Japan university under fire for offering courses in pseudoscientific 'healing therapies'
Despite scientific-sounding descriptions, experts have long identified such methods as pseudoscience -- practices lacking scientific credibility, evidence or the capability for rigorous testing and validation.
Yet, at Kanagawa Dental University's graduate school in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, such questionable therapies feature prominently in the syllabus of an integrative medicine course for working adult students, attended by individuals who already hold national medical credentials such as doctors and nurses. Lecturers include representatives and senior leaders brought from organizations promoting these methods.
Academic experts warn that the situation carries substantial risks. "The fact that a university offers such courses could grant pseudoscience and its promoting bodies undeserved legitimacy, potentially misleading more people," cautioned one scholar.
Moreover, university sources indicate the courses themselves are not actually funded or run by Kanagawa Dental University.
Methods rejected by Japan's Science Council
The course in question began in academic 2022 on the top floor of a five-story building near JR Takanawa Gateway Station in Tokyo's Minato Ward. The tuition fee for the one-year course is 1.2 million yen (around $8,300). This year's lectures -- totaling around 180 hours -- cover more than 30 controversial self-proclaimed therapies.
Hado once sparked controversy when it was adopted into elementary school moral education classes, criticized as pseudoscience creeping into classrooms. Homeopathy was formally rejected by a 2010 statement from the Science Council of Japan, explicitly denying its therapeutic effectiveness. The university's syllabus even covers "Edgar Cayce therapy," which is claimed to have been started by a psychic with clairvoyant abilities.
According to people involved, the course was originally proposed to the university by Akira Kawashima, a medical doctor frequently appearing on television.
When contacted, Kanagawa Dental University representatives replied that "Kawashima will respond directly." Kawashima himself commented, "Integrative medicine includes the good and the bad alike. It's essential to train medical professionals, after mastering Western medicine, to get accurate insights into various techniques so that, when patients ask about them, they're able to distinguish legitimate treatments from fraudulent ones."
Who manages the university course?
Although billed as a university offering, the course is actually funded and administered by a general incorporated association through a service contract with the university. The association's head is a doctor who runs a psychosomatic internal medicine clinic in Tokyo. She promotes procedures involving "hand power healing," claiming on her own website: "Invisible energy definitely exists," adding that "the delicate energy changes in body and mind can be perceived and rebalanced through one's palms."
Responding to inquiries, the doctor acknowledged her organization's role in operating the course. She explained that the company initially tasked with administrative duties withdrew, prompting Kawashima to ask her to take over. Last December, she organized a public lecture featuring a leading representative of an Edgar Cayce promotion group at the same Tokyo building. Flyers advertising the event prominently mentioned her group's role managing the university-related courses.
Experts convey concern
Attempts to introduce unscientific concepts such as hado, the "gaming brain" theory and EM (effective microorganism) bacteria into educational settings have previously caused public concern. However, experts pointed out that cases of universities proactively teaching these pseudosciences in a positive light have been extremely rare.
Professor Masato Ishikawa of Meiji University, an expert in cognitive science, explained, "There are scenarios where universities teach pseudoscience -- for example, studying 'witches' from a cultural or anthropological perspective. But actual proponents presenting lectures cannot respond to scientific criticism." In 2014, Meiji University planned a course for the general public featuring promoters of pseudoscience like hado and EM bacteria, but canceled it due to faculty opposition.
Professor Ishikawa further warned of the risks posed because students already have medical qualifications. "Course participants pay fees and receive official certificates of completion. Thus, it raises the likelihood they'll offer these practices themselves," he said, expressing concern about an increase in medical clinics providing treatments lacking scientific validity.
Comments from the education ministry
Upon completion of the one-year program, participants receive official certificates issued under the School Education Act. A representative from the education ministry's university promotion division, which manages the law in question, stated, "Ultimately, universities hold full responsibility for the content of their certified programs." However, regarding dubious therapies suspected as pseudoscience being taught within the courses, the ministry representative explained, "We, as an administrative body, are not in a position to determine if particular course contents qualify as pseudoscience."
Professor Satoru Kikuchi, a psychologist at Shinshu University who is knowledgeable about pseudoscience, criticized what he sees as the universities' irresponsibility: "It seems universities play down the responsibility involved in teaching positively about therapies without a scientific basis."
