Abstract: The rapid aging of population and the development of urbanization are important problems faced by many countries including Japan and China. Under the challenge of the parallel development of aging and urbanization, on the one hand, urban governance needs to plan supporting infrastructure and service facilities for the elderly in advance; on the other hand, the increase of the elderly population entails more perfect pension and medical services and comprehensive social support. In the process of managing the aging cities, Japan not only responded positively to the challenge with the concept of active aging, but also made some beneficial explorations and experiments from the aspects of “healthy gatekeepers”, “lifelong learning and social participation” and the promotion of old friendly cities. The experience of Japans active aging city construction has important implications for the improvement of China's urban pension system, the promotion of modern urban governance, and active response to population aging.

Key words: Japan , active aging, urban governance