Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) hosted a special seminar titled “Rising to New Challenges in Health Sciences for Future Society: Coming Novel Developments in the Field of Epilepsy in Japan and Globally”.
Focusing on epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide, the seminar brought together people living with epilepsy, experts, and policymakers to discuss the latest developments in epilepsy treatment and explore potential solution for addressing related challenges in the future. 

Although epilepsy is currently one of the most common neurological disorders, such as challenges remain in terms of diagnosis and limited access to appropriate treatment. Furthermore, in many countries, such as social stigma and a lack of information hinder patients from accessing the care they need, resulting in a serious issue known as the “treatment gap.”

While notable efforts are being made both in Japan and around the world to address this issue, people living with epilepsy continue to face a range of socio-economic challenges beyond their physical health, such as psychological impacts, limitations in daily life, and restricted employment opportunities associated with the condition.

This seminar was grounded on the voices of people with lived experience, while incorporating insight from experts and policymakers, to create a discussion -focused forum on the future of neurological disorder treatment. Through this, we aimed to deepen public understanding of epilepsy and other neurological disorders and contribute to the development of better treatment.

*The English version of this report will be available in a due course.

[Event Overview ]

• Date & Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025; 13:00-15:00 JST
• Format: In-person event with online streaming (Simultaneous interpretation will be provided)
• Venue: Belgium Pavilion, World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai 
• Language: Japanese / English (English available for online streaming)
• Host: Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)
• Sponsors: UCB Japan Co. Ltd., LivaNova Japan K. K.
• Cooperation: Belgian Commission General for International Exhibitions

[Program] (Titles omitted, no particular order)