Japanese Symbol for
健康kenkō
health · wellness · vitality
Readings
Meaning
Health, good health, wellness, vitality. 健康 combines 健 (healthy, sound, robust) with 康 (peace, ease, health). Japan has one of the world's highest life expectancies and a rich culture of preventive health.
Example words
健康的
kenkō-teki
healthy, wholesome
健康診断
kenkō shindan
health checkup
元気
genki
healthy, energetic, in good spirits
長寿
chōju
longevity, long life
養生
yōjō
taking care of one's health
体力
tairyoku
physical strength, stamina
Japan has the world's highest proportion of centenarians. 元気ですか (genki desu ka — "Are you well/energetic?") is the standard greeting asking after someone's health. Japanese health culture includes 森林浴 (shinrin-yoku — forest bathing), 温泉 (onsen — hot springs), and 和食 (washoku — Japanese cuisine) — recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in part for its health benefits.
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