A Special Dialogue Between the Japan Sumo Association and HIROTSU Bioscience

Today marks a significant milestone as HIROTSU Bioscience, under the leadership of CEO Takasumi Hirotsu, proudly announces the release of a special dialogue with Nobuyoshi Hakkaku, the Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association. This event commemorates not only the 10th anniversary of the invention of the N-NOSE® but also Hakkaku's decade-long tenure as chairman.

Since September 2022, HIROTSU Bioscience has been an official partner of the Japan Sumo Association, offering free cancer risk testing via N-NOSE® to association members and their families once a year. This initiative aims to protect the health of sumo wrestlers, who are a vital part of Japan's national sport. Despite operating in distinct environments, both sumo and science share a common commitment to serving humanity.

In this enlightening conversation, Hakkaku and Hirotsu reflect on the achievements of the past decade while intertwining their respective journeys. Hakkaku emphasizes, “I'm not the leading character. My focus is on ensuring that the next generation can shine without any burdens. What I do now, I commit to with all my heart and life.” His words reveal a deep sense of responsibility for connecting the legacy of sumo with the future generation. He adds, “If we had the mindset of ‘as long as we’re okay, that’s enough,’ the sumo association wouldn’t have survived for over a century.” This statement encapsulates his sense of duty and vision for the future of the sport.

Both leaders demonstrate a passionate interest in the N-NOSE® test. Hakkaku expresses concern about the potential lives that could have been saved if cancer was detected earlier. He remarks, “I believe that there are lives that could have been saved if we had just found cancer sooner. This testing could potentially save many. Let’s keep the ambition of reducing cancer deaths to zero.” His support of innovative technology focused on life preservation underscores the importance of spreading awareness about early cancer detection.

Recently, the N-NOSE® test has introduced a convenient, ambient temperature service allowing individuals to collect samples at home and mail them in, making the testing process seamless. Hakkaku shares his enthusiasm for this new system saying, “It’s incredibly convenient to be able to complete the process using a mail drop-off available nationwide.” His positivity signals confidence in the test's potential acceptance among a broader audience.

The dialogue encapsulates the collaborative spirit between the worlds of sumo and biomedical science, aligning their missions for the greater good. By providing innovative solutions and fostering health awareness, both leaders are setting the stage for a healthier future in Japan.

About HIROTSU Bioscience

Founded in August 2016, HIROTSU Bioscience focuses on pioneering testing technologies that harness biological capabilities to secure people’s health and future well-being. With innovative thought and relentless effort from researchers, the company successfully brought N-NOSE® to fruition. As society moves towards a 100-year life expectancy, with alarming statistics indicating that 1 in 2 individuals will be affected by cancer, HIROTSU is committed to solving critical social issues with its groundbreaking technology, which utilizes the superior olfactory sense of nematodes to surpass traditional detection methods.

Location: Suite 22, New Otani Garden Court, 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
CEO: Takasumi Hirotsu
Website: HIROTSU Bioscience

About N-NOSE®

N-NOSE® utilizes the exceptional sense of smell of the C. elegans nematode to accurately detect cancer-specific odors in human urine. This risk assessment test requires just a urine sample, offering a straightforward, cost-effective, and highly precise method for early cancer risk detection across the entire body.

Service Site: N-NOSE