Okayama University announced April 17 it will allow professors to work until age 75 instead of mandatory retirement at 65, with unchanged compensation and research support — a first for Japan's university system. The policy creates new titles ('Distinguished Professor' and 'Honored Professor') for researchers meeting publication and grant-funding thresholds. This matters because Japanese universities have struggled to retain senior researchers; the policy aims to keep experienced scholars active longer while addressing the 'age 100 society' workforce reality. The system takes effect in 2028 when the first two professors become 'Honored Professors,' suggesting this is a deliberate pilot approach rather than immediate blanket policy.