Since April 2022, the International Center has been established in the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, by the restructuring from the International Exchange Center. It is a great pleasure and honor to be the first director of the International Center.

 

The University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, was established to educate medical professionals, provide high level of education, conduct research related to medical science and healthcare sciences and promote sciences relevant to the working environment and health of workers. To achieve these purposes, internationalization has recently become unavoidable. At the International Center, our philosophy is to promote international exchange activities in the spirit of our founding, with perspectives on the global society. In addition, the mission is to build a system for broader international cooperation and information dissemination to improve international status and reputation.

 

The International Center continues to make efforts for multiple projects, including international exchange education among multiple faculties, international remote lectures, cooperation projects with international organizations such as WHOCC, ILO, JICA, etc. and the conclusion of international exchange agreements with 23 universities. The Center also needs to propose and implement new projects and has begun planning regularly held international symposiums and WEBinars, the enhancement of international remote lectures and so on by efficiently using WEB and SNS.

 

The University has honorably received the “Frist Place” in young universities in Japan as well as private universities in Japan praised by the THE World University Rankings. To keep the high status, it is an urgent issue to improve the global recognition and reputation of the name “University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan”. In the long term, we should foster global leaders in the field of occupational medicine, lead the era of globalization, and aim to carry out our mission in a global society. It is necessary for young people and wisdom of all of you to come together to realize new trends in anticipation of progress 10 years from now. We would appreciate your cooperation.

 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　  Yoshiya Tanaka

 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　 Director 

I am honored to serve as the Vice President of the International Center at UOEH. After graduating from UOEH, I embarked on a fulfilling career as an occupational physician. Following the completion of my mandatory service, a milestone achieved remarkably by the age of 37, I pursued advanced studies at the distinguished Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, U.S.A., commencing at the age of 40, through the esteemed Takemi International Health Program.

 

During my time at Harvard, I gained a unique perspective on Japan's position in the global landscape. As we are all aware, Japan grapples with a declining birthrate and a rapidly aging population. This pivotal juncture solidified my belief in two distinct paths: one, a trajectory of domestic focus leading to a future of contraction, or the other, an outward embrace, fostering dynamism through diverse international interactions.

 

In my role, I am committed to bolstering our university's standing, not only in Asia but on a global scale. With the unwavering support of our university community, I am dedicated to facilitating exchanges with esteemed overseas institutions and fostering collaborative research endeavors. I am grateful for your anticipated support and collaboration on this exciting journey.

 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　  Hisashi Eguchi

 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　 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