This workshop is held in conjuction with the Suntory Foundation of Japan.

Purpose of the Forum

The challenges that Japan faced during the so-called two lost decades were not unique; Japan was merely the first developed country to confront them.  Against this background, in December 2012, the Suntory Foundation launched a new research project, “Re-examining Japan in Global Context”, with the purpose of promoting international intellectual dialogue to generate insights and ideas that can benefit all. To date, eight forums have been held, with two experts as presenters at each (one from Japan and one from overseas) followed by discussion with participants from various fields.

In the forum at the University of Oxford, we will focus on medical care systems from comparative viewpoints. Japan is not alone in facing challenges as an aging population and increasingly expensive medical technology.  As the United Kingdom knows well, in countries where medical care is considered a public good for whose provision the state is responsible, the challenges are formidable and the politics around it are heated.

Theme “Future challenges for medical care—from a comparative perspective”

Speakers

Dr Naonori Kodate (Lecturer in Social Policy, School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin) http://www.ucd.ie/research/people/socialpolicysocialworksocialjustice/drnaonorikodate/

Professor James Tiessen (Associate Professor and Director of the School of Health Services Management, Ryerson University) http://www.ryerson.ca/tedrogersschool/hsm/faculty/james-tiessen.html

The programme and list of participants can be found here.