First NAKANO REAL HEALTH with Dog Summit: A Celebration of Health for Pets and Humans

NAKANO REAL HEALTH with Dog Summit: Bringing Pet Wellness to the Forefront

On June 1, 2024, the NAKANO REAL HEALTH with Dog Summit was inaugurated at the Nakano Ward Office's Nakano-ba and Soto-niwa in Tokyo. This inaugural event, organized by the Nakano Dog Project, aimed to emphasize the significance of health for pets and their owners, while fostering a community-centric approach to health. Tackling the interdependence of human health, animal wellness, and environmental integrity, the summit supports the One Health philosophy, striving for a future where humans can enjoy longevity and pets can thrive alongside them.

The Nakano Dog Project is at the heart of this initiative, which seeks to enhance the co-living culture between humans and pets in Nakano, known for its historical ties with dogs. The event boasted a variety of seminars focusing on important aspects of canine health, including dental hygiene, skin care, joint muscle therapy, and gut health.

Event Overview

The summit kicked off with activities at Soto-niwa from 10 AM to 4 PM, including hands-on experience sessions and a flea market, where pet enthusiasts could gather and enjoy a dog-friendly environment. Notable activities included a dog yoga session, nutrition consultations, and even a moisturizing treatment check for pets' paw pads. However, this portion was not without a touch of caution, as rain could force cancellations. Yet, for those who braved the elements, the atmosphere remained jubilant and fervent.

At the same time, the Nakano-ba hosted a series of insightful lectures from 1:30 PM to 4:40 PM, covering essential topics around pet health. This included discussions led by industry professionals, with an overarching goal to widen understanding of pet health and Japan’s culture of cohabitation with animals. This educational component was free of charge, emphasizing the community-building aspect of the event.

Speakers and Topics

The seminar schedule featured a lineup of experts:
1. 14:00 - 14:15: Dog Dental Care by Ayako Yamada (Dog Dental Meister Association)
2. 14:20 - 14:50: Skin Care for Dogs by Taro Mima (Mima Agency Co., Ltd.)
3. 14:55 - 15:25: Muscle and Joint Care by Chiaki Hoshina (WALKY Co., Ltd.)
4. 15:30 - 16:00: Gut Health in Dogs by Satoshi Suzuki (Excel Co., Ltd.)

This roster was designed to deliver critical insights into the various health needs of dogs while nurturing a collaborative spirit among pet owners and professionals alike. While attendance was encouraged regardless of geographic boundaries, pets were not allowed inside the Nakano-ba for safety and sanitary regulations.

Cultural Significance of Nakano

Historical ties to dogs in Nakano date back centuries, notably associated with the fifth shogunate, Tsunayoshi, who was known for issuing the “Shall I Have Compassion for All Living Beings” edict and caring for dogs extensively. A statue in Soto-niwa symbolizes this legacy. Anciently named