Japan’s Innovative Approach to Elder Care Transforms Final Wishes

Japan is redefining elder care, focusing on fulfilling the final wishes of its senior citizens. As nearly 30 percent of its population is aged 65 and older, the nation is confronted with the pressing need to enhance the quality of life for its elderly citizens. In Toyama Prefecture, a transformative initiative is taking root, aimed at not only improving care but also enriching the final chapters of life.

This week’s episode of Japan Hour spotlights Ryosuke Sakamoto, the founder of JEPTO, a travel service tailored for seniors facing health or mobility challenges. Sakamoto goes beyond offering mere tours; he creates opportunities for dignity and meaningful connections among seniors. The episode begins at the Tonami Tulip Fair, where three million tulips bloom in vibrant colors. A group from Aichi Prefecture, all elderly clients from a daycare centre, experience the joy of climbing the 26-metre Tulip Tower with the assistance of caregivers. As they reach the summit, their laughter and camaraderie echo the resilience they embody.

Sakamoto, a licensed physical therapist, leads the tour himself, providing crucial physical and emotional support. One participant shares, “I can come, thanks to all the support. I can’t do a normal trip anymore.” This sentiment resonates deeply with an elderly woman who recalls her past, saying, “My legs are still shaking,” which elicits laughter among her companions. The trip continues at the Mercure Toyama Tonami Resort and Spa, where the group enjoys local delicacies such as sweet shrimp and yellowtail from Toyama Bay. Despite the cost of ¥115,500 (approximately $1,000), demand for these tours is so high that they often sell out.

Sakamoto’s journey began when he was just 27 years old and working as a physical therapist. He recalls a pivotal moment with a patient named Takashi Yamamoto, who had lost his will to live after extensive rehabilitation. When Sakamoto asked Yamamoto what he would like to do if he could walk again, the answer was heartfelt: “I want to soak in an open-air hot spring.” This wish became a reality, and witnessing Yamamoto’s joy sparked Sakamoto’s dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors.

In addition to JEPTO, Sakamoto is also president of P-BASE, a daycare service located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, which serves around 850 clients. The facility’s mission is to promote health and prevent decline. “People exercise so they can go on trips,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of having something to look forward to.

For many, these trips are deeply personal. Michiko Onoda seeks to fulfill her 99-year-old mother Yoshimi‘s wish of visiting her late husband’s grave and enjoying her favorite snack, gohei-mochi. Yoshimi, who has been in a wheelchair due to a leg injury and is experiencing advanced dementia, faces significant challenges in leaving home. Sakamoto steps in to design a custom trip, rehearsing how to navigate the cemetery’s steep pathways with her wheelchair.

On the day of the outing, Yoshimi is surrounded by nine family members spanning four generations. Despite encountering obstacles along the way, such as a truck blocking their path, Sakamoto’s determination ensures they reach their destination. Once at her husband’s grave, Yoshimi softly thanks her family, marking a poignant moment of connection. Later, she surprises everyone by enjoying gohei-mochi at a local inn, affirming her enduring spirit.

Another poignant request comes from Hiroyuki Shikata, who has ALS and wishes to revisit the Expo he frequented with his family twenty years ago. Sakamoto takes the Shikatas to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, marking their first outing in six months. The experience evokes fond memories for the family, and Shikata expresses a renewed desire to travel with his wife, Rumiko, saying, “I hope we can keep spending our days filled with laughter.”

In Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward, the episode transitions to a pioneering facility known as “Let’s Go Home Hospital.” This institution focuses on rehabilitation rather than prolonging hospital stays. According to hospital director Dr. Shinta Mizuno, only 20 percent of patients die at home, and the hospital aims to change that narrative. It provides essential support for home care, ensuring dignity and comfort in a patient’s final moments.

The touching story of Tokio Tsuruishi, a 76-year-old cancer survivor, illustrates this mission. After a brief stay for rehabilitation, Tsuruishi’s condition worsens, leading to a crucial decision for his family. His wife, Mayumi, chooses to bring him home for his last hours. Surrounded by loved ones and cherished memories, Tsuruishi passes away peacefully, fulfilling a wish that many seniors share: to return home.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that even in life’s twilight, dreams persist. Whether it’s visiting a loved one’s grave, enjoying a favorite meal, or returning home, there is dignity and joy to be found. With dedicated individuals like Sakamoto and Dr. Mizuno at the forefront, the final chapters of life can be meaningful, filled with laughter, and rich in human connection.