It is my great honor to have been appointed Director of the International Center at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (UOEH), in April 2026. I am deeply committed to advancing the internationalization of our university and to further strengthening the global network that supports our education, research, and academic exchange. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your continued support and cooperation.

 

When UOEH was founded in 1978, the word “Japan” was intentionally incorporated into the university’s name. This reflected the founders’ vision that occupational medicine would continue to develop worldwide and that institutions dedicated to occupational medicine would one day be established in many countries. Guided by this vision, UOEH has promoted international collaboration for more than four decades. Since hosting its first International Symposium in 1981, the University has organized JICA international training programs in occupational medicine. Since 1988, the Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences has continuously served as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center. In 2012, the International Exchange Center was established to integrate the University’s international activities, and in 2022 it evolved into the current International Center, marking a new stage in UOEH’s global engagement.

 

Today, the International Center promotes collaborative research, faculty exchange, and student mobility through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with 32 overseas universities, research institutes, and international organizations, including the International Labor Organization (ILO). Our activities also include the annual UOEH International Symposium, educational support for international students and visiting trainees, overseas exchange opportunities for students in both the School of Medicine and the School of Health Sciences, international distance-learning courses for graduate students in collaboration with National Taiwan University, and participation in international academic meetings such as the Japan–China–Korea Conference on Occupational Health. Through these initiatives, we strive to create an educational and research environment that is truly connected to the world.

 

My own international experience includes serving as a Team Leader at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). I currently serve as President of the Asian Pacific Academy on Psychosocial Factors at Work. Working with researchers and professionals from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds has provided me with invaluable experience and reinforced my belief in the importance of international collaboration. I hope to build upon these experiences to further strengthen UOEH’s global partnerships and contribute to the advancement of occupational and environmental health worldwide.

 

Rapid advances in information and communication technologies and artificial intelligence have significantly reduced the barriers of distance and language, creating unprecedented opportunities for international collaboration. In this new era, I believe it is increasingly important for UOEH not only to share its knowledge and achievements with the world but also to learn from outstanding international partners. By embracing both perspectives, we can continue to enhance our education, research, and contributions to society.

 

The International Center will continue to serve as a bridge connecting UOEH with the global community, creating opportunities for students, faculty members, researchers, and practitioners to learn from one another and develop new collaborations. Together, we will carry forward the vision embodied in the word “Japan” in our University’s name and further strengthen UOEH’s role as a globally recognized center of excellence in occupational and environmental health.

 

Thank you very much for your continued support, and I look forward to working with all of you to build an even stronger international community at UOEH.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　                    Akinori Nakata

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　                    Director

I am honored to assume the role of Deputy Director of the International Center. I am deeply committed to this position and am eager to contribute to its success.

In today's globalized world, the importance of international exchange is paramount. As the pace of globalization accelerates, cultivating a deep understanding of diverse cultures and the ability to collaborate effectively across borders has become paramount for students. Moreover, from the perspective of both the Global South and the Global North, international exchange is not merely an academic connection-it is an opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of our world.

At the International Center, we are engaged in various initiatives, including supporting international students, strengthening partnerships with overseas universities, hosting international symposiums, and promoting international collaborative research. As Deputy Director, I will strive to enhance these efforts and create an environment where more students and faculty members can gain valuable international experiences.

Intercultural exchange fosters innovation and enriches society. I am optimistic that this center will function as a conduit that connects people worldwide and strengthens our global connections. I am eager to collaborate with all of you to bring this vision to life.

 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　                      Takeshi Ebara

 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　                     Vice Director 

I studied abroad in Thailand after graduating from our university. During my visits to Asian countries, I often meet researchers who have received training or conducted joint research at UOEH. At such times, I am very proud of UOEH as the alumni, and such connections often lead me to my next research. Developing countries in Asia are facing the same occupational health challenges that Japan has experienced, such as pneumoconiosis, chemical substance poisoning, and overwork. We would like to increase opportunities for the UOEH to contribute to such countries.

We will also support the careers of students who are interested in international exchange and study abroad, and will provide support to our international faculty and students to focus on their research and academic work. Students at our university tend to spend their days in a closed environment as a single-department medical university, but I hope that they will grow not only in knowledge and skills but also as human beings through exposure to diverse cultures and values in other countries.

                                                                                                                                                   Tomohiro Ishimaru

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　                     　Vice Director