Japanese or Okinawan longevity is sometimes discussed by
raw/vegan advocates. They claim that the diet is near-vegetarian
and the longevity is due to eating so little animal protein.

The article below points out that longevity depends on many
factors, but that the Japanese diet has shown increased
longevity and increased animal protein consumption, in the same
timespan.

From the article:

"Suzuki says that the benefits of the traditional Japanese diet have been
made possible by economic development. Before the Second World War, the
average intake of animal protein was less than seven grams a day, but has
risen to a near-ideal 40 grams, along with a similar level of vegetable
protein. While cholesterol intake is rising, it has not reached the levels
in the West, where there are unprecedented levels of obesity."


http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/09/1089000356464.html?from=moreStories

The article is a good read.

Tom Billings