Instead of pills, prescribe connection — Japan is pioneering the use of metaverse technology as a form of "social prescribing" in healthcare. A team of 35 medical professionals and creators launched "Virtual Brave Beat" on the cluster platform, turning participants into heroes of their own story to combat isolation. We explore how the world's most aged society is leveraging virtual spaces for wellbeing.

Japanese startup Milk. is developing technology that combines satellite-derived "hyperspectral cameras" with color AI to detect cancer—including which organ is affected—from a simple urine test. With 98% accuracy even for pancreatic cancer, this innovation could revolutionize how we screen for humanity's deadliest enemy.

A research team at Kanazawa University has developed a next-generation X-ray CT scanner with 5x the resolution of conventional devices (0.08–0.1mm). Capturing images in just 6.5 seconds, this compact device can visualize trabecular bone structure, opening doors for early detection of trigger finger and osteoarthritis. We explore how 20 years of clinical experience led to this breakthrough.

Kyushu University and Japan Medical Company are developing the "Hakata Model," a next-generation 3D surgical training platform that reproduces individual patient tumors with high precision, transforming one-time surgical experiences into repeatable hands-on training for neurosurgeons.

Analysis of Japan's latest cancer 5-year survival rate data from the National Cancer Center. While prostate (94%) and thyroid (92%) show high survival rates, pancreatic cancer remains at only 10%. Examining the importance of early detection and 30-year survival trends.

World-first scientific proof that resistance training rejuvenates skin, revealed by Ritsumeikan University and POLA research. Discover how 16 weeks of strength training increases dermal thickness, improves skin elasticity, and reduces wrinkles through myokine secretion and inflammatory factor reduction.

Japanese researchers from RIKEN, Nippon Medical School, and Tohoku University developed a breakthrough AI method for cancer prognosis prediction. By incorporating medical knowledge through "intermediate reasoning scores," the system overcomes the dual challenges of institutional and specimen variations, achieving consistent predictions across different hospitals.

Japan leads smart contact lens development with groundbreaking innovations: holographic display technology from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, SEED's open-source platform, and Waseda's electromagnetic shielding. Market projected to reach $10B by 2030. Discover how Japanese universities and companies are shaping the future of wearable tech.

US healthcare company KindlyMD merged with Nakamoto Holdings, raising $710 million to become a Bitcoin treasury company. Led by David Bailey, the company invested $30 million in Japan's Metaplanet. Explore the potential and risks of corporate Bitcoin strategies.

SFTS, a tick-borne disease with 10-30% fatality rate. With treatment approved in 2024, early diagnosis is key. Japanese institutions including Osaka University are developing rapid diagnostic kits similar to flu tests. Record-high cases in 2025 with first Hokkaido infection raises nationwide concern.

Japanese researchers at Juntendo and Hiroshima Universities have discovered that soluble ST2 (sST2), naturally maintained at high levels in the body, suppresses food allergies by blocking IL-33 signaling. This groundbreaking finding identifies fibroblasts as the key sST2-producing cells and paves the way for new allergy prevention and treatment strategies.

Japanese hospitals are facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Rising costs, staff shortages, and government policies are forcing healthcare facilities to close across the nation. Discover the factors behind this growing crisis and how it may reshape Japan's renowned healthcare system.

Marking 20 years since Professor Shinya Yamanaka's groundbreaking iPS cell discovery, Japan advances toward world-first regulatory approval of regenerative medicine products in 2026. Explore the latest clinical trials for Parkinson's disease treatment and heart failure therapy, and discover how this Japanese innovation is revolutionizing global medicine.

Japanese startup Pormedtec targets 2027 for Japan's first pig-to-human organ transplant trials. With only 4% of 16,000 registered transplant candidates receiving organs annually, xenotransplantation offers hope. US trials show gene-edited pig kidneys functioning over 7 months in human patients. Will this breakthrough transform Japan's organ shortage crisis?

Researchers at Japan's JAIST discovered that Ewingella americana bacteria from Japanese tree frog intestines completely eliminated colorectal cancer in mice with a single dose, achieving 100% complete response rate. This breakthrough significantly outperformed existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.

Kagoshima University's oncolytic virus "Surv.m-CRA-1" enters final clinical trials for primary malignant bone tumors. This revolutionary treatment can eliminate cancer stem cells resistant to conventional therapies, offering new hope for bone cancer patients who haven't seen a new drug in over 30 years. Learn about Japan's next-generation cancer therapy targeting 2027 approval.