2025 Activity Report vol.13:University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan

The University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (UOEH) was selected for the Joint Research Activity Course (Course B) of the “International Youth Science Exchange Program (Sakura Science Program)” hosted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). From November 6 to 19, 2025, the UOEH hosted five participants from China Medical University in Taiwan: two graduate students, two undergraduate students, and one accompanying faculty member. (Japanese Representative: NAGATA Tomohisa; Taiwanese Representative: Professor Ro-Ting Lin)

The research theme was "Joint Research with China Medical University for the International Implementation of Occupational Health Research and Health and Productivity Management." We shared good practices of occupational health management in both countries for evaluating factors causing health hazards among workers, and explored the potential for international expansion of health and productivity management.

[November 6th]

After arriving at the UOEH, we participated in an orientation and toured the campus facilities. We visited spaces like the anechoic chamber and the climate chamber, and many questions were raised.

[November 7th]

In the morning, four Taiwanese students and two Japanese residents presented on their current research and training projects. The Taiwanese presentations systematically summarized prior research reviews and plans, providing valuable insights into research methodologies and guidance approaches.

In the afternoon, we visited the manufacturing facility for submarine cables (OCC Corporation, Submarine System Plant) and conducted a practical exercise measuring the airborne concentrations of chemicals actually handled there. We were able to discuss methods for assessing chemical exposure risks.

[November 8th]

We all toured Mojiko, Shimonoseki, and Kokura. We visited Karato Market, the Kanmon Tunnel, Mojiko Retro, Kokura Castle, and the TOTO Museum, and the Taiwanese members enjoyed Japanese food and culture.

[November 10th]

Professor ENOKIHARA Takeshi from the Ergonomics Laboratory gave a lecture on methods for evaluating and improving ergonomic health hazard factors. This knowledge served as the foundation for the ergonomic assessment to be conducted at the bread factory on November 17.

In the evening, a social gathering was held. While watching the sunset, we wished for the success of this project and its future development.

[November 11th–13th]

From this day onward, faculty members and residents from the University of Indonesia joined the program.

Lectures were held on Japanese Health Management (Prof. MORI Koji, Assistant Prof. ODAGAMI Kiminori, Assistant Prof. MORI Takahiro), good practices in improving workplace environments in Taiwan and Indonesia, and workers' sleep and health (Prof. NAKATA Akinori, Public Health). The discussion on sleep and health, including current issues such as the effects of social jet lag, drew significant interest.

[November 14th-15th]

We participated in the UOEH International Symposium 2025. Alongside Professor Ichiro Kawachi from Harvard University, many researchers and practitioners from Japan and abroad attended, enabling us to share insights and expand our networking.

[November 17th]

On this day, we visited bread manufacturing plants (Francois Co., Ltd. Logistics Department Fukuoka Center, Newing Bakery Kyushu Co., Ltd. Fukuoka Plant) and primarily assessed ergonomic risks.

We spent half a day touring the workplaces, examining the work environment and details of the tasks.

[November 18th]

A review of this project was conducted. The Taiwanese members presented what they learned and their impressions, and discussed these with the Japanese members.

Comparing Japan's health management practices with Taiwan's best practices revealed the strengths and challenges of each, which could potentially be reflected in Japanese policies. Furthermore, the initiative to evaluate workplace exposure factors will continue as ongoing joint research.

[November 19th]

The Taiwanese members' departure day. We saw them off at Fukuoka Airport. Hoping for further exchanges in the future, each party headed home.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to JST and the relevant university departments for their generous support in organizing this program. We were able to successfully complete the program and achieve results that will contribute to future research development.