Today, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself for the first time after being appointed as the new head of AMDA Japan.
I am a true Okayama native who grew up in this very city until I graduated from high school. When I was growing up, I had seen many people around the world falling victim to war every day. At the time, conflicts were occurring one after another in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Coupled with other irrational human sufferings such as poverty and hunger, I was struck by the following questions: “Are these things happening in reality?” “Why can’t poverty be eradicated?”
Cholera outbreak in Haiti (2016)
After starting college, I began traveling across the planet to see things with my own eyes. I felt the need to act upon it if I wanted to truly understand the real state of the world. The journey is still continuing to this day even after I became a medical doctor. I am constantly in search of what I can do by traveling around the globe and observing how people make most of their given situations.
Up until now, I have been involved with AMDA’s humanitarian work in the realm of disaster medical response and the transfer of medical technology to various medical institutions both home and abroad.
Through these experiences, I have had the great fortune to work with people of diverse backgrounds. Had it not been for these precious opportunities, I would not have realized how I could be of use to people in need.
Kumamoto earthquake, Japan (2016)
Ukraine humanitarian crisis (2022)
Regardless of nationality or religion, I make it a point to offer help if there is anyone needing assistance. This is my core belief as a person and as a medical doctor. In fact, we should all be happy about it, if there is something we can do to support others.
Having taken office as the new head of this organization, I truly believe that my work is to sustain AMDA’s activities to the next era, all of which have been made possible thanks to the legacy of our founder Dr. Shigeru Suganami. My role is to live up to what the organization expects of me and give the universal significance to what AMDA does in this ever-changing world.
Last but not least, I would highly appreciate it if you could assist me on my new journey.