Kikuchi further argued that the education ministry's approach is problematic as well, declaring, "Entrusting universities alone to check their course content mimics the situation with the functional food labeling system -- where responsibility for confirming the safety and efficacy of functional foods was pushed onto private industry, resulting in health problems. It's essentially equivalent to the ministry abandoning its supervisory responsibilities."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Today
28-07-2025
- Japan Today
Artists, scientists breathe life into prehistoric woman
By Stephanie Hamel and Kate Gillam With her clear blue eyes and slightly nervous gaze, the reconstructed bust of Mos'anne -- a woman who lived around 10,500 years ago -- is uncannily lifelike. Reborn via a close partnership between science and art, Mos'anne's bust was created at Belgium's Ghent University as part of a project to explore how the region's last hunter-gatherers lived during the Mesolithic era. "Part of the project is also understanding the genetics of these people, figuring out their kinship and so on, and to be able to really translate the science that we do to a wider audience," the project's lead researcher, Isabelle de Groote, told AFP. Scientists chose the skull of Mos'anne -- named by public vote in reference to Belgium's Meuse Valley -- for reconstruction, as it was exceptionally well-preserved. The bones held a large amount of preserved DNA, making it possible to reconstruct the woman -- aged between 35 and 60 at her death -- with remarkable realism. "We also know that in the Mesolithic times, she is genetically part of the Western hunter-gatherer group," said de Groote. Using genetic testing, researchers were able to determine the Mesolithic woman's skin and eye colour. "This group is known for having very dark skin and blue eyes, a bit like Cheddar Man in Britain," she said, referring to the man who lived in Britain around 10,000 years ago, whose skeleton was discovered in 1903. Mos'anne's DNA revealed valuable clues about her appearance but it was the unique skills of Dutch "paleo-artists" Alfons and Adrie Kennis that brought her back to life. After receiving guidance from the researchers -- including instructions to use ochre pigment on Mos'anne's headband -- the twins began their work, from moulding the skull to the final decorative feather, meticulously sculpting each facial muscle in clay. "The biggest part of the reconstruction is forming a character," Alfons Kennis said from their Darwin-esque studio in Arnhem. "You can make a forensic reconstruction... use the data, apply the muscles, apply the skin, but you get no character," Kennis said of their artistic process. The Kennis brothers -- whose surname means "knowledge" in Dutch -- take about six months to complete a reconstruction. They gained global recognition in the 2000s, their work exhibited in museums worldwide and featured in specialist publications. The twins, fascinated by evolution and visual art since childhood, draw inspiration from archived anthropological images of early encounters between isolated populations and researchers. "At the first meeting, there's nervousness, shyness. People are laughing, maybe out of nerves," said Kennis. "When a prehistoric ancestor meets you for the first time, you see these mixed emotions... It's these emotions that we want to show." Much about Mos'anne remains unknown. In Ghent, researchers are still analysing her to find out what she would eat. With her headband dotted with duck feathers, golden skin, and pierced animal teeth adorning her ears and necklace, the prehistoric woman seems closer to us than ever. "It was always my wish to be able to make it more tangible in a way," De Groote said. © 2025 AFP
The Mainichi
13-07-2025
- The Mainichi
Japan focusing on a fix for device-linked youth eye condition
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- While prolonged use of smartphones and other digital devices has long been linked to nearsightedness, a rare eye ailment is becoming more common in today's digital age, with those impacted, particularly young people, having an eye turn inward, making them appear cross-eyed. The condition known as acquired esotropia -- a form of "smartphone strabismus" in which one eye directs toward the nose while the other eye remains in a natural position -- is being seen more and more frequently among young people in Japan. Experts warn that excessive use of digital devices can contribute to the condition's onset, recommending that people promptly see an ophthalmologist if they notice abnormalities such as children's eyes that do not align properly, since it is treatable if caught early. Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, often causing double vision or difficulty in depth perception. According to a study conducted by Kyoto University, approximately one in 50 people in Japan have strabismus, and the most common type among Japanese is "external strabismus," in which one eye deviates outward. In recent years, however, as people use smartphones, tablets and gaming devices for longer periods at a time, it has been reported both in Japan and abroad that "internal strabismus" is on the rise. In particular, there has been a sharp increase in the number of publications on acute esotropia, rather than congenital forms of the condition, since 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic forced people indoors and onto their addictive devices. Back in 2020, at a public lecture entitled "Lights and Shadows of Smartphones" sponsored by the Science Council of Japan, experts introduced data showing that myopia in children is rapidly increasing worldwide, and has tripled in Japan in the last three decades. In addition, there is also an increased risk of strabismus, caused by lying down and looking at screens and having the focus shift from side to side, or having the screen too close to the eyes. Kyoko Ono, a professor of Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital's department of ophthalmology, cautioned that staring at small screens up close on a smartphone is "a strong stimulus that the human eye had never experienced before." "Some data show that people who use smartphones frequently underestimate the amount of time they spend using them," she said. "In children, we hope that parents will manage the time of use properly and ensure that they have time to play outside." According to a survey conducted by the Cabinet Office on the average daily internet usage time, elementary school students spent 118 minutes, junior high school students 164 minutes and high school students 217 minutes with their devices in fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2022, they spent 214 minutes, 277 minutes, and 345 minutes, respectively -- an increase of approximately 100 to 130 minutes in each group. The Japanese Association for Strabismus and Amblyopia and the Japanese Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology called on ophthalmologists to track the use of digital