It is with great pleasure to welcome you to the first Okinawa International Conference on Longevity (OICL). This two-day scientific conference is the most comprehensive program focused on
Okinawan longevity. We would like to thank all the participants and guests who came from foreign countries and mainland Japan to join us in this important event. Despite of "international travel
restriction", you are all here to participate in the exchange of knowledge on successful aging and healthy longevity. This scientific conference will highlight Okinwan longevity and share the data
to the world for the "record" and hopefully for recognition.
There are many factors that are associated with Okinawan longevity. One example is the traditional food and culture known as
"nuchi gusui", a brief that "food is considered medicine; and both food and medicine share the same origin". This Okinawan concept can be simply explained that food nourishes, prevents
and cures diseases.
Okinawa is also blessed with excellent subtropical weather with abundance of the beauty of nature and clean environment. The peaceful scenery and stress-free Okinawan lifestyle are
some of the factors that make Okinawan longevity a reality.
The Okinawa Prefecture has its unique culture and history, that is independent from mainland Japan. Last year, UNESCO has recognized Shuri
Castle, (ancient center of the government of Ryukyu Kingdom under the Sho Dynasty) and eight other castles and related sites as World Heritage. From 14th to 16th century, as an independent nation, our
ancestors, had extensive economic trade and diplomatic missions with countries such as China, Korea, Japan and many Southeast Asian countries.
And lastly, the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom (now Okinawa) was
the only country that was conferred with the highest honor by the Ming Dynasty of China as the "Shurei no Kuni ", meaning a "country of propriety"or society of polite, civil and peaceful
people.
Again, we would like to welcome all of you from the bottom of our hearts, and we hope this conference can contribute more in the cultural and academic exchange of knowledge on longevity in the
future.
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Prof. Hiroko Sho |
Dr. David Itokazu |
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