Chairperson's Message
![ASARI Yasushi ASARI Yasushi](/en/albums/abm00043008.jpg)
ASARI Yasushi
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees,
The Kitasato Institute
Striving for Kitasato Institute that Shines with Fervor, Sincerity, and a Spirit of Practical Science
In 1914, at the opening ceremony of the Kitasato Institute, Dr. KITASATO Shibasaburo said, "No matter how much academic research a scholar may conduct and make public, if the results of that research are not used in practice, they cannot have any effect on life." This spirit has been valued and passed down to the present day as the "spirit of practical science" in our organization. More than 110 years later, while various technological innovations have brought a variety of benefits to human beings, modern society faces many challenges such as global environmental issues due to climate change, large-scale natural disasters, epidemics of emerging infectious diseases, and dizzying changes in world affairs. Also for our organization, the external environment is becoming even more challenging, including the rapid decline in birthrates and aging population. In such a social environment, we must remember what Dr. KITASATO Shibasaburo always taught his students: "Be a pioneer in your work and be thankful to others and their kindness. And, as a person of wisdom and practical science, maintain an indomitable spirit of perseverance," as we contribute to society with a spirit of practical science and continue to grow.
The most important thing to achieve this is for everyone at Kitasato to become one team. Mobilizing the strengths of nine faculties, eight graduate schools, three hospitals, two vocational schools, and one research institute, we will work on the development of a system and priority measures designed to transcend the boundaries of departments and demonstrate the comprehensive strengths of the entire Kitasato organization. Specifically, we will strengthen our research capabilities to promote research that contributes to society, cultivate quality human resources with good communication skills who have mastered the guiding principles, and further enhance and strengthen education, research, and medical care, including internationalization for "Kitasato University Connecting with the World", so that we can build on our achievements that contribute to society and make Kitasato Institute stand out internationally.
In these uncertain times, we will continue to pursue the path sought by our founder, Dr. KITASATO Shibasaburo, and will strive to fulfill our responsibilities with fervor and sincerity.
Charter of The Kitasato Institute
The present Kitasato Institute was created when the former Kitasato Institute (an incorporated association) and the former Kitasato University (an academic organization) were merged in 2008 to create a new educational foundation. Of course, the present Kitasato Institute, including Kitasato University, is heir to the accomplishments, traditions and ideals of its predecessors. In Japan The Kitasato Institute is known as the Kitasato Kenkyusho, and Kitasato University is called the Kitasato Gakuen.
The Kitasato Institute, Japan’s first private medical research facility, was officially established in 1914 by Dr. KITASATO Shibasaburo, and in 1918 it was registered as an incorporated association. The Institute was founded on Dr. Kitasato’s important achievements in the field of preventive medicine, especially immunology, where he successfully grew a pure culture of the tetanus bacillus, followed by his discovery of the serotherapy used to treat that disease. In 1962, The Kitasato Institute celebrated the 50th anniversary of its conception, and to commemorate the occasion, it founded Kitasato University as a general Life Sciences university with official recognition of the University being granted in the same year.
In addition to human and material resources, the integration of these institutions brings together an exceptional base of academic research and secures a multifaceted and stable management foundation with the aim of developing a progressive academic administration.
Holding Dr. KITASATO in high regard as its founding father, The Kitasato Institute manifests the Spirit of Kitasato, which he developed over a lifetime—to use your ingenuity and creativity to be a pioneer in the world of science, be thankful to the people and society that fostered you, and repay your debt with your contribution to society, put your knowledge and skills into practice for the benefit of society, tackle whatever challenge you may face with unwavering determination. The Institute applies these approaches to the scientific discovery of life phenomena that constitute the pressing, ever present concerns of humanity. In tandem with this, the Institute makes its primary mission the cultivation of pre-eminent researchers, educators and professionals in the Life Sciences and related fields.
