Exploring the Future of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: IBD Community 2025 Event at Kyoto University

Event Overview

On May 17, 2025, Kyoto University Hospital and Goodte Inc. will host the event IBD Community 2025 in Kyoto University: Let's Talk About the Future and Meet Healthcare/Food. This year marks the third collaboration between the two organizations for World IBD Day, and it will be the first in-person gathering, held at Kyoto University.

Every year on May 19, World IBD Day is recognized globally with various events. Japanese landmarks like Kokura Castle, Kumamoto Castle, Himeji Castle, and Osaka Castle will illuminate in purple, the symbol color for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). These activities aim to connect patients and supporters facing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, while raising awareness of these conditions.

IBD includes diseases characterized by inflammation of the intestines without known causes, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding. Currently, these conditions are deemed incurable and classified as intractable diseases in Japan, where there are approximately 220,000 ulcerative colitis patients and around 70,000 with Crohn's disease, with cases steadily increasing. Notably, both former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Olympic sprinter Yoshihide Kiryu have been publicly recognized as patients. Recently, MrBeast, a popular YouTuber from the United States, revealed his own struggle with Crohn’s disease, highlighting the increasing global prevalence of IBD.

The rising number of patients has heightened the demand for better understanding and treatment options for these debilitating conditions, especially as they often affect a younger demographic entering significant life stages such as education, employment, marriage, and parenthood. Improving the quality of life (QoL) for these individuals is a critical concern.

In 2021, a research team from Kyoto University Hospital identified autoantibodies with potential for unraveling the mysteries of ulcerative colitis, a breakthrough that could lead to new diagnostic kits and treatment options. The team is currently progressing through drug approval submissions and developing innovative therapies aimed at the root causes of the disease.

During the event, attendees will learn about the latest findings from ongoing research, the challenges faced by the team, and future developments. One of the focal points will be a lecture by Maki Nakahigashi, an expert in dietary approaches for IBD, discussing crucial aspects of nutrition for patients. The latter part of the event will feature breakout sessions for Q&A on research, diet-related inquiries, and opportunities for patient networking. We hope this will be a chance for IBD patients and supporters to envision a brighter future together.

Event Details

Event Name: IBD Community 2025 in Kyoto University - Let's Talk About the Future and Meet Healthcare/Food

Date: May 17, 2025 (Saturday) from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Kyoto University, Rakuyukai Hall (Sakyo-ku, Yoshida Nihonmatsu-cho)

Target Audience: IBD patients, family members, healthcare professionals, and supporters. All are welcome to attend.

Admission Fee: Free

Capacity: 70 participants. Pre-registration is mandatory due to venue limitations (Deadline: May 16, 12:00 PM).

Early registrants will receive a special clear file from Kyoto University. However, walk-ins are also welcome without prior registration.

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/exHBkojmk5Wt9wAs7

Organizers: Goodte Inc. and Kyoto University Hospital's Gastroenterology Department
Supported by: NPO IBD Network, Osaka IBD, Mie IBD, Himeji IBD