The 12th Asian Conference on Aging & Gerontology (AGen2026)

March 22-27, 2026 | Tokyo International Forum & Toshi Center Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, and Online


Recognising and promoting the inherent dignity of people at all ages represents a foundational goal shared by societies around the world. The desire to identify meaning and value in life underpins inquiries into law and politics, religion and the arts, and it guides the resolution of ethical questions associated with scientific inquiry and resulting innovations. As medical science, public health and technology continue to advance, so lives have grown progressively longer. Increasingly, this leads to new questions regarding the kind of lives we will experience as we grow older. While advances in science and medicine increase longevity, what innovative technologies are emerging that address the changing needs faced by an aging world? Researchers, scientists, and advocates will gather in Tokyo for AGen2026 to discuss these questions and others.

Japan represents a unique location for research professionals to meet and explore the topic of aging. Japan has one of the most rapidly aging populations, which combined with a declining birthrate, represents a compelling example of the demographic transition resulting from increased longevity. The issues and challenges faced in Japan have expanded to other Pacific nations, Europe, Africa, and the Americas as all nations experience the benefits of increased longevity. Worldwide, there is a growing recognition that the kind of life we now give our elders will impact the way we will be treated and cared for as we enter our later years. Because aging is a worldwide phenomenon, the needs and opportunities of an aging world must also reflect and respect cultural and social diversity in developing programs that encourage quality of life at all ages. How do we address the collective needs of the aging population while respecting each person’s individuality? AGen2026 provides an ideal forum for discussing and debating the many issues related to aging and gerontology. Submissions from a variety of fields and perspectives are welcomed and encouraged. Original research across disciplines, including science and technology, philosophy and politics, sociology, and psychology, will ensure an active and exciting opportunity to expand our gerontological understanding.

Now entering its 12th year, the AGen2026 Programme Committee has seen the conference grow in size and diversity of perspectives as it attracts researchers and practitioners from around the world to address this crucial topic. For this year's event AGen will be partnering with The 16th Asian Conference on Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences (ACP2026) and The 12th Asian Conference on Education & International Development (ACEID2026), increasing opportunities for broad multidisciplinary exchanges. Registration the conference allows access to sessions in the other two.

Held in partnership with the IAFOR Research Centre at the Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP) at Osaka University, this international conference encourages academics and scholars to meet and exchange ideas and views in a forum stimulating respectful dialogue. This event will afford an exceptional opportunity for renewing old acquaintances, making new contacts, networking, and facilitating partnerships across national and disciplinary borders.

In conjunction with our Global Partners, we look forward to extending you a warm welcome to Tokyo in 2026.

The AGen2026 Programme Committee


Key Information
  • Location & Venue: Held in Tokyo, Japan, and online
  • Dates: Sunday, March 22, 2026 ​to Friday, March 27, 2026
  • Early Bird Abstract Submission Deadline: September 18, 2025*
  • Final Abstract Submission Deadline: December 12, 2025
  • Registration Deadline for Presenters: January 22, 2026

*Submit early to take advantage of the discounted registration rates. Learn more about our registration options.


Speakers

To be Announced

  • Evangelia Chrysikou
    Evangelia Chrysikou
    University College London, United Kingdom
  • Hiroshi Ota
    Hiroshi Ota
    Hitotsubashi University, Japan
  • Lowell Sheppard
    Lowell Sheppard
    Never Too Late Academy & IAFOR, Japan

IAFOR's Conference Themes for 2025-2029

IAFOR Themes 2025-2029
Our selected themes for 2025-2029 bring together ideas and encourage research and synergies in the following areas:

  • Technology and Artificial Intelligence
  • Humanity and Human Intelligence
  • Global Citizenship and Education for Peace
  • Leadership
  • Our four themes can be seen as standalone themes, but they are also very much in conversation with each other. Themes may be seen as corollaries, complementary, or in opposition/juxtaposition with each other. The themes can be considered as widely as possible and are designed, in keeping with our mission, to encourage ideas across the disciplines.


    Read Last Year's Conference Report


    Conference News

    Accepted Presentations

    One of the greatest strengths of IAFOR’s international conferences is their international and intercultural diversity. As of December 3, 2025, AGen2026 has received over 250 submissions from more than 41 countries and territories - including: India, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, ...
    Tips and Technology to Maximise Your Conference Experience

    Sponsorship & Exhibition

    Enhance your brand visibility among a far-reaching audience of academic researchers, education specialists, university deans, school heads, government officials from country ministries of education, and other academic researchers from around the world ...

    Sponsorship & Exhibition

    Sponsorship & Exhibition

    Sponsor the Event

    Enhance your brand visibility among a global audience of academics, policymakers, and professionals.

    IAFOR Conference Experience

    Exhibit at the Event

    Showcase your organisation or services in a dynamic conference setting.


    About IAFOR

    "Inspiring Global Collaborations"

    Founded in 2009, The International Academic Forum (IAFOR) is a mission-driven politically independent non-partisan and non-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging interdisciplinary discussion, facilitating intercultural awareness and promoting international exchange, principally through educational interaction and academic research. Based in Japan, its main administrative office is in Nagoya, and its research centre is in the Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), a graduate school of The University of Osaka. IAFOR runs research programs and events in partnership with universities, think tanks, and other associations. Through its international, intercultural and interdisciplinary conferences, research, and publications, IAFOR is a network hub for interdisciplinary discussion across Asia and beyond.
    Read more about IAFOR.

    Evangelia Chrysikou
    University College London, United Kingdom

    Biography

    TBA

    Keynote Presentation (2026) | TBA
    Hiroshi Ota
    Hitotsubashi University, Japan

    Biography

    TBA

    Keynote Presentation (2026) | TBA
    Lowell Sheppard
    Never Too Late Academy & IAFOR, Japan

    Biography

    Mr Lowell Sheppard is an author, speaker, social entrepreneur, and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society with a lifelong commitment to social impact, ethical leadership, and exploration. He has worked extensively with established NGOs and start-ups, most notably as the Founder of HOPE International Development Agency Japan. Under his leadership, HOPE-JP has grown to rank among the top 2% of charitable organizations in Japan, achieving the prestigious nintei tax-deductible certification. Mr Sheppard has been a longtime supporter and past speaker at IAFOR Conferences. He currently serves as the organisation’s Director of Development, seeking to expand the Global Fellowship Programme and scholarship opportunities.

    Mr Sheppard’s passion for social and environmental improvement projects has driven his career. For over two decades, Lowell has served as an informal advisor to companies and boards around the globe. In pursuit of adventure and deeper insights into ageing and longevity, Mr Sheppard moved onto a sailboat five years ago and has been sailing full-time around Japan, embracing the life of a digital nomad and explorer. Most recently, he has been moored in the Blue Zone of Okinawa, learning from one of the world’s longest-living communities.

    In 2025, he embarks on a bold new journey: sailing the entire length of Japan, following the annual Cherry Blossom Front, retracing by boat the route he cycled 25 years ago. As he celebrates his 70th birthday along the way, he aims to uncover the secrets of long and energized living from Japan’s remote coastal communities.

    As an author, his book Never Too Late (Lion Hudson PLC, 2005), published in four languages, became the inspiration for his latest social enterprise, the Never Too Late Academy. His most recent book, Dare to Dream, was shortlisted for the UK Business Book of the Year Award in 2023.

    Keynote Presentation (2026) | TBA

    Previous Presentations

    Panel Presentation (2022) | Missing You: Resilience, Renewal and Rebuilding Intergenerational Contact Within Families
    Keynote Presentation (2018) | Surviving and Thriving: In Pursuit of a Sustainable World – A Unique and Personal Reflection