The Kitasato Institute returns the results of its research to society by undertaking a variety of endeavors—chiefly preventive and medical activities based on an applied science approach—in order to broadly contribute to the development of society.
Genealogy
A Genealogy of Progress for the Next Generation
Japan's first research institute for infectious diseases, established by KITASATO Shibasaburo in 1892. This is the origin of The Kitasato Institute.
Since then, through our long history of more than a century, we have pioneered new paths in the field of knowledge related to "life" and have contributed to the advancement of life science by constantly opening our knowledge to society, especially in the fields of medicine and education.
The History of the Kitasato Institute
As the inaugural president of the privately operated Institute for Infectious Diseases (later nationalized), Shibasaburo Kitasato endeavored to eradicate infectious diseases based on his firm belief that research results should be applied to the prevention and treatment of disease. However, he was apprehensive that he would not be able to achieve his goals when the institute was moved from under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs and placed under the Ministry of Education. In 1914, with the full conviction of his beliefs, he established the Kitasato Institute at Shirokane in Tokyo, its present location. This was on the same site as the first tuberculosis hospital in Japan, Tsukushigaoka Yojoen, established in 1893 through the enormous assistance of the venerable Yukichi Fukuzawa. The new Kitasato Institute perpetuates the spirit of Dr. Kitasato, which lives on today in the university and two vocational schools that bear his name and all associated staff and students.
The History of Kitasato
1914 | KITASATO Shibasaburo establishes The Kitasato Institute in Shirokane, Minato-ku (November 5). |
1918 | Licensed as The Kitasato Institute, an incorporated association. |
1954 | An affiliated hospital (now Kitasato Institute Hospital) is established on the site of the former Tsukusigaoka Yojoen as a project commemorating the 100th anniversary of KITASATO Shibasaburo's birth. |
1962 | Establishes Kitasato Gakuen Corporation and Kitasato University to commemorate the 50th anniversary. Establishes the School of Hygienic Sciences. |
1964 | Establishes the School of Pharmacy. |
1966 | Establishes the School of Veterinary Medicine. |
1968 | Establishes the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. |
1970 | Establishes the School of Medicine. |
1971 | Establishes Kitasato University Hospital. |
1972 | Establishes the School of Marine Biosciences. |
1980 | The Kitasato Institute's main building is relocated and preserved at the Museum Meiji-Mura. |
1982 | Establishes the Kitasato Junior College of Health and Hygienic Sciences in Niigata. |
1986 | Establishes the School of Nursing. |
1989 | Establishes the Kitasato University Medical Center in commemoration of the 75th anniversary. |
1994 | Reorganizes the School of Hygienic Sciences to create the School of Science and the School of Allied Health Sciences. Establishes the Kitasato Nursing School in Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture. |
1998 | Establishes the Graduate School of Medical Sciences. |
2001 | Establishes the ?mura Satoshi Memorial Institute. |
2002 | Establishes the Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences. |
2008 | Dissolves the former Kitasato Institute (an incorporated association) and merges with Kitasato Gakuen Corporation to form The Kitasato Institute. |
2011 | Relocates the education and research hub of the School of Marine Biosciences from Sanriku to Sagamihara. |
2012 | 50th anniversary of Kitasato University's founding |
2014 | 100th anniversary of the founding of The Kitasato Institute |
2015 | Kitasato University's Distinguished Emeritus Professor ?MURA Satoshi is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. |
2023 | Establishes the School of Frontier Engineering. |
2024 | Establishes the School of Health Sciences. |
*Names of each department are listed in accordance with their current names.
Symbol Mark
![symbol_mark symbol_mark](/en/albums/abm00008482.jpg)
The emblem of the Kitasato Institute represents tetanus bacilli surrounded by laurel leaves. It was designed to commemorate the accomplishments of Shibasaburo Kitasato, who achieved the first cultivation of tetanus bacilli and pioneered successful treatment of the disease, in addition to paving the way for numerous advances in preventive medicine, especially in the field of immunology.
