At 100, Jiro Ono Still Crafts Sushi — Five quiet lessons on living well

Revered around the world, Jiro Ono has reached his 100th birthday and remains present at the place he knows best: the sushi counter. The longtime chef-owner of Tokyo’s famed Sukiyabashi Jiro continues to work with the same careful attention he has shown for decades. His longevity and mental sharpness have intrigued chefs, scientists and admirers who see his daily practices as lessons in graceful ageing.

The person behind Tokyo’s tiny, legendary restaurant

More than half a century after opening Sukiyabashi Jiro, the restaurant earned global acclaim and three Michelin stars, and even drew praise from visitors such as former U.S. President Barack Obama. Though he no longer runs the counter full-time, Jiro still checks in regularly and monitors the quality of every piece served.

Those who meet him describe a man defined by quiet focus, modesty and an uncompromising devotion to his craft. For Jiro, meaningful work and steady engagement are central to a life that stays vivid, body and mind alike.

His story resonates beyond food culture: it offers a model for anyone seeking a long, purposeful life.

1. Keep moving and stay active

At 100, Jiro still rises early and heads to the restaurant. He credits routine and constant small movements for keeping him going. The repetitive tasks of a sushi chef — slicing, forming rice, arranging plates — serve as gentle physical and mental exercise that help maintain mobility and concentration.

You don’t need a professional kitchen to apply this lesson. Regular, simple activities such as daily walks, light chores or gardening all contribute to strength, flexibility and a clear mind.

2. Eat light and balanced meals

Jiro favours modest portions and avoids heaviness at meals. His approach echoes the Japanese idea of Hara Hachi Bu — stopping when you are about 80% full — which can support steady digestion and a healthy weight.

His typical fare includes fresh fish, steamed rice, seasonal vegetables and miso soup: nutrient-rich, low in saturated fat and designed to nourish without overloading the body. Health professionals point to diets like this as helpful for heart and metabolic health.

3. Prioritise quality over haste

Jiro’s craft is defined by unhurried care. He often says that loving your work keeps you improving, and his deliberate pace reduces stress while sharpening skill. Taking time to do things well can protect mental wellbeing and foster satisfaction.

In a hurried world, slowing down to pay attention — a form of everyday mindfulness — can ease anxiety and deepen enjoyment.

4. Honour routine and discipline

Decades of a steady schedule — early rising, focused shifts and consistent sleep habits — have shaped Jiro’s daily life. Such predictability supports circadian rhythms, energy levels and digestion, helping the body run smoothly.

Research suggests that consistent routines around eating, sleeping and activity are linked to better long-term health and reduced risk of chronic illness.

5. Keep learning and remain humble

Even now, Jiro maintains a student’s mindset. He tells apprentices there is always room to grow, and his humility and curiosity reflect an engaged, resilient mind.

Cognitive experts note that continual learning — from reading to picking up new skills or exchanging ideas — helps preserve mental agility and lowers the chance of memory decline.

Life lessons that travel beyond the counter

Jiro Ono’s life is as much about purpose as it is about taste. His example reminds us that deep satisfaction often comes from steady craft, modest habits and a caring approach to daily life.

As he celebrates a century, Jiro shows that ageing can be calm and dignified when it is fuelled by passion, good routines and an open mind. His message is simple: stay engaged, eat mindfully, and never stop learning.