Niigata Prefecture Health Awareness Promotion Meeting Held to Promote Locally-Focused Awareness Campaigns

On Monday, May 11, 2026, the "Niigata Prefecture Health Awareness Promotion Meeting" was held in Niigata Prefecture, which was selected as a region for active public relations for this year's project. Ryotaro Sugi, Special Health Advisor for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and representatives from Niigata Prefecture engaged in a lively exchange of opinions.

Sharing the Current Status and Regional Challenges of Liver Disease Countermeasures in Niigata Prefecture

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Nakamura stated, "In this prefecture, we have been working to establish a system that connects hepatitis virus testing to medical consultation. Furthermore, as part of our 'Health Prefecture' initiative, we are promoting measures to extend the healthy life expectancy of our citizens. We also have regional characteristics such as a drinking culture. Through the efforts of this project, we aim to further enhance awareness."

Following this, Mr. Shida explained the current situation and challenges. While the prefecture has been promoting hepatitis virus testing, there has been a decrease in the number of tests conducted since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cases that do not lead to medical consultation after testing, and cases where individuals only become aware of their condition when it has progressed to a severe stage due to being asymptomatic, remain significant challenges.

It was also explained that in addition to viral hepatitis, it is necessary to address liver diseases caused by lifestyle habits, such as drinking habits and fatty liver.

Strengthening Approaches to the Uninterested Population and Promoting Participatory Awareness Activities

The meeting identified the following as future directions for initiatives:

・ Strengthening information dissemination to the uninterested population

・ Approaches targeting the working-age population, young people, and those who have not undergone health checkups

・ Awareness campaigns to prevent the mindset of "I'm fine."

・ Dissemination from the perspective of "liver health" rather than just "hepatitis."

・ Enjoyable and engaging experiential and interactive awareness activities

Specifically, measures to connect people to testing and medical consultation will be considered through talk sessions and sharing of personal experiences by specialists and project members, as well as participatory events such as dance and exercise. Furthermore, a policy of utilizing diverse media such as TV, radio, and SNS to convey the message that "hepatitis is not a special issue but a common health concern for everyone" was presented.

Additionally, the direction of implementing initiatives in each region within Niigata Prefecture was confirmed, and opinions were exchanged on the necessity of awareness methods that take into account the population structure and characteristics of each region.

Sharing the Importance of Continuous Awareness Activities that Accommodate Local Realities

Towards the end of the meeting, Mr. Sugi pointed out, "Considering Niigata Prefecture's vast area and the differences in population structure between regions, we need to consider communication methods tailored to each specific area, rather than a uniform approach across the prefecture."

He also emphasized the importance of "how to deliver information and lead to understanding and behavioral change, not just in Niigata City but also in less populated areas," highlighting the need for effective awareness activities that go beyond mere formal implementation.

Furthermore, he stated, "While health issues are diverse and not limited to hepatitis, it is important to communicate in a way that is naturally accepted by local residents," expressing expectations for continuous information dissemination that aligns with regional characteristics and living conditions.

"Know! Hepatitis Project" has been active since 2012, aiming to convey knowledge about hepatitis and the necessity of hepatitis virus testing in an easy-to-understand manner, so that all citizens possess correct knowledge about hepatitis and actively take action towards early detection and early treatment. The "Health First Project" promotes health building for "living vibrantly in mind and body" even as one ages, and as part of "Know! Hepatitis Project," it aims to effectively publicize hepatitis countermeasures by leveraging interest in health.

Meeting Overview

Event Name: Niigata Prefecture Health Awareness Promotion Meeting

Date: Monday, May 11, 2026

Location: Within Niigata Prefecture

Attendees: Ryotaro Sugi, Special Health Advisor

: Goichiro Kimura, Kazushige Tomita, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

: Hiroshi Nakamura, Kenichi Shida, Yukie Soma, Rieko Meguro, Yuichi Shinada, Niigata Prefectural Department of Health and Welfare

: Atsuko Miyazaki, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo

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