#Japan #Tokyo #gene therapy #Hearing Loss #Tokyo Residents' Lecture

The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science is set to host the 5th Tokyo Residents' Lecture on October 26, 2026. This year’s theme is "A Future to Regain Hearing: New Possibilities Unlocked by Gene Therapy," which will delve into cutting-edge research and therapies in the realm of hearing restoration.

Overview

As part of its ongoing commitment to demystify complex medical topics for the public, the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science organizes the annual residents' lecture. This initiative aims to share insights from diverse research areas, including neurological diseases, psychiatric disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases. By doing so, the institute hopes to foster a deeper understanding among Tokyo residents regarding advancements in medicine and potential avenues for treatment.

In this year’s lecture, we are excited to welcome two distinguished speakers: Associate Professor Kazusaku Kamiya from Juntendo University School of Medicine, and Yoshikawa Kinryo, the Hearing Loss Project Leader at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute.

Event Details

• - Date & Time: October 26, 2026 (Monday) from 15:00 to 16:30 (Doors open at 14:30)
• - Format: Hybrid (In-person at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute auditorium and via Zoom)
• - Themes:

- _“A Future to Regain Hearing: New Possibilities Unlocked by Gene Therapy”_ by Associate Professor Kazusaku Kamiya
- _“The Future of Hearing Restoration”_ by Yoshikawa Kinryo

Keynote Speeches

Associate Professor Kazusaku Kamiya will explore how many cases of congenital hearing loss are attributed to genetic variations. Traditionally, solutions involved hearing aids or cochlear implants; however, gene therapy is emerging as a promising alternative. This presentation will clarify the origins of hearing loss, elucidate gene therapy processes, and discuss new avenues of treatment focusing on genetic factors contributing to congenital hearing loss. Attendees can expect to gain firsthand insights into ongoing research efforts and the latest findings that may bring us closer to practical gene therapy applications.

Yoshikawa Kinryo will address the prevalence of age-related hearing loss and its implications. As we age, various bodily functions, including hearing, tend to decline. By around age 65, many begin to notice changes in their hearing abilities, with the onset of hearing loss spiking significantly after age 80. This is primarily due to the inability of 'hair cells' in the cochlea to self-repair after damage. Despite the current limitations in restoring hearing, Kinryo’s presentation will reveal innovative research using age-related hearing loss model mice, which shows promise in mitigating hearing decline through the manipulation of specific genetic functions. This lecture aims to inspire hope for future advancements in preserving and regaining hearing ability.

Participation Details

• - Capacity: 600 participants (100 in-person, 500 online)
• - Registration: Free of charge, but prior registration is mandatory. Participants from outside Tokyo are also welcome to apply.

To attend in person, registrations can be made via either the application form on the Tokyo Medical Institute's website or by sending a return postcard with the required details.

• - Online Participation: To register for the webinar, please follow the registration form on the Tokyo Medical Institute's homepage.

Deadline: In-person by October 22, 2026; Online by the start of the lecture.

Attendees who participate and complete a questionnaire will receive 100 Tokyo Points. For further details, explore the official Tokyo app site.