The Philosophy of the Kitasato Institute
With profound respect for the sanctity of life, our purpose is to contribute to society by dedicating ourselves to the quest for truth through the application of practical science.
Mission
Tradition and Innovation, Wisdom and Practice
The mission of the Kitasato Institute, integrated with Kitasato University, is to return to society the expertise in Life Sciences that has been accumulated over the 100 years since Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato proclaimed the importance of maintaining a spirit of practicality. The Institute remains at the leading edge in nine practical fields that are held crucial in our current times, grounded in the achievements of the closely related fields of education, research and medicine.
Transformation of Kitasato's Vast Wisdom in Life Sciences into Nine Mission Fields
While the Institute, integrated with Kitasato University, strives for greater advances in specialized educational and research fields, it also promotes research to apply these results to clinical situations. In addition, it is strengthening integrated efforts in various areas, from basic research and drug discovery to vaccine development, education and research in infection control, interprofessional health care, education and research in agromedicine for health promotion and environmental preservation, and education and research in the field of medical engineering for longer healthy lives. The Institute also devotes itself to clinical trials and research to achieve beneficial integration of high-quality, safe pharmaceutical development through the collaboration and aims of its three hospitals, as well as a beneficial combination of Western and Oriental medicine.
Nine Mission Fields
1. Basic Research in Life Sciences
In recent years, Life Sciences study has demonstrated promising applications in such diverse fields as medicine, food and the environment. This, however, requires enhanced basic research. We have therefore prioritized the educational and research goal of “identifying the molecular mechanisms of life phenomena and utilizing this information to advance various academic domains.” We promote basic research in Life Sciences intensively and work to link results to applied research and to benefit society.
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2. Interprofessional Health Care Program
Based firmly on the foundation of high esteem garnered by each nationally certified domain and the 14 career fields offered by our four participating schools of medical science and two vocational schools, the Institute aims to cultivate medical professionals, which in turn should promote safer and highly-effective medical care. As one component of this, the Institute offers an “Interprofessional Health Care Program” that has as its objective a mutual understanding of the occupational skills within the diverse range of medical specialties possessed by medical care teams, as well as the ability to work in a functionally collaborative manner.
![eight_mission_2 eight_mission_2](/en/albums/abm00008475.jpg)
3. Clinical Education and Research through Inter-hospital Collaboration
The Institute has major medical institutions comprising four participating schools of medical science, two vocational schools and three affiliated hospitals with a total capacity of over 1,800 beds. We take full advantage of our facilities at the three hospitals, and develop undergraduate and postgraduate educational opportunities, occupational education for medical specialists, and research associated directly with clinical practice that firmly maintains the character and specialization of each of the schools.
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4. Medical Treatment that Incorporates Western and Oriental Medicine
The leading three hospitals with the Institute’s framework offer state-of-the-art medical care. In addition, our Oriental Medicine Research Center—an Oriental medicine pioneer in Japan—has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine. This unique combination offers an excellent opportunity to practice cutting-edge medicine founded in science, combined with Kampo (TJM; Traditional Japanese Medicine), as well as acupuncture, moxibustion, and other therapies that have been corroborated by empirical investigation.
![eight_mission_4 eight_mission_4](/en/albums/abm00009699.jpg)
5. Research and Education in Agromedicine
Included among the objectives of preventive medicine in the 21st century are the response to high-risk factors, prevention of disease outbreaks and enhancement of the quality of life and human health. Moreover, aiming for deepening preventive medicine, the Center of Education and Research for Agromedicine covering a broad range of life sciences was established in 2013. We set forth as an objective the solving of modern-day issues surrounding food, the environment, and health, and promote the sciences of agromedicine, information dissemination, the formation of knowledge platforms and academic exchange.
