Radiation Environment and Medicine 2022 Vol.11, No.2 75–81

ReportActivities of the Organization for Radiation Emergency Medicine
and Cooperation Promotion in Hirosaki University
Ikuo Kashiwakura1*, Naofumi Akata 2, Masahiro Hosoda 2, 3, Tomisato Miura 2,
Chieko Itaki3, 4, Takakiyo Tsujiguchi1, Sadakiyo Kameya1, Katsutoshi Ito1, 5,
Hiroyuki Hanada5 and Shinji Tokonami2
Organization for Radiation Emergency Medicine and Cooperation Promotion, Hirosaki University
2
Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University
3
Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University
4
Nursing Department – Hirosaki University Hospital
5
Advance Emergency and Critical Care Center, Hirosaki University Hospital

1

Received 18 April 2022; revised 17 May 2022; accepted 20 May 2022

Hirosaki University has been working on the development of a radiation emergency medical caresystem since FY 2008. Since FY 2015, it has been responsible as a national radiation emergency
medical care center and has been engaged in various activities and produced human resources.
Currently, with the “Organization for Radiation Emergency Medicine and Cooperation Promotion”(established in FY 2019) at its core, the university is engaged in related education and research,human resource development, regional contributions, and international collaborations. The current
report presents the outline and activities of the Organization for Radiation Emergency Medicine
and Cooperation Promotion at the Hirosaki University.
Key words: Radiation emergency medicine, Organization for Radiation Emergency Medicine
and Cooperation Promotion, Nuclear Emergency Medical Support Center, Advanced
Radiation Emergency Medical Support Center.

1. Activities to date
Agriculture and fishery are the main industries of
Aomori Prefecture, where Hirosaki University is located.
Additionally, with many nuclear-related facilities andresearch facilities the Aomori Prefecture has an importantregional background for the national energy policy(Fig. 1). At the beginning of FY 2000 (prior to the launch*Ikuo Kashiwakura: Organization for Radiation Emergency Medicine andCooperation Promotion, Hirosaki University 1 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 0368560, Japan
E-mail: ikashi@hirosaki-u.