On 20 November, the Kyoto University Health, Safety, and Environment Organization's Health Service division marked the first year of its "Healthy Campus" initiative with a forum, held at the International Science Innovation Building.
The initiative was launched in FY2017 for the University to "contribute to the physical and mental well-being of people and society at large".
The forum was preceded by a short walk with 2008 Olympic medalist Nobuharu Asahara. Around 30 students, faculty, and staff joined the former track-and-field athlete in a fun-filled 20-minute walk from the University's main campus to the neighboring Yoshida Shrine.
The forum proper began with remarks from Dr Koichiro Oshima, director-general of the Health, Safety, and Environment Organization. Dr Taku Iwami, director of health services at the KU Health Service, then explained the purpose and details of the Healthy Campus initiative, emphasizing the significance of university-led health promotion, and expressing his commitment to its success.
Ms Keiko Murakami, vice mayor of the city of Kyoto, and Ms Tatsuya Nakajima, senior director of the Kyoto University CO-OP, introduced the municipal "Kyoto, the City of Health and Longevity" initiative and "CO-OP's Health Promotion Activities", respectively. KU President Juichi Yamagiwa followed these with a "Healthy Campus Declaration".
The next segment was devoted to a discussion on "student perspectives on health promotion". In this session, participating students shared their draft plans for health initiatives with Mr Asahara, President Yamagiwa, and Director Iwami, leading to a lively exchange of ideas.
Finally, results of the "Walking Challenge -- Walk to the Moon!!", held 1-28 October 2017 to kick off the Healthy Campus initiative, were announced, with prizes awarded to winners randomly selected from the qualified participants. The winners received their prize certificates from Mr Asahara, Vice Mayor Murakami, Senior Director Nakajima, and Dr Naoki Sato, Kyoto University's executive vice-president for finance, facilities, and environmental health and safety.
The event closed on a high note with remarks from Dr Takashi Kawamura, director of the KU Health Service
Health, Safety, and Environment Director-General Oshima opening the forum
Dr Iwami, director of health services at the KU Health Service, delivering a lecture
Kyoto Vice-Mayor Murakami speaking
KU CO-OP Senior Director Nakajima lecturing
President Yamagiwa making a "Healthy Campus Declaration"
KU Health Service Director Kawamura closing the forum
President Yamagiwa (middle) discussing health promotion with students
"Walking Challenge" award ceremony
Walk with Mr Aashara
