna business during their travels, they managed to capture the hearts of locals and tourists alike by hosting events, providing countless opportunities for community engagement through the sauna culture.
The CHILL DOG team, consisting of Yuto Kamiya and Shogo Sugawara, has promoted their sauna services through various marketing strategies. They initially struggled to attract visitors at their location but have since turned their sauna venture at Antihama Beach, known for its pristine waters, to become Okinawa's top outdoor sauna experience. They even achieved first place at the Best of TOTONOI Village 2023 event, owing to the unique and relaxing sauna they've created.
Driven by their success, CHILL DOG is now formalizing its operations with the establishment of "OKINAWA SAUNA seec," indicated by the name "seec" meaning "to seek" both locally (referring to Sesoko Island) and symbolically seeking experiences of beauty and tranquility. They aim to create spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and appreciate the essence of natural beauty and community.
{@chill_dog} advocates for using the sauna as not just a wellness tool but as a social hub where tourists and locals can gather, communicate, and build relationships. This endeavor embraces the essence of Okinawan culture, incorporating their sauna experience as part of the community's offerings. They intend to become integral to local tourism, transforming the northern areas of Okinawa by blending sauna culture with the island’s breathtaking scenery.
On another front, the upcoming mayoral election for Uruma city has also garnered attention as incumbent candidate Tetsuharu Matsumoto looks to secure his fourth term against a contestant from the local Communist Party. Announced on February 2nd, the election will provide insights on the political climate, as Matsumoto highlighted his continuous commitment to the city’s progressive growth and fostering well-being within the prefecture.
Recent discussions surrounding infrastructure development reveal additional trends as the long-avoided construction of wooden houses enjoys newfound popularity. Once overshadowed by concrete buildings due to their resilience during typhoons, wooden homes have quadrupled their share of new constructions over the last ten years. With new entrants in the market alongside existing companies prioritizing functionality, the homebuilding scene is shifting significantly, with Okinawa at the cusp of architectural innovation.
According to the Tokyo Shoko Research Okinawa branch, as of the fiscal year 2023, there are 4,211 new residential buildings under construction across the prefecture, with nearly half being concrete and almost the same proportion made from wood. This change appears to be reclaiming interest and investment back to wooden constructions, previously underappreciated.
Through these health initiatives, cultural engagements around sauna experiences, and developments within the residential sector, Okinawa Prefecture continues its dynamic evolution. These advancements not only target specific demographic needs and preferences but also integrate the rich cultural heritage of the people, making it imperative for local and national stakeholders to monitor these promising trends closely.
Okinawa's health strategy, community-driven sauna initiatives, and the shift toward wooden homes paint a picture of resilience and adaptability within the prefecture. While challenges remain, the efforts made today are paving the way for future wellness and innovation.