Shunichiro Kurita, HGPI Associate appeared on the radio program “Afternoon SALUS” by FM SALUS(84.1) and commented about improving dementia measures through community development. Kurita introduced “RUN TOMORROW Kanagawa in Yokohama Aoba” which is a relay race that gathers people with dementia, their families, supporters, and the general public. A special feature of the event is that everyone is running towards the same goal literally and figuratively. He mentioned the 3 steps needed to achieve dementia friendly communities include having a correct understanding of dementia, promoting self-dependence by starting with individual tasks, and maintaining cooperation between citizens, business enterprises, and government.

Five HGPI employees took part in the event on September 17. They were able to establish a deeper understanding with people with dementia and community members and truly felt the importance of formulating concrete dementia policies.