Our course is informed by an interdisciplinary gerontological approach integrating visits to and engagement with academic (research centers and universities), business (biotech, pharmaceutical, robotics), health and medical (geriatrics, hospitals, preventative care), policy (local and prefectural government), and socio-cultural (cultural heritage, living environment, social network) sites. Here's a list of potential sites:
Learning Sites
SHONAN ROBO CARE CENTER
There are growing demands for robot services from the society to assist and improve body functions of elderlies and disabled people for providing livelihood support and enhancing social involvement since Japan has entered super-aging society. Medical robots and healing robots are displayed in a showroom for visitors to touch and experience them. Learn more.
SHONAN IPARK
Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark) began operations in April 2018, with the aim of creating a co-location ecosystem comprised of researchers, industry experts, venture startups, government, and academia who will collaborate and co-create - to accelerate research, with the aim of transforming cutting-edge science into impactful health solutions for patients across the world. Learn more.
KANAGAWA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
In 2003 the Kanagawa University of Human Services was established, aiming to correspond to the aging population, which is the biggest issue in the 21st century. With the philosophy of ‘Human Service,’ Kanagawa fosters the next generation of innovative health leaders. Learn more.
WAKABADAI DANCHI
Wakabadai danchi is a housing complex in Yokohoma, Japan with about 15,000 residents. More than 40% percent of residents in these danchi are over the age of 65. “This place is called “the Tibet of Yokohama” by outsiders. It means this is a great place to raise children for young couples and to spend the rest of their lives for the elderly,”
LIFE INNOVATION CENTER
In 2016, the Life Innovation Center (LIC) was created by the Kanagawa Prefecture for the industrialization of regenerative medicine and cell therapy,. Their ultimate goal is to accelerate efforts from research and development to commercialization, aiming for practical application and industrialization of promising seeds in regenerative medicine and cell therapy. Learn more.
TOKAI UNIVERSITY SHONAN CAMPUS
The Shonan Campus has 11 faculties and Graduate School that are unique to an integrated university of science and technology, from science and engineering to information, social and humanities, and sports. Learn more.
KANAGAWA PREFECTURE CANCER CENTER
Originally called the Kanagawa Medical Center for Adult Diseases, the Kanagawa Cancer Center was launched in 1963, and has been established as a medical center specializing in cancer diagnosis and treatment since 1986. The Kanagawa Cancer Center is comprised of a hospital, a research institute, and a secretariat. It's located in Yokohama City, the most international place in Japan, and contributes to providing the latest and best medicine to it's citizens. Learn more.
HAYAMA
Hayama is the historic home of some of the first ambassadors from the West to Japan over 100 years ago, and many of their residences still remain, Since 2016 the town has been performing a muscle training program named “chokin exercise” as part of its regional preventive care programs. This practice also helps to widen a community friendly network. Chokin exercise, designed to keep muscles strong enough for seniors to function well in daily life, is easy for everyone to practice. People can enjoy the exercise while singing a song.
KANAGAWA PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE
Kanagawa Prefecture consists of 33 municipalities. It is the only prefecture in Japan that has three ordinance-designated cities (Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Sagamihara). In addition, 16 cities, 13 towns, and 1 village full of charm shine in Kanagawa. Learn more.
KEIO UNIVERSITY - SHINANOMACHI CAMPUS
Shinanomachi Campus houses the Keio University Hospital and is where second- to sixth-year medical students and third-year nursing students study and train. The hospital surrounds the School of Medicine, allowing students to gain direct experience in medical settings, emphasizing the importance of real interactions with patients. Learn more.
THE TOKYO FOUNDATION FOR POLICY RESEARCH
The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research seeks to articulate the needs of private individuals and anticipate future developments in Japan and the world in offering reasonable, practicable, and evidence-based policy proposals that can help build a public sphere supportive of personal freedom and dignity. Learn more.
KEIO UNIVERSITY HUYOSHI CAMPUS
TOKYO UNIVERSITY
The University of Tokyo a leading research university, and aims to provide its students with a rich and varied academic environment that ensures opportunities for both intellectual development and the acquisition of professional knowledge and skill. Learn more.