May 27, 2025
This afternoon’s visit to the School of Health Innovation (SHI) at Kanagawa University of Human Services was a deep dive into one of Japan’s most progressive health philosophies: Me-Byo, and how it is shaping both academic research and public policy in the face of population aging.
After a short walk through the Tonomachi district, we arrived at the Research Gate Building, where we were welcomed by an impressive team of faculty and researchers. The afternoon was packed with insightful presentations, collaborative discussions, and an eye-opening introduction to how Kanagawa Prefecture is addressing the shifting needs of its aging society.
At the heart of the day’s discussion was Me-Byo, a concept that redefines health as a continuous spectrum between wellness and illness. Unlike traditional models that treat disease reactively, Me-Byo focuses on early detection, lifestyle management, and prevention. The guiding question is not “Are you sick?” but rather “How can we preserve your function?”
One of the most fascinating tools introduced was the Me-Byo Index, developed to assess an individual’s “intrinsic capacity” (IC), a measure that combines both physical and mental abilities. The index includes metrics across four key domains:
- Lifestyle/Metabolic Function: sex, age, BMI, and blood pressure
- Locomotor Function: gait speed, GLFS-5
- Cognitive Function: Mini-Cog™
- Mental Resilience: MIMOSYS™
These factors are used to track gradual health changes and intervene before illness sets in. The index is not just a measurement, it’s a decision-making tool for policy, community health planning, and individualized care.
We also learned about the Kanagawa “Me-Byo” Cohort Study, part of the larger J-MICC research initiative, which has enrolled over 5,500 participants since 2016. This long-term project explores how genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors interact to influence health outcomes. The ultimate goal is to promote healthy aging and prevent disease, not only for individuals, but across populations.
Beyond the data, the SHI (School of Innovation) team emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty from medicine, nutrition, public health, and social sciences are working side-by-side to train the next generation of professionals who can apply these principles in the real world. The diversity of professors and their global perspectives underscored a strong commitment to innovation through inclusion.
Today’s experience was not just informative, it was inspiring. It challenged us to think differently about aging, health, and what it means to care for a population proactively. As we made our way back to Yokohama, I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness a model that blends research, policy, and compassion so seamlessly.
Yassin Kadhim Ismaeel
PharmD Candidate Class of 2026
UMB School of Pharmacy