Objectives: To create a Japanese version of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) and assess internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent and structural validity. Method: We conducted a cultural translation and validation study of the Japanese version of the EMAS (EMAS-J) in a sample of 96 community-dwelling older adults in the Tohoku Region of Japan. Results: Internal consistency of the EMAS-J (α = .91) was very good. Low to moderate correlations were found with indicators of health-related quality of life, depression, and life purpose and meaning. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor structure within the EMAS-J; cultural differences in item-factor composition compared with previously reported EMAS factor structures are discussed. Implications: The EMAS-J is a reliable and valid assessment of engagement in meaningful activities for older adults in Japan. The assessment can be used to evaluate the effects of occupation-based interventions upon health and well-being.