devices and the course of the condition nationwide. As a result, 194 patients with acute acquired strabismus developed within a year were registered. Those whose condition was brought on by accidents or brain abnormalities were excluded from the study. Those surveyed ranged in age from 5 to 35, with the highest number of sufferers being 16 years of age. Those experiencing a higher frequency of the condition were middle and high school students, followed by elementary school students. Only people who used smartphones or other devices for 60 minutes or more per day for elementary school students and younger, and 120 minutes or more for middle and high school students and older were defined as the excessive use groups. Excluding those who did not use devices, there were 156 in the overuse group and 25 in the non-overuse group. The overuse groups were instructed to limit their use of devices to under the excessive times. They were also required to keep at least 30 centimeters between their eyes and the devices and to take 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes of viewing time. Changes were examined after three months. The results showed that 68, or 44 percent, of the patients in the overuse group improved their strabismus symptoms, but only 10 of such patients were completely cured. The majority, 88, or 56 percent, had either no change in symptoms or saw their conditions worsen. Many of those who were cured had less severe strabismus at the onset of their diagnosis and were able to reduce their viewing time by more than half of the original time. Conversely, those whose strabismus was quite advanced at the time of their diagnosis and those who did not reduce their viewing time got worse. The degree of strabismus is diagnosed by measuring the angle of the deviation and the ability for a patient to perceive depth and three-dimensional space. "Symptoms are easily improved by seeing a doctor while they are mild, said Miho Sato, a visiting professor of ophthalmology at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine who compiled the survey. "It's also clear that the symptoms can be improved by changing the way people use their digital devices, such as by reducing the amount of time spent on them or by looking at the devices at a distance." "But once the disease develops, it can be cured only in very mild cases, even if the method of use is improved, so it is advisable to prevent it by using devices properly," she added. According to Sato, strabismus can occur regardless of excessive use of digital devices. When improvement cannot be expected from changes in device usage, injections into the eye muscles to make them less likely to lean in, or surgery to shift the position of the eye muscles, are other options. (By Hajime Tobe)
The Mainichi
01-07-2025
- The Mainichi
Less rice, more yogurt: Tokyo families' diets change as price of staple remains high
TOKYO -- Bowls of cooked rice and rice balls -- essentials in typical Japanese meals -- are appearing less frequently on dining tables in the country as rice prices remain high. While many might expect a switch to other staple foods, it is not bread or noodles that are seeing increased consumption. Westernization of meals as rice consumption declines Tokyo-based research firm Lifescape Marketing Co. released data in April on a survey examining menu changes between January and March in households in the greater Tokyo area. Of the 214 households that responded, 30% said they reduced rice consumption by over 10% compared to the same period last year. Another 29% said they reduced consumption by 10% or less. In total, nearly 60% of the households, or 127 families, reported eating rice less frequently. In these families, yogurt saw the most significant increase in consumption. In households that reduced rice dishes by more than 10%, yogurt appeared on their dining tables 2.7% more often compared to the previous year. Those that reduced rice consumption by 10% or less also had yogurt 1.5% more frequently. When limited to breakfast, yogurt's appearances increased by 4.9%, significantly outpacing other items including potage soup (up 1.7%), tamagoyaki Japanese omelets (up 1.5%), mochi rice cake (up 1.0%) and sandwiches (up 0.8%). Conversely, breakfast items that declined included rice (down 5.1%), rice balls (down 4.0%), rice with toppings like raw egg (down 3.9%), traditional Japanese dishes such as miso soup (down 3.3%), natto fermented soybeans (down 1.3%) and simmered dishes (down 1.2%). This suggests a trend toward Western-style meals as rice consumption decreases. But why has yogurt, in particular, gained traction? Emphasis on gluten-free diets and time efficiency Akiko Furutani, an associate professor specializing in chrono-nutrition at Tokyo's Aikoku Gakuen Junior College, suggested that the gluten-free trend might be reducing bread consumption, and added, "The recent trend is to limit carbohydrates and consume more protein. Yogurt is chosen as an easily accessible source of protein." More people are apparently opting for yogurt or cereal over rice and miso soup for weekday breakfasts. Analyzing the reason for this, Furutani said, "In addition to high rice prices, there is a growing focus on time efficiency, leading more people to prefer quicker and easier breakfast options." In fact, Meiji Co., the industry leader in yogurt sales, reported that sales of its flagship plain "Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt" series have increased by about 10% each month year on year since April 2024. Morinaga Milk Industry Co. similarly reported that sales of its small four-unit packs of "Bifidus Yogurt" increased by about 20% on average from January to March 2025 compared to the same months the previous year. A representative expressed surprise at the significant increase, speculating, "This may be the result of people seeking satisfaction by eating (yogurt) after meals as they have reduced rice consumption, and Westernization of meals, which involves switching from rice to bread for breakfast." Despite trend, expert says morning rice consumption preferable Lifescape Marketing's survey found that the reduction in rice dishes was least pronounced at dinner, with a 13% decrease, compared to a 29% decrease at lunch and a 33% drop at breakfast. A representative said, "This indicates people feel that even if they cut back on rice at breakfast and lunch, they still want to have rice for dinner." However, from a chrono-nutrition perspective, the opposite is preferable. Furutani recommends eating rice in the morning rather than in the evening, explaining, "Consuming carbohydrates in the morning resets the body's internal clock, allowing the person to be active from the start of the day. Eating heavily at night can raise blood sugar levels and disrupt sleep." Since having just yogurt for breakfast is insufficient for carbohydrate intake, Furutani advises, "Alternatives like barley flakes or other grains, or even pasta, can be good substitutes for rice. There are many options, so aim for a balanced diet."
