#Japan #digital health #Okayama #Okayama University #Kibi Central Town

Overview

On July 23, 2025, Okayama University Hospital welcomed government officials from the Cabinet Office's Regional Revitalization Promotion Office, including Nishihara Kazuhisa, along with other strategic advisors such as Matsudaira Kensuke and Fukai Shun. This visit aimed to review the initiatives related to the digital health special zone designated in Kibi Central Town, which focuses on solving regional challenges through digital technology and regulatory reform.

Okayama University Hospital has been deeply involved in transforming the model of community healthcare promoted by Kibi Central Town. The university's hospital director, Maeda Yoshinobu, along with Deputy Director Sakurai Jun and Director of the Advanced Critical Care Center Nakao Atsunori, greeted the guests and presented their initiatives.

Greeting and Presentations

The meeting commenced with an address from Director Maeda, who welcomed the visiting officials and outlined the hospital's efforts within the digital health special zone. Dr. Ueda Kohei, an assistant professor from the Faculty of Health Sciences, conducted a presentation on his research project involving “pre-hospital ultrasound by emergency medical technicians” implemented at the hospital, detailing both its progress and future considerations. This innovative research is aimed at improving emergency medical services in the region.

Following this, Deputy Director Sakurai provided insights on the current state of medical digital transformation (DX) initiatives in Okayama Prefecture, facilitating an engaging discussion among the participants.

Facility Tour

The visit also included a tour of Okayama University Hospital's open innovation program, known as BIZEN, which embodies the hospital's practical efforts rooted in community engagement. The guests explored various facilities, including the lab and the emergency doctor car, witnessing firsthand the hospital’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through innovation.

Commitment to Future Collaboration

Okayama University strives to actualize its long-term vision of becoming a research university that contributes to the future of local communities and the Earth by fostering innovation through collaboration with diverse stakeholders in every field of research, education, and healthcare. The initiatives within the digital health special zone are synergized with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s J-PEAKS program, aiming for the realization of community health rooted in the region.

Expectations are high for Okayama University's continuous efforts in co-creating a better future for local communities and the Earth through impactful research and social transformations.

Visual Documentation

Participants discussing initiatives related to healthcare technology



Deputy Director Sakurai presenting Okayama University Hospital's undertakings



Guests observing the doctor car during their visit

Conclusion

The partnership between Okayama University and Kibi Central Town in the digital health special zone stands as a pioneering model for tackling regional healthcare challenges effectively. As Okayama University represents a prominent research institution, stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged and follow the unfolding advancements that contribute significantly to society’s healthcare landscape.