
Medicine exists to protect human life and dignity, and its progress depends on the integration of knowledge, compassion, and innovation.
Welcome to the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University. Our Faculty is distinguished by its comprehensive academic structure, integrating three closely connected disciplines—Medicine, Nursing, and Clinical Psychology. Within this distinctive environment, we have cultivated generations of healthcare professionals who support regional healthcare while also contributing to global academic and medical communities.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine, we reflect with pride on the achievements of our faculty, students, alumni, and partners. At the same time, we look ahead to shaping the future of medicine and health sciences. Building upon our longstanding tradition of excellence, we remain committed to educating the next generation of healthcare leaders, advancing innovative research, and contributing meaningfully to the health and well-being of society.
Education: Preparing Leaders for the Future of Medicine
Contemporary healthcare requires professionals who possess not only advanced scientific knowledge and clinical expertise, but also intellectual curiosity, ethical integrity, and the ability to respond creatively to complex societal challenges. At Kagawa University, our educational philosophy emphasizes both academic rigor and humanistic values. Through the university-wide DRI educational framework—Design Thinking, Risk Management, and Informatics—students develop the capacity to generate innovative solutions, navigate uncertainty, and apply data-driven approaches in an increasingly digital society. Within the Faculty of Medicine, we further emphasize the guiding principles of “a spirit of service and leadership.” By integrating education in medicine, nursing, and clinical psychology, our programs foster a holistic understanding of health that encompasses physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Through international exchange programs, diversity initiatives, and community-based medical education, we seek to cultivate globally minded professionals who respect diverse perspectives and contribute to the advancement of healthcare worldwide.
Research: Advancing Interdisciplinary Health Science Innovation
Research at the Faculty of Medicine is driven by interdisciplinary collaboration and a strong commitment to addressing major health challenges. By integrating expertise in medicine, nursing, and clinical psychology, we promote innovative research that bridges disciplines and generates new insights in health sciences. Our medical campus is also undergoing continued redevelopment as a hub for health science innovation. New facilities, including the Advanced Education and Research Building, will provide an environment designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and discovery. These developments will strengthen partnerships across the university—including with the faculties of engineering and agriculture—as well as with national research institutes and industry partners. Through these collaborations, we aim to open new frontiers in health science research and nurture scholars capable of leading world-class interdisciplinary innovation.
Community Engagement: Supporting Regional Healthcare
Kagawa University Hospital serves as a central medical institution in Kagawa Prefecture and plays a vital role in supporting regional healthcare. The close integration between the Faculty of Medicine and the University Hospital enables us to provide advanced medical care while simultaneously promoting education and research. Faculty members actively engage in clinical practice, teaching, and scientific investigation, ensuring that knowledge generated through research directly contributes to improved patient care. We are also committed to strengthening regional healthcare systems and enhancing preparedness for large-scale disasters anticipated in this region, including those associated with the Nankai Trough.
Looking Toward the Next Fifty Years
As we look to the future, the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University will continue to pursue excellence in education, research, and community engagement. By fostering intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong sense of social responsibility, we aim to contribute to the advancement of medicine and to the health and well-being of people in Japan and around the world.
We warmly invite students, researchers, and partners from across the globe to join us in this endeavor. Together, we will continue to expand the frontiers of medical knowledge, educate future leaders in healthcare, and work toward a healthier and more sustainable society.
With my sincere regards,
Akira Nishiyama, MD, PhD
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
Kagawa University