Premium College (Part 1): Tokyo’s Path to a New Youth

Tokyo in the 22nd Century: Living Healthy up to 120—this is the Tokyo 100 years from now predicted by AI.

Imagine Tokyo as the world’s longevity capital, where living to 120 is an everyday reality. A recent World Bank report warns Japan is aging faster than any other developed nation. In response, Tokyo is rolling out bold policies to ensure life remains purposeful, vibrant, and full of possibility.

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan University

Governor Koike Encourages Senior Students

One example is Premium College, established within Tokyo Metropolitan University for learners aged 50 and above. This summer, Governor Koike Yuriko visited the college and shared AI’s future vision during a roundtable with faculty and students. 

Encouraging the adult learners, she remarked, “You are amid your youth. I hope you continue to study with enthusiasm.”

Competitive, Diverse, Purposeful: Inside the College

In 2019, Premium College was launched as a “University for Lifelong Learning up to Age 100.” It offers an inspiring space for learning and connection in a truly unique setting where most faculty members are seniors themselves.

The backgrounds of students ranging from their 50s to 80s are remarkably diverse. Among them are teachers, journalists, bankers, business professionals from insurance, food, and trading companies, as well as self-employed individuals and homemakers. This rich variety is one of the program’s greatest attractions.

The program spans a wide range of fields, from history and culture to nature, featuring lectures and seminars by distinguished professors, hands-on fieldwork, and opportunities for independent research. Through these enriching experiences, Premium College ignites intellectual curiosity and empowers participants to stay active and engaged in society—proving that learning truly has no age limit.

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan University

Despite increasing its annual intake from 50 to 55 students in 2023, the college remains highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 1 in 3. To graduate, students must present research and submit a research paper, helping them deepen their interests and develop the ability to share their insights with society. The program can be extended up to four years, allowing for gradual and flexible learning.

Students belong to a seminar, which is a small-group academic course. Under the guidance of a professor, seminar classes emphasize active participation, presentations, and collaborative learning. At Premium College, each seminar serves as preparation for writing a graduation paper in one year. 

 

College Director Finds Joy in Lifelong Learning

Dr. Matsumoto Jun, the Director, says, “College students are very enthusiastic.”

Specializing in geography, climatology and meteorology, Dr. Matsumoto finds inspiration in the lively exchanges among students of similar ages. Previously focused on his own field, he now enjoys listening to presentations on a wide range of topics researched by seminar students and appreciates the diversity of expertise among his colleagues. “I find intellectual pleasure in being shown worlds I never knew,” he remarks. 

One of the defining features of the college is that it brings together people from diverse backgrounds and provides a place for encounters. “Seeing people energize each other and live vibrantly makes me feel that Premium College offers opportunities for a rich life,” Dr. Matsumoto said.

“We even have participants in their 80s. Some who initially couldn’t use a computer become proficient and, after a year, write papers and present their achievements. Witnessing such progress makes me want to do my best, too,” he added.

（Photo courtesy of Takayama Akihiko）

Learning Beyond Limits: Two Women’s Second Youth

Ms. Shimada Taeko, now in her second year, runs her family’s sake brewery and is also a brewer. She became interested in meteorology and climatology, and said, “It’s a world I would never have known without coming to the college.” 

She added, “I also enjoy mountain climbing, and meteorological knowledge is extremely useful. Even in sake brewing, I’ve started thinking about things like how this year’s rice will grow from a meteorological perspective.”

This year’s research theme is “The Shifting Foundation of Sake Rice.” She is exploring the question: Could sake breweries become key players in agriculture through collaboration with local communities?

For Ms. Ide Michi, who started studying at the college this year, the motivation came from wondering, “Will my life end with the knowledge I have now?” She had tried studying alone but ended up feeling the limits of self-learning. After joining Premium College, she finds the seminar with peers incredibly enjoyable. “I told my friends (from before coming to the college) that I was thinking of studying for another year, and they said, ‘We were sure you’d quit after one year.’”

During overseas life, Ms. Ide became accustomed to markets within walking distance. After returning to Japan, she wondered why supermarkets dominate and traditional markets are no longer a familiar part of daily life. To explore this question, Ms. Ide plans to examine the current state of markets in Japan.

Learning Together, Living Longer with Purpose 

“Isn’t it a plus to gain new human connections along with learning?”

Governor Koike, during her visit, expressed the significance of the college in this way. In an era where people might live healthily for up to 120 years, what they need is not only knowledge and skills but also good human relationships as an essential element for a fulfilling life.

Strategic initiatives such as Tokyo’s Premium College can serve as valuable references for other countries facing similar challenges. As a pioneering model for lifelong learning in the era of 100-year lifespans, its future policy impact assessment and upcoming expansion will be closely watched.

Ever wondered what life looks like after completing a fun and fulfilling journey at Premium College? Graduates take diverse paths. In our next installment, we will introduce some inspiring alumni.

(Link to Part 2)