In Japan which faces a rapid ageing of the population, it is very important to discuss “How to age and how to die” and “End of Life Care (EOL)” in society. We propose to speak out this issue and hold a consecutive session on EOL. The first session was held on July 2^nd. We welcomed Prof. Yoshinori Hiroi, Faculty of Law and Economics of Chiba University, and he had a lecture on “The Japanese Concept on Life and Death, and Community ”, which spurred a lively discussion among participants.

 “The Japanese Concept on Life and Death, and Community ” Prof. Yoshinori Hiroi

The Japanese concept on life and death underlies the issue of EOL. In a recent trend, many Japanese die in a hospital instead of home, but I believe more Japanese are likely to die in a nursing home in the future. It is also important to acknowledge there is an upward trend in the number of households containing a single citizen. It is noted that there is a gender distinction: the number of male one-person household increases in his 20s and 30s and that of female one-person household increases in her 70s and 80s. Furthermore, a recent survey shows that the Japanese experience more social isolation than other nationalities. Considering these issues, I’d emphasize an importance of the perspective of Community. When it comes to EOL, we need to think in breadth and depth. The viewpoints from public policy and social system are also important. The current Japan is like “a hollowing of the life and death concept” and we need to take action to establish personal concept on life and death and freely discuss the matter. I believe that there are three layers in the Japanese life and death concept – the layer of Shinto, Buddhism, and Materialism. Lastly, I would suggest the term “Care” is defined as to connect individual with community, nature, and spirituality.

Participants’ Comments

“In order to spark national debates on EOL care, we should discuss in not only a philosophical way but also a concrete way”, ”The theme seems to be confused with a time frame regarding EOL: we need to separate the time right before people die and the time when people start thinking about life and death”, “I believe the life and death concept is something accumulated through real-life experiences”, “Care is Consulting. In order to improve the quality of EOL, it is important to aggregate patients’ information”, “The time when EOL starts is broken down into two: the time when individuals lose his/her ADL (activities of daily living) or when they separate from their community”


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1st Series on EOL (End of life) Care discussion – Think philosophy of life and death

The discussion will investigate the issues surrounding end of life care to examine comprehensive points of view. This allows multispectral speakers to exchange their opinions in order to share the points at the issue with citizens.  

Data: July 2nd (Tuesday) 19:00-21:00
Place: Tokyo 21c club (Shin-Marunouchi Build. 10F 1-5-1Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) Organized by: Health and Global Policy Institution, NPO
Points of view: It allows multispectral speakers to exchange their opinions.
Targeted audience: Legislative body, Companies, Universities, Citizens, Mayor, Media (70 invitees)
Language: Japanese (No interpretation)
Participation fee: 2000 yen

Program：
１. Discussion Point of EOL Care (Mr. Kazuhisa Takeuchi (McKinsey and Company ))
 2.  Philosophy of Life/Death and Community （Speaker：Yoshinori Hiroi (Professor at Chiba University, School of Law）
 3. Interactive Discussion with Panelist (Seminar Proposers)　

【Seminar Proposers】      　　　　　 （Syllabary order, Titles omitted）
– Mr. Daisuke Iwase  President, Lifenet Insurance Company 
– Mr. Kohei Onozaki   Vice President, Corporate Affairs AstraZeneca K.K.
– Mr. Ken Shibusawa   Board Chairman, Japan Center for International Exchange/  CEO of  Commons Asset Management
– Mr. Kazuhisa Takeuchi   McKinsey and Company
– Mr. Toshio Miyata   Deputy Director of Office, Minister of Health, Labour and  Welfare/Surgeon
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Exhibition date：2013-07-02