In rapidly developing Asia, people's aspirations to live long and healthy lives continue to grow. At the same time, the challenges faced by each region are becoming increasingly complex. Amid the turbulence of global affairs today, we find ourselves in an era where we must once again ask what truly constitutes "true prosperity." We are being called upon to redefine the value of "well-being" from a perspective beyond mere progress or economic development.

In Asia—where diverse religions, cultures, family values, and social systems intersect—the notion of well-being is far from uniform and in many respects differs from Western frameworks. Our research section carries forward the legacy of Professor Hideyuki Akaza’s laboratory (2010–2021), which viewed cancer not merely as an illness but as a mirror reflecting society. Building on this foundation, we aim to further deepen our inquiry through an integrated approach that bridges the humanities and the sciences.

For my part, as a researcher and as a practitioner engaged in social initiatives, I have continuously worked to connect academic research with on-the-ground practice, striving to realize a society in which "no one is left behind." In recent years, I have observed parallels in Japan’s rural areas, where communities are being marginalized—left out of cutting-edge initiatives—a pattern that mirrors challenges seen across Asia.

Yet it is precisely these communities, long regarded as "peripheral" in Asia and in Japan, that harbor the wisdom to illuminate the future. By listening to their voices and learning from them, we seek to transcend divisions and reconnect knowledge with practice. Through these efforts, we are taking on the challenge of creating a new academic foundation firmly rooted in the realities of everyday life.