One Year Since the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement Between Asahi Kasei Homes and Azabu University: Interim Report Meeting Held on Endowed Chair Research Themes

Asahi Kasei Homes Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Yuji Owaku) and Azabu Veterinary Academy Educational Corporation (Location: Sagamihara City, Kanagawa, Chairman: Hiroaki Ogura) announced that they held an interim report meeting on March 16th regarding the research being conducted at the endowed chair (*1) 'Symbiotic Society for Pets and Humans for LONGLIFE' established within Azabu University. In this report meeting, presentations were given on three research themes, followed by a panel discussion on the theme of 'Urban Pet Symbiosis'.

*1: https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/j-koho/press/20250515/index/

I. About the Endowed Chair 'Symbiotic Society for Pets and Humans for LONGLIFE' In this joint research, we are promoting studies from the following three perspectives toward the formation of a society where pets and humans can live securely. 1. Development of the living environment Designing 'spaces and times that support symbiosis', such as housing/block design, flow lines, and time zones. 2. Community formation Creating mechanisms where greetings, interactions, and mutual assistance are born naturally. 3. Construction of social networks Creating a co-creation model in collaboration with local governments, universities, companies, and communities.

II. About the Research Themes Based on the perspectives in I, the following three themes were set: 1. Development of the living environment: Symbiosis between pets and humans mediated by microorganisms. 2. Community formation: The intervention of dogs in local communities and the creation of social relationships. 3. Construction of social networks: Building a mutual care system for pets and humans. At the interim report meeting, presentations were made on themes 1 and 2.

1. Development of the living environment: Regarding symbiosis between pets and humans mediated by microorganisms Research exploring the impact that microorganisms (microbiomes) shared by humans and dogs have on physical and mental health. It was confirmed that the microbial structure of the living environment differs depending on whether a pet is kept, and that contact with dogs may have a positive impact on children's psychological well-being. Going forward, we aim to proceed with demonstrations in urban areas and apply these findings to healthy living environment design.

2. Community formation: Regarding the intervention of dogs in local communities and the creation of social relationships Focusing on the fact that dogs function as mediators connecting people in cities. Surveys revealed that rather than a conflict of pros and cons, the majority are 'indifferent', and the background to friction is 'misunderstandings' and a lack of information. It was shown that greetings and conversations mediated by dogs can lead to the formation of social capital, such as a sense of security and disaster awareness in the community.

III. Interactive Hearing: Results of mixed group interviews with 'owners and non-owners' Through dialogue in mixed groups where owners, interested parties, and disinterested parties were present, we visualized the 'structure of misunderstandings' due to different standpoints, and discussed what is necessary for symbiosis