ICHA Launches "Foot Check Network Concept" Aiming for 100,000 Members to Create a Society Where Everyone Can Walk on Their Own Feet Until Age 100

The International Co-Medical and Healthcare Association (ICHA) (Representative Director: Masato Iida) has launched the "ICHA Foot Check Colony Concept" as a new social initiative to support foot health nationwide. This concept aims to foster "ICHA Foot Check Instructors" across the country who possess the knowledge to quickly detect foot abnormalities and connect individuals to specialized stores or medical institutions when necessary, ultimately building a community (colony) of 100,000 like-minded individuals.

Background of the Concept

Japan is facing an aging population, leading to an increase in foot problems associated with diabetes and aging. However, many people nationwide express uncertainty about whom to consult regarding foot concerns. This is particularly true in remote islands, mountainous areas, and depopulated regions where access to specialists and consultation services is limited. ICHA believes that to solve this social issue, it is crucial not just to increase the number of practitioners, but to train individuals nationwide who can identify foot abnormalities and guide people to appropriate resources.

What is the ICHA Colony Concept? ICHA's goal is not merely to create a membership organization. Nor is it a team that operates under strict directives. What we aim for is a "community connected by philosophy (colony)."

A colony is a community where each individual operates independently within their region while sharing a common philosophy and rules. Each person becomes a protagonist, protecting foot health in their community and connecting individuals to specialized stores or medical institutions when needed. These small actions will spread nationwide, eventually becoming a social infrastructure that supports all of Japan. This is the ICHA Colony Concept.

A Colony, Not a Team Typical teams operate within a single organization. However, ICHA is different. By sharing a common philosophy and rules, individuals across the country, each active in their own regions, form one large community. It is not an organization driven by a single leader. It is a society where each individual is the protagonist.

Recruiting 1,000 Founding Members As the first step of this concept, we are recruiting 1,000 founding members nationwide to become ICHA Foot Check Instructors.

Eligibility:

・ 17 years of age or older ・ Students, company employees, healthcare professionals, caregivers ・ Beauty industry professionals, sports professionals, general public ・ Nationality is not a barrier (must be able to study in Japanese)

For founding members: ・ Training fees, textbook costs, admission fees, and annual membership fees will all be supported by the association.

What is a Foot Check Instructor? A Foot Check Instructor is not a qualification for diagnosis or treatment. It is a qualification that enables individuals to become regional consultation points by learning correct knowledge about foot health, identifying foot abnormalities, and encouraging consultation with specialized stores or medical institutions when necessary. Following certification, continuous education will be provided through: ・ Online study sessions ・ Case study meetings ・ Medical lectures ・ Distribution of educational materials to keep knowledge updated.

Collaboration with Doctor Nail Tsume Kakumei Foot Check Instructors nationwide will collaborate with Doctor Nail Tsume Kakumei affiliated stores to connect individuals with foot concerns to local specialized stores and medical institutions. Furthermore, we will promote collaboration with various fields such as medical care, nursing care, beauty, education, sports, government, corporations, and local communities to spread a culture of foot protection nationwide.

The Future Aimed for by 100,000 Members ICHA's goal is not 100,000 certified individuals. It is a colony of 100,000 people who share the same philosophy. If one person looks after the feet of 100 people, then 100,000 people can look after 10 million feet. We aim to realize a society where, no matter where you live in the country, there is someone you can consult if you have foot problems.

[Message from Representative Director Masato Iida]

I do not consider this activity a certification business. Nor do I wish to create a team. What I aim for is a colony connected by philosophy. My father suffered from diabetes, and an infection from a foot wound led to his death. "If only I had noticed sooner." That thought is the origin of this initiative. Of course, not all cases can be prevented. However, by noticing foot abnormalities early and connecting with appropriate specialists or medical care, there is a possibility of preventing severe outcomes.

Therefore, we want to foster as many "noticing people" as possible. If the number of people sharing our philosophy increases nationwide, a culture of foot protection will surely take root in society. The ICHA Colony Concept is not a plan to make the company larger. It is a social project to spread the culture of protecting foot health throughout Japan and the world.

ICHA Colony Declaration Gather one person. Increase companions. Do not build a team. Nurture a colony. Shared philosophy. Shared rules. Each person is a protagonist. One person's actions change a region. A region changes Japan. Japan changes the world. That is the ICHA Foot Check Colony Concept.

About ICHA

The International Co-Medical and Healthcare Association (ICHA) is an organization that conducts education, certification, and information dissemination related to foot health.

In collaboration with various professions such as medical care, nursing care, welfare, beauty, and sports, we aim to spread knowledge about foot health, extend healthy life expectancy, and contribute to local communities.

Future Prospects

Through this concept, ICHA will promote:

* Expansion to all 47 prefectures nationwide

* Formation of a community (colony) of 100,000 like-minded members

* Collaboration with schools, companies, municipalities, and nursing care facilities

* Strengthening collaboration with Doctor Nail Tsume Kakumei

* Collaboration with the World Foot Care Information Center

* Expansion into Asia and the world

We will disseminate a new foot health culture originating in Japan to the world.

Official Website: https://icha.jp

World Foot Care Information Center: https://footcare-jyohokan.com

[Important Notice]

This qualification is not a medical qualification and does not permit diagnosis, treatment, or medical practice. It is an educational qualification to learn knowledge for observing foot health conditions and encouraging self-care or consultation with specialized institutions. Furthermore, obtaining this qualification does not guarantee employment, business operation, or income.