In ancient and modern times, healthy longevity is a natural way of life among the Okinawan people
Historical Link with the Royal Society
Sir Murray Maxwell, Captain, His Majesty Ship Alceste was Elected Fellow, of the Royal Society on February 18, 1819
Dr. John M Leod, Surgeon, His Majesty Ship Alceste
“They (Okinawan) seemed to enjoy robust health, for we observed no diseased objects, nor beggars of any description, among them…”
This island can also boast its rivers and secure harbors; and last, though not least, a worthy, a friendly, and a happy race of people. Many of these islanders displayed a spirit of intelligence and genius, which seemed the more extraordinary, considering the confined circle in which they live; such confinement being almost universally found to be productive of narrowness of mind.”
David Itokazu, MD: “Okinawa’s Historical Link with the Royal Society”, Abstract, OICL 2004
John M’Leod, MD: “Voyage of His Majesty’s Ship Alceste to China, Corea and the Island of Lew Chew”,1816
Statement of the Former Director-General
World Health Organization
I, Hiroshi Nakajima, Director-General of the World Health Organization, warmly welcome the proclamation of a world longevity region as a means of promoting the attainment of healthy long life and peace for all populations of the world, and I commend and extend my appreciation to the people of Okinawa for this initiative.
HIROSHI NAKAJIMA, M.D., PhD.
August 15, 1995
