A conversation with The Shizuoka Shimbun on mindfulness, youth, and Japan’s changing work culture.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ryo Hagiwara of the Shizuoka Shimbun for a special episode of the Living Well podcast, where we explored the evolving landscape of wellbeing in Japan, particularly through the lens of youth, mindfulness, and the shifting tides of work culture.
Our conversation was part of the broader Shizuoka Well-being initiative, a forward-thinking movement that aims to position Shizuoka as the happiest prefecture in Japan. You can learn more about this inspiring project in Japanese by clicking here.
One of the central themes of our discussion was the growing role of mindfulness in Japanese society. Traditionally, Japan’s work culture has been synonymous with long hours, rigid hierarchies, and a deep sense of duty. But as Hagiwara-san noted, there’s a quiet revolution underway, especially among younger generations, who are beginning to prioritize mental health, balance, and purpose over mere productivity.
Mindfulness, once considered niche or even indulgent, is now being embraced in schools, workplaces, and even government policy. Shizuoka’s own wellbeing initiatives include mindfulness-based programs and digital tools that help residents track and improve their sense of fulfillment and connection.
We also talked about the aspirations of Japanese youth. Today’s young professionals are redefining success, not by climbing corporate ladders, but by seeking meaningful work, flexible lifestyles, and community engagement. This shift is reflected in the rise of remote work, freelance careers, and startups that value wellbeing as a core metric.
Hagiwara-san shared insights from local surveys and interviews, revealing that many young people in Shizuoka are choosing careers that align with their values, even if it means earning less. They’re asking deeper questions: What makes life worth living? How can I contribute to society while staying true to myself?
Shizuoka’s commitment to wellbeing is more than just a slogan. Under the leadership of Governor Yasutomo Suzuki and with contributions from experts like Takehiko Nagumo, the prefecture is integrating wellbeing indicators into policy, education, and urban planning. From health-promoting workplaces to community-driven initiatives, Shizuoka is modeling what a mindful, inclusive future could look like.
As we wrapped up the interview, I was happy to find out that our visions about the future align. Japan is at a crossroads, and Shizuoka is showing that it’s possible to honor tradition while embracing change. The youth are leading this transformation, not with rebellion, but with reflection.
The full episode (available in both English and Japanese) will be released this fall on the “Living Well” podcast. Tune in for a thoughtful and heartfelt dialogue that weaves together journalism, culture, and Japan’s evolving approach to mindful work and wellbeing.
You can find more information here as well: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellbeing-living-well/about/
