Aspects of aging and the field of gerontology have intersected aspects of my career and academic pursuits both in the US and in Japan over the past 30+ years. My recent research in partial fulfillment of a Master's Degree in Contemporary East Asian Studies allowed me to deeply consider and research the sociocultural responses to Japan's demographic imbalance with particular focus on the growing older adult population and the role of ritual in contemporary Japan. My work in the field of education includes wellness, fitness, dance for all ages with special focus on programs for older adults. In addition, I have developed courses and curriculum for English, Japanese, Taiko, Koto, and other Japanese traditional performing and cultural arts. While in Japan, teaching English language and conversation at the college level and in the community deepened and expanded my appreciation of Japanese arts, culture, and language. I was also able to introduce a self-published instructor training program for water exercise to community fitness instructors in the Maebashi and Takasaki communities. I achieved a teaching certificat for Ikebana and now hold a chugen certificate for Koto. Taiko drumming has also been a passion and I'm pleased that two groups I helped establish in this area appeal to all ages and continue to expand their reach into the Kansas City community. For the past 22 years, I have taught Japanese language and culture in the public high school and college settings in Kansas. I've led numerous study tours to Japan for students and adults and was instrumental in the establishment of school, Rotary Club, and community alliances between Olathe and Maebashi. As an atypical academic and more of a community and cultural activist, I am pleased to participate in this conference virtually and look forward to broadening my network and knowledge about aging and society in Japan.
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Aging and Social Change
Yun An Chen
