Mmmn, by definition, life expectancy statistics are significantly delayed from whatever trends may impact them... I would suspect that low amount of sleep and other factors that would be expected to have some importance (insanely high level of tobacco consumption, for one) will only start affecting life expectancy statistics in a decade or two. These are rather rather recent changes in lifestyle, I suspect (I don't know exactly how good the living and working conditions of the average pre-war Japanese were, but I suspect they couldn't be as unhealthy as they are now). Then as you said, there's always diet, as well as, who knows, genetics maybe... posted by drDaveMarch 16, 2005 at 3:23 [ e ]

I'm sure diet is a big thing, I have a lot of Japanese friends and my roommate is also Japanese, and they all eat way better than anyone else I know. posted by VorteksMarch 16, 2005 at 13:06 [ e ]

.02 I'd say its the healthier eating habits and associated things that allows them to have the longest life style. But then, I'm not a doctor. posted by LeoMarch 16, 2005 at 19:39 [ e ]

I'd wager that it's mostly the diet as well.  It seems like I remember seeing a number of studies over the years that have found that the more "westernized" Japan gets, the more health problems arise.  Of course, it's so hard to say, because I'm always skeptical that such studies are often skewed to promote the natural foods industry, consuming more fish, etc....but nevertheless, there must be SOME level of truth to it -- I can't see how anyone could convincingly argue that eating tons of fried, fatty, over-processed foods is GOOD for you. However, the tradeoff of getting less sleep and having a "the needs  of the company outweigh the needs of the individual" type of attitude have been proven to lead to higher stress levels which are unhealthy.  Although Japanese companies have achieved some amazing things because of this outlook, I think it often goes way too far.  I don't know whether it's myth or fact, but I also seem to recall hearing that suicide rates, lonliness, depression, etc are pretty high in Japan. It's cliched but true -- no culture has EVERYTHING figured out.  The best bet it to pay attention to what works and go for a "melting pot" of a lifestyle. posted by bionicroachMarch 17, 2005 at 0:02 [ e ]

i definitely think diet has a big role in the life expectancy of the japanese people, and also all the walking people do in japan!but i would agree that they do get little sleep. that's why everyone is always crashing out in the trains!!!! posted by juniya79March 19, 2005 at 4:44 [ e ]

General Response   This response is to the general attitude that I have perceived from you lately.  You referred to how embarrassed you were that your country sucks so much when your friends got mugged in SF.  You talked a few months ago about how embarrassed you were that your countrymen were fat.  I think it is really sad that you have so many negative things to say about our country.  The Japanese work hard and eat healthy.  Great.  That is wonderful.  What about all the wonderful things this country has to offer?  Have you forgotten about the millions of people who have shed their blood over the past two-hundred years to secure your freedom?  Without their sacrifices, you would not even be allowed to say the negative things you say.   This country offers more opportunities to both men and women then any place on earth.   There are fewer glass-ceilings and cultures of insider-mentality to break through.  Outsiders are accepted as insiders here.  This land offers opportunities to those who are willing to take them.  Sure, there is violence, laziness and negativity here…along with the rest of the world.  So, the next time you want to talk about how embarrassed you are to be an American, why don’t you stop and think for a moment.  Hopefully, you will remember all there is to be proud of over here.  If you can’t, then go to Blockbuster and pick up a copy of “The Patriot” or some other war movie and remember what this country stands for.      posted by AngelaSmithJohnsonMarch 19, 2005 at 22:05 [ e ]

Posting a comment telling someone that they shouldn’t question and criticize the culture and society they are from is nothing but an act against freedom.  America indeed has a serious problem with obesity and ignoring this problem and even denying it is just idiotic.  To claim America is the greatest country on the Earth and accepts outsiders as insiders and equality to all is incorrect. America has a deep rooted history of racism and greed that continues today.  My spouse is from Japan making us an interracial couple and we are stared at constantly just because we are holding hands while at the mall.  In high school kids in my gym class would taunt one of my best friends, who emigrated from China, calling him a chink and telling him to go back to his own country.  Slavery was still legal in America while at the time it was outlawed in every other "modern" country in the world such as France and Britain.  The United States has been consistently ranked lower in standard of living when compared to countries like Scandinavia, Canada, Australia, and Japan.  The minimum wage has remained the same rate so long that it now is equal with the largest time period of stasis ever recorded in American history.  Poor people in America are also in a huge disadvantage and American's justify this by claiming it is their own fault escaping the responsibility they have as part of a society.  Not to mention the millions of people who have no health insurance in America, many being denied the right to live and have a healthy life by their own country.  Through criticism is the only way a DEMOCRATIC country changes for the better.  Blindly following a government and not questioning and critiquing a government have led to many disastrous ends, such as in Nazi Germany.  So next time your at the movie store don’t rent a tragically made up film like "The Patriot" where a historical event is twisted into a unhistorical farce, just rent something else. posted by ConcernedReaderMarch 20, 2005 at 2:13 [ e ]

OMG.  "The Patriot"?  Are you serious? I'm embarrassed that Americans spend so much money so many crappy movies.  Hmmm...I suppose in our defense, "The Patriot" *was* directed by the German version of Jerry Bruckheimer. Gregg, I think you should rent "Pearl Harbor" instead if you want to really learn something!  Sheesh.  :D troll, troll, troll troll troll troll troll troll troll troll trollity, trollity, trollity, trollity life is but a troll... posted by bionicroachMarch 20, 2005 at 17:04 [ e ]

Remember, our freedom of expression means that we can express what we want to. Good or bad. You mention the millions of people who "shed their blood" to secure our freedoms. You also don't want him to express his negative opinions. Well now, wouldn't that defeat the sacrifices of all those people? Yes, yes it would. And you know. Yes, this country has a lot of good qualities. But we also have our dark side. We still have racism. We still have sexism. We still have poverty.  As enjoyable as the The Patriot was, it is fiction. It is your typical-average Hollywood summer blockbuster action adventure film. Using that film to get an history education is useless and irresponsible. Read a book. A good place to start is Barbara Ruchman's The First Salute. posted by LeoMarch 21, 2005 at 17:03 [ e ]

" This country offers more opportunities to both men and women then any place on earth." Really? Why isnt gay marriage legal over there yet? "If you can’t, then go to Blockbuster and pick up a copy of “The Patriot” or some other war movie and remember what this country stands for. " Americans were just British people who decided to leave and steal yet more land from foreigners. Im pretty sure America wouldnt be such a great country if you were a Native American. posted by soothJanuary 5, 2006 at 11:04 [ e ]

How about you Dumb asses stop getting your history from movies and read it in a fucking book, or in school were you are supposed to learn it. Whats really scary is you morons probably vote too, yet I'll bet my first born you guys can't tell me even 2 constitutional ammendments without looking them up. Your argueing how great a country America is. That's like asking a hick what kind of truck is better, Ford or Chevy. All you have to do is look in to America's history to find enough reason to dislike this nation. Might a suggest for those of you who understand the concept of a book, the over throw of the Hawaiian Goverment with out the concent of the President or Congress. posted by elliotnixonJanuary 31, 2006 at 13:55 [ e ]