The Center for Multilingual and Multicultural Community Collaboration at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (President: Nobuo Haruna) will conduct a hospital practicum for general participants of the 'Medical Interpreter Training Program,' jointly offered with Tokyo University of Science (formerly Tokyo Medical and Dental University, President: Yujiro Tanaka), as detailed below.

This program differs from degree-granting academic courses for enrolled students. Instead, it is a non-credit, certificate-based training program designed for working professionals. Developed jointly by Tokyo University of Science, with its expertise in medical sciences, and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, with its specialization in language and communication, the curriculum follows the guidelines set by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Currently, approximately 20 participants are studying in three languages—English, Chinese, and Vietnamese—responding to high and rapidly growing demand in Japan's healthcare sector, with the goal of becoming interpreters who support life-saving communication.

On the day, participants will engage in hands-on, role-playing exercises using actual hospital facilities, simulating real-world scenarios from patient registration to various medical examinations and physician consultations. We invite media to cover this training site, which aims to cultivate specialized professionals essential for a multicultural coexisting society.

[Overview of the Hospital Practicum]

Date: August 1, 2026 (Saturday), 13:00–18:00 (Registration opens at 12:30)

Venue: Building A, Tokyo University of Science Hospital (1-5-45 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)

Program: - Orientation (13:00–) - First Half (Registration, Nursing, Examinations): Interpretation practice at sections including initial registration, blood draws, and X-rays - Second Half (Simulated Medical Interviews): Interpretation practice in consultation rooms simulating doctor-patient interactions - Group Feedback Session

Languages: English, Chinese, Vietnamese

[Background and Features of the Program]

Professional Education for Working Adults: The program is designed primarily for working professionals, with no age restrictions, and serves as part of a recurrent education (lifelong learning) initiative.

Rigorous Selection and High Specialization: Participants are selected through document screening and written/oral examinations. They comprehensively acquire medical knowledge, interpreting techniques, and ethical guidelines essential for medical interpreting.

Collaboration Between Two Universities: This program uniquely combines medical expertise from Tokyo University of Science and linguistic and multicultural coexistence expertise from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, making it one of the most practical and advanced programs of its kind in Japan.

[Media Inquiry and Coverage Registration]

For media interested in covering the event, please contact the designated office by Monday, July 27.

Public Relations and Community Collaboration Office, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (Center for Multilingual and Multicultural Community Collaboration)

Phone: 042-330-5857 (Weekdays 9:00–17:00, excluding 12:00–13:00)

Email: [email protected]

Official Website: https://www.tufs.ac.jp/institutions/cemmer/jigyou/class/2026.html

Note: Staff will guide visitors at the holiday/after-hours entrance. For privacy protection, all filming and interviews inside the hospital must follow instructions from on-site staff.

[Highlights from the 2025 Hospital Practicum]

Highlights from the 2025 Hospital Practicum

Highlights from the 2025 Hospital Practicum

About Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies is Japan's leading institution for research and education in world languages and their associated cultures and societies. It aims to cultivate individuals with advanced language skills and deep respect for multiculturalism, while widely disseminating academic findings to contribute to the realization of a multicultural coexisting society.

National University Corporation Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

President: Nobuo Haruna

Address: 3-11-1 Asahi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo

URL: https://www.tufs.ac.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event