“Well-Aging” in English refers to embracing the process of aging positively, focusing not on resisting age but on gracefully navigating through life while maintaining both mental and physical health.

In the age of living to 100, enriching life means aging gracefully and healthily, staying true to oneself.

Strategies to Start Now for Healthy Aging

In today’s society, where average life expectancy has increased, everyone desires to “stay healthy and youthful for as long as possible,” which is the essence of Well-Aging. Achieving this goal requires attention to daily lifestyle habits and healthcare. The four doctors mentioned here emphasize the importance of health age over chronological age, with each clinic offering cutting-edge medical treatments tailored to aging prevention and disease prevention from their unique perspectives.

At Tsuji Clinic, regenerative medicine rejuvenates cells to combat aging, while Mitsuono Clinic focuses on chelation therapy as a cornerstone of anti-aging treatment. Phoenix Medical Clinic provides comprehensive support from health checks to outpatient care, and Rem Clinic specializes in exosome-based regenerative medicine. These clinics offer specialized care that addresses individual concerns and health conditions.

It’s easy to prioritize work and personal life, often neglecting one’s own health. Early intervention can rejuvenate health age and lead to a Well-Aging lifestyle. If you’ve begun to notice signs of aging like increased fatigue or concerns about skin and muscle tone, consider actively utilizing these stateof-the-art clinics introduced here to support a Well-Aging lifestyle from a health perspective.

Therapies that extend EVA, not just the pursuit of life, bring about the greatest life

Rejuvenating at the cellular level of organs, skin, and the body’s core

Discussing from the cellular level, Dr. Naoki Tsuji, director of Tsuji Clinic renowned for anti-aging therapies, explains, ‘Aging occurs when cells are damaged by stressors, impairing their self-repair functions. The human body is designed to repair itself even when cells are damaged. However, if the rate of cell damage exceeds the body’s repair capacity, it leads to aging and chronic diseases.’

The speed of aging varies individually, and by reducing aging factors (damage factors) and replenishing rejuvenation factors (repair-regeneration factors), it’s possible to slow aging and rejuvenate. Quality of Life (QOL) is often cited when discussing anti-aging goals. Life encompasses existence and life’s meaning beyond just living. The perception of life and quality varies for each person. ‘In my clinic, I distinguish between organs vital to life and those related to activity, focusing on quality care that insurance doesn’t cover,’ Dr. Tsuji explains.

Japan boasts one of the world’s highest life expectancies but faces prolonged periods of immobility. Longevity alone isn’t fulfilling without energy, youthful appearance, and activity. ‘My anti-aging therapies aim to balance Energy, Visual, and Activity (EVA), guiding cells of the organ, core, and skin systems to optimal health.’

At Tsuji Clinic, aging is treated as a disease, diagnosing inflammation, oxidation, glycation stress levels, and nutritional status through blood and urine tests. For patients with high aging factors, detoxification and infusion of cocktails (intravenous fluids) rich in rejuvenation factors are administered. As requirements vary by age and health, tests and cocktail adjustments are conducted annually or biannually.

‘Patients receive this treatment monthly or bimonthly, along with nutritional guidance, often for 10 to 20 years, maintaining their well-being.’ Such therapies undoubtedly form the foundation of Well-Aging.

■Tsuji Clinic　Head doctor Naoki Tsuji
Dr. Naoki Tsuji is the Chairman of the Medical Corporation Ikkenkai and Director of Tsuji Clinic. Born in 1965, he graduated from Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine. He has been involved in sports nutrition, hormones, and exercise physiology for athletes, while also conducting extensive research in comprehensive medical care to control aging.

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The first in Japan to introduce chelation therapy to eliminate harmful metals from the body

Chelation therapy’s antioxidant effects help slow down aging and prevent diseases

Dr. Tadashi Mitsuo, director of Mitsuo Clinic, established Japan’s first clinic specializing in chelation therapy and anti-aging in 2002.

Chelation therapy involves intravenous infusions of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), known as a chelating agent, to eliminate toxic metals such as mercury, lead, aluminum, and arsenic that accumulate in the body from food and the environment. This intravenous treatment, originating in the United States in the 1950s, aims to excrete these metals through urine. “At the initial consultation, we assess how much of approximately 20 harmful metals are present in the body and check the balance of essential minerals like copper and zinc through nutritional blood tests. We rely on specialized American laboratories for highly accurate analysis, which is quite rare domestically,” explains Dr. Mitsuo.

While young individuals generally have effective detoxification functions and rarely show detectable levels of toxic metals, these abilities decline with age. Over the years, various toxic metals accumulate due to longterm diet and environmental exposure, which can accelerate the progression of aging and contribute to conditions like arteriosclerosis. “For example, women identified with high lead levels in tests may experience bone fragility after menopause, as dissolved lead can lead to hypertension. Similarly, individuals with high arsenic levels may have unknowingly consumed foods contaminated with pesticides,” notes Dr. Mitsuo.

Based on test results, chelation therapy is used to facilitate the elimination of toxic metals, while deficient nutrients are supplemented through dietary adjustments or supplements. This therapy is typically administered every three months to assess improvements in blood conditions. Additionally, evaluations include determining whether essential minerals are adequately consumed, and whether hormone levels such as thyroid hormones, melatonin, and insulin are appropriate.

“Among elderly individuals, reduced stomach acid levels may hinder mineral absorption, leading to deficiencies from diets low in vegetables and high in meat,” adds Dr. Mitsuo.

