As part of the ongoing Study Tours leading up to RDD 2026, this time we traveled to Hokkaido.

Sites visited and lecturers:

• Hokkaido Medical Center: Dr. Masayoshi Nagao (Honorary Director), Ms. Keiko Sakano, Mr. Eiichi Tanaka
• Ebetsu Suzuran Hospital: Dr. Shota Fukuba, Mr. Yuki Nagatomo
• Hokkaido Nanbyoren (Federation of Intractable Disease Organizations): Ms. Miyuki Shimoda, Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki, Ms. Misuzu Fukui
• Rare disease patient speaker: Mr. Tsubasa Sato
• National Association of Patients with Collagen Diseases: Ms. Shiori Nagamori

Participating schools: Osaka Myojo Gakuen, Keio Girls’ High School, Kozouji High School, American School in Japan, and Tokyo Kasei University.

With students actively asking questions, every session became lively and highly engaging, resulting in many meaningful outcomes. Thanks to everyone’s kind arrangements, we were also able to enjoy the delicious local food of Hokkaido, making it a truly fulfilling two-day experience (with heartfelt thanks to Mr. Abe of the “Yuusha no Kai” for his support).

We sincerely thank everyone at Hokkaido Nanbyoren who arranged the program, as well as all the hosts who warmly welcomed us.