This study explored the concept of wisdom via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 15 middle-aged and older Japanese adults. The results of qualitative analysis revealed five components: (1) solving problems effectively, (2) prioritizing important issues, (3) being flexible, (4) keeping harmony with others, and (5) having life principles. While the results yielded common components with those found in the previous studies conducted primarily in the U.S. and Europe, the participants also emphasized the features that seemed to reflect the ethical climate of Japan and common values in Asian countries such as a sense of harmony (e.g., respect for the rules and humility) and an insight into one’s life and the will to act upon it (e.g., an ability to accomplish goals). In the future studies of wisdom in Japan, it is recommended that these unique components should be taken into consideration.

  The purpose of this study was to analyze and consider the current situations and the future expectations of Intergenerational programs between children and elderly in after-school care. This comparative investigation examined after-school care program directors in 1,815 cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan, grouped by size: the metropolis, cities with more than 100,000 people, cities with less than 100,000 people, and rural districts.

  Regarding intergenerational activities, the board games, “Shogi” and “Igo” were the most popular activity in the metropolis. For cities with more than 100,000 people, “playing traditional games” was a popular activity along with “musical instruments, music appreciation, and a chorus,” “stories of elderly’s experiences” and “reading books and picture stories.” For cities with less than 100,000 people, “cooking and making sweets” were of interest.

  We conclude that it is important to construct Intergenerational programs in after-school care, in a way that meets the needs of both generations, so that everyone can participate without difficulty. The implementation of such activities should be designed in accordance with the expectations of after-school care program directors and in consideration of the living condition of elderly in the various regions.

  This study aimed to identify the involvement of Initial-Phase Intensive Support Team (IPIST) for dementia in decision-making of people with dementia and their family members. The research team conducted semi-structured interviews with four members of IPIST of two municipalities. Interviews covered issues such as the points to which members paid particular attention when conducting interviews with people with dementia and members’ response and feelings in case of discrepancy between people with dementia and their family. The verbatim records of the interviews were subsequently analyzed inductively. The participants in this study stated that rapid diagnosis and response were required during initial-phase intensive support, and that a deliberate division of roles was established between team members. Their experience indicated the importance of such actions as [building a relationship carefully over time with reasonable suspicion of skepticism], [relationship to coordinate the thoughts of both patients and their families], [activities intended for early diagnosis and support], [introduction of services centering on the thoughts of the patients], and [support in the challenges associated with awareness of dementia and measures taken]. Thus, they faced a dilemma between respectful interactions with people with dementia and IPIST regulations.

  The Japanese word “kawaii” (cute, adorable, or lovely in English) primarily has been discussed in the context of youth culture. This study explored older adults’ feelings of kawaii, investigating how this population reacts to kawaii products designed specifically for young people. In face-to-face interviews, 20 elderly community members were asked about their concepts of kawaii and their impressions of kawaii commercial characters popular with young people. Qualitative content analysis revealed that grandparents’ social role and relationships with grandchildren affected their emotional feelings of kawaii – not only towards their grandchildren but also towards other objects. Long-term life experience influenced what kinds of objects they felt kawaii. About half of the interviewees did not perceive the character toys as kawaii because they were unfamiliar with the objects. These results indicate that static visual features become less important for older adults than facial expressions and body motions as cues for kawaii feelings; nonetheless, older adults also evaluate kawaii feelings positively.