If necessary hormones are deficient, supplementation with natural hormones similar to those in the human body is administered. The clinic aims to enhance healthy lifespans through detoxification of toxic metals, nutritional support, and achieving hormonal balance.

■Mitsuo Clinic　Head doctor Tadashi Mitsuo
Dr. Tadashi Mitsuo graduated from Hokkaido University School of Medicine in 1982. After completing internal medicine training, he served as a lecturer at the Kyorin University Emergency　Medicine Department, specializing in emergency medical care. He later conducted research as a fellow at the Harvard University Surgery Metabolism and Nutrition Laboratory and served as Chief Professor at the Emergency Promotion Foundation Tokyo Training Institute. In 2002, he established a clinic focusing on chelation therapy and anti-aging in Akasaka, moving it to Hiroo in 2005.

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Providing a ‘self-contained’ health screening with a personal doctor to oversee your lifetime

Delivering high-quality healthcare with a ‘selfcontained’ comprehensive health checkup

　

Director Muneaki Kaku of Phoenix Medical Clinic is highly regarded as the primary physician by numerous prominent figures including Sadaharu Oh and Hiroshi Mikitani of Rakuten. “Originally an obstetrician and gynecologist, I have delivered countless babies into this world and bid farewell to just as many individuals. No amount of wealth can buy life; that’s how precious life is,” he emphasizes.

Even on holidays, driven by a passion for life, he spares no effort for his patients. The current clinic was shaped by aiming beyond routine health checksto self-contained medical care. It boasts universitylevel facilities and offers 11 medical specialties including obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, and surgery, with all physicians being full-time. In case of abnormalities detected during examinations, a comprehensive treatment plan ensures patients receive care with confidence.

“For those requiring surgery, we collaborate with specialized hospitals and ensure continuity of care back at our clinic post-surgery. We prioritize the patient themselves over their illness; understanding their desires guides our treatment,” he asserts.

With tens of thousands of annual visits, in 2023 alone, the clinic identified and treated 214 cases of advanced cancer, saving each patient’s life. “A single illness can alter not only the individual’s fate but also their family’s and company’s. That’s why nothing is more valuable than life.”

Recently, his son, Dr. Tetsuaki Kaku, returned from Tokyo University Hospital to expand into male menopause treatment, alongside obstetrics and gynecology. “Male menopause is less known compared to female menopause. Treatments differ whether insomnia or depression stems from psychological factors or hormone decline. Many top executives suffer silently, unsure where to seek help,” he notes.

Advocating for planning life beyond 50, aiming for vitality and happiness, “To live long and healthy, it’s crucial to have a ‘personal doctor’ who can handle everything, not just a ‘primary care physician’.

■Phoenix Medical Clinic　Head doctor Muneaki Kaku
Born in Taiwan in 1957. Studied at Harvard University and Oxford University before graduating from the School of Medicine at Toho University. Earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tokyo. Started practice in 1994 after working at the University of Tokyo Hospital. Also serves as a visiting lecturer at Teikyo University School of Medicine, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Taipei Medical University, professor at Jissen University School of Welfare.

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Enhancing healthy lifespan with safe and reliable regenerative medicine

What are the disease prevention and treatment effects of incorporating exosomes?

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles containing signaling molecules that promote repair of damaged blood vessels, suppression of  inflammation within the body, and modulation of the immune system. Discussing the forefront of technology in regenerative medicine is Dr. Satoshi Iwata, Director of ReM CLINIC, where they utilize exosomes. The exosomes used at this clinic are derived from mesenchymal stem cells purified at the only facility in Japan that holds the international ISO9001 standard for high-quality production.”

“When administered intravenously, exosomes affect organs throughout the body. Patients with diabetes have seen improvements in insulin deficiency and lowered blood sugar levels, while individuals with atopic dermatitis have benefited from anti-inflammatory effects.

Direct injection of exosomes into affected areas has shown promise in promoting hair growth for those with thinning hair and relieving joint pain in the back, knees, and other areas. The frequency and effectiveness of exosome treatments vary by individual, but they often provide relatively fast relief for inflammatory pain.” The clinic operates by appointment only and is known for its early cancer risk assessment test, the ‘Exedo Test.’ This test involves drawing blood and immediately analyzing microRNA extracted from exosomes released by cancer cells in a lab affiliated with the clinic’s network. Results are typically available within two weeks. “The ‘Exedo Test’ categorizes cancer risk into low, moderate, and high stages, enabling early detection and treatment of hard-to-find cancers before they can be detected by standard imaging methods.”

For individuals identified as high risk, specialized medical facilities conduct further detailed examinations. For those at moderate risk or lower, physicians review the test data and propose tailored preventive treatments. From identifying disease risks to treatment, prevention, and anti-aging care, ReM CLINIC offers comprehensive healthcare solutions, making it a valuable resource for those aiming for healthy aging.

※ A membrane vesicle with a diameter of 50 to 1,000 nm that encapsulates biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids released from cells.

■ReM CLINIC　Head doctor Satoshi Iwata
Graduated from Keio University School of Medicine in 1976. Currently holds positions as Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Keio University, Director of the Infection Control Center at Keio University Hospital, and Chief of the Infectious Diseases Department at the National Cancer Center Hospital. Assumes current position since February 2024. Specializes as a pediatrician and instructor, infectious disease specialist and instructor, and infection control doctor. Holds a Doctor of Medicine degree.

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text by Junko Iijima / photo by Hiroki Yajima