#Japan #Tokyo #Lymphedema #Medical Japan #Chiaki Hara

Event to Promote Awareness of Lymphedema

On September 29, 2025, a significant event took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi, aimed at raising awareness about lymphedema, a condition affecting countless cancer survivors. The event celebrated the release of the manga titled "Understanding Lymphedema Through Comics", authored by Keiko Mitsui with supervision by Dr. Koichi Nagao. Currently, lymphedema is a challenge for many post-cancer patients in Japan, yet remains largely unknown to the general public.

The publication event was attended by approximately 45 individuals, including 10 lymphedema patients from both domestic and international backgrounds. Among the featured speakers was talent Chiaki Hara, who shared her own experiences as a two-time cancer survivor, leading to her battle with lymphedema. Hara emphasized the importance of community and connection among those affected by the condition.

"Having prior knowledge from patient groups prepared me when I eventually faced lymphedema after 10 years. I had an idea of what to expect, despite my surprise," Hara recounted. She lauded the manga project, stating, "This initiative is fantastic; I hope it reaches many people."

Understanding Lymphedema

Lymphedema arises when lymph vessels are damaged following cancer surgeries or radiation therapy, leading to chronic swelling in the arms or legs. The condition often results in infections and limitations in daily activities, profoundly impacting patients' lives. Unfortunately, societal awareness of lymphedema remains limited.

During the event, Hara stood alongside several medical professionals who discussed the critical need for greater understanding and recognition of lymphedema. Medical experts revealed that this condition is often overlooked—even by oncologists. It highlighted gaps in information accessibility that many patients experience, with some sharing, "I never thought I could develop lymphedema after my surgery," and "I had to research on my own to find proper context."

The Vision Behind the Manga

Keiko Mitsui, the manga's author and a board member at Ginza Repro Surgical Clinic, explained her motivation for creating the book. She recognized how essential it is for patients to access clear information about lymphedema, especially as medical professionals often lack specialized knowledge about this condition. This drove her ambition to achieve simple, relatable, and engaging content suitable for all age groups.

Medical specialists, including Dr. Tsune Sakamoto from Ichikawa General Hospital, elaborated on the necessity of simplified information dissemination, acknowledging that manga makes complex medical information more accessible.

Innovations in Lymphedema Treatment

The event also unveiled the "Lymphaslim" elastic stockings—developed to assist lymphedema patients—and introduced the specialized footwear, "Cinderella Slim," designed for lymphedema sufferers. Both products, aimed at improving quality of life, highlight the growing focus on personalized treatment options in this domain.

Patients expressed profound relief and joy during the demonstration of the Cinderella Slim shoes, sharing how they had long struggled with ill-fitting footwear. "These shoes fit comfortably, which is something I haven’t experienced for a long time!" one patient exclaimed, visibly overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Koichi Nagao, director of Ginza Repro Surgical Clinic, stated, "Lymphedema still causes distress for many post-cancer patients, yet public knowledge remains low. This manga is a monumental step toward informing not only patients and their families but also healthcare professionals and society as a whole. We hope that increased awareness leads to quicker recognition and appropriate treatments for those affected."

Keiko Mitsui also voiced her commitment to patient advocacy, reflecting upon how many individuals have said, "I wish I had known sooner." Her goal is for this manga to serve as a pivotal resource, fostering understanding among patients and their families about lymphedema. The aim is to reinforce the idea that knowing about this condition can lead to positive outcomes in treatment and care acceptance.

Book Information

Title: Understanding Lymphedema Through Comics
Author: Keiko Mitsui
Supervisor: Dr. Koichi Nagao
Release Date: September 29, 2025
ISBN: 9784910837925
Amazon Link

For more information about Ginza Repro Surgical Clinic, visit their website at Ginza Repro Clinic.