Washoku & Wellness | The Science of Japan's Diet

A UCLA researcher unpacks the science behind Japan's exceptional longevity, followed by a bento lunch from Chef Kuniko Yagi of Pikunico built around the same ingredients.

Japan has one of the world's longest life expectancies, averaging 81 years for men and 87 for women. Does its traditional cuisine play a role in that longevity? Presented alongside the WASHOKU | Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine exhibition, UCLA health policy researcher Dr. Yusuke Tsugawa presents the latest scientific research on the traditional Japanese diet and its impact on lifespan, covering fish, soy, fermented foods and green tea. After the lecture, guests sit down to a bento lunch specially prepared by Chef Kuniko Yagi of Pikunico, built around the same nutrient-rich ingredients. Dr. Tsugawa and Chef Yagi then continue the conversation with insights into how the principles of washoku, from seasonal ingredients to thoughtful preparation, can inspire healthier eating for all of us. Doors open at 10:30 AM. JAPAN HOUSE Salon, Level 5.