Kanagawa Governor – Mr Yuji Kuroiwa,
Vice Governor – Dr Kenji Shuto, Dr Yoichiro Matsumoto – President, Global Strategic Centre for ME-BYO,
Members of the media, colleagues. Konnichiwa and good afternoon.
In July this year, we had the distinct honour of welcoming the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture to the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila.
It was a moment of genuine connection and shared purpose.
Today, as we formalize our collaboration through a new memorandum of understanding, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the bold proposals and commitments that have emerged from this partnership.
Together, we are linking two of the most pressing megatrends of our time – population ageing and the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – and transforming them into opportunities for innovation and impact.
At WHO, our mission is rooted in the promise of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: that every person, regardless of age, deserves the highest attainable standard of health.
This ideal, enshrined in our Constitution since 1948, continues to guide us through the lens of universal health coverage (UHC) – the foundation of all our work today.
Yet, we must acknowledge the challenges ahead. Among the many barriers to achieving UHC, rapid population ageing stands out as one of the most complex.
Japan, along with many Member States in our Region, is already navigating this reality.
And within just a few decades, even countries with youthful populations today – especially low- and middle-income nations – will find themselves facing the same demographic shift. Are we ready? Not yet.
But let us be clear: ageing itself is not the problem. In fact, longevity is one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
The real challenge lies in the surge of NCDs and mental health issues that often accompany ageing, the rising health-care costs, and the shrinking working-age population.
These are the issues we must confront with courage and creativity.
That’s why we must rethink ageing – not as a burden, but as a powerful opportunity. We must turn “silver into gold.”
When older people are empowered to remain active, contribute to society, and live with dignity, we all benefit. Health improves. Isolation diminishes. Communities grow stronger.
Japan is leading the way. It is the only country to have entered the unprecedented phase of a “hyper-aged society,” with 30% of its population aged 65 and older.
This is not just a statistic – it’s a lived experience that no other nation has yet encountered. And it’s why we must learn from Japan.
Kanagawa Prefecture, in particular, stands out as a beacon of enlightened leadership and practical innovation.
Its success in addressing ageing is not just impressive – it’s instructive.
Now is the time for the WHO Western Pacific Region, and indeed the global community, to study Kanagawa’s approach and adapt its lessons to our own contexts.
This collaboration will help shape future policy options for WHO Member States, especially those in the Asia-Pacific region, as they prepare for the demographic realities ahead.
It’s a blueprint for resilience, equity and shared progress.
Once again, I extend our deepest appreciation to Kanagawa Prefecture for its visionary partnership.
The WHO Western Pacific Region eagerly anticipates a fruitful partnership with Kanagawa Prefecture – Let us unite our efforts to shape a healthier, more inclusive future for all generations – starting today.
Arigatou. Thank you.