![eight_mission_5 eight_mission_5](/en/albums/abm00008480.jpg)
6. Research and Education for Infection Control
The threat of infectious diseases has re-emerged on a global scale. From education and basic research into infection control to vaccines and translation research (R&D, clinical trials and other practical scientific research) for anti-infective medications, we possess a structure that enables consistent execution of operations. Specifically, at the heart of our efforts to conduct education and research associated with treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, the Institute has positioned the Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences and the ?mura Satoshi Memorial Institute under the Research Organization for Infection Control Sciences, which maintains ties to each graduate school.
![eight_mission_6 eight_mission_6](/en/albums/abm00008481.jpg)
7. Clinical Research
Pharmaceutical development is the “ultimate practical science” in that it is the return of basic research results to humanity. This is the domain in which we have made our greatest efforts. The hospitals possess proprietary facilities for Phase I clinical trials, and at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, we have developed a curriculum to promote education and research.
![eight_mission_7 eight_mission_7](/en/albums/abm00008478.jpg)
8. Preventive Medicine
Following faithfully in the footsteps of Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato, who stressed the importance of public health as early as in the Meiji era (late 19th century to early 20th century), the Institute has established the Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences, the ?mura Satoshi Memorial Institute, and the Research Organization for Infection Control Sciences in a comprehensive effort to drive education and research with emphasis on infection control. Furthermore, the Institute strives to raise the level of preventive medicine through close collaboration, multidisciplinary research and development of internationally-competitive vaccines for measles, rubella, mumps, pertussis, influenza and other diseases.
![eight_mission_8 eight_mission_8](/en/albums/abm00009700.jpg)
9. Medical Engineering Education and Research
In the society of the 21st century, new types of growth models centering on human values are essential, and life innovation is gaining attention as one of those models. Life innovation covers a wide variety of fields such as health, medical, nursing and child care to renovate our daily lives and functions. As life science keeps on advancing, the medical field continues to serve as a growing industry in the future. Expectations for regenerative medicines are quite high, and medical-engineering collaboration in the development of robots for medical and nursing care purposes will become further increased. Under these circumstances, we are eager to contribute to extending healthy life expectancy through the development and launch of new medical equipment by responding to needs from healthcare professionals.
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Corporate Profile
Name | The Kitasato Institute |
Representative | Asari Yasushi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees |
Head Office | 5-9-1, Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan (+81)-3-3444-6161(Reception) |
Established | April 1, 2008 (through integration of the incorporated association, the Kitasato Institute and Kitasato University) |
Main Composition | Kitasato University - Undergraduate Schools Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Marine Biosciences, Nursing, Science, Allied Health Sciences, Frontier Engineering, Health Sciences College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Graduate Schools Pharmaceutical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Marine Biosciences, Nursing, Science, Frontier Engineering, Medical Sciences, Infection Control Sciences - Research Institutes ?mura Satoshi Memorial Institute - Affiliated Hospitals Kitasato University Hospital, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Kitasato University Medical Center(KMC) - Vocational Schools Kitasato Junior College of Health and Hygienic Sciences, Kitasato Nursing School
Kitasato Shibasaburo Memorial Museum Administrative Office |
Executives, Faculty and Students | Executives : 25 Board of Council : 88 Faculty and Staff : 6,081 (As of June 1, 2024) Students : 9,347 (As of June 1, 2024) Alumni : 104,708 (As of March 31, 2024) |
Land and Building Area | Land Area : 12,021,766.75m? (As of April 1, 2024) Building Area : 593,097.45m? (As of April 1, 2024) |
July, 2024
Organization
In 2008, based on a new policy of unifying education, research, and the return of research outcomes to society, the Kitasato Institute was established through the integration of the university and vocational schools, other institutes. Firmly grounded in basic research and ranging over many fields, this organic network of knowledge is supported by the undergraduate schools, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the graduate schools, the research institutes, affiliated hospitals, the vocational schools and other institutes. Through this cooperation and shared vision, the institute seeks to further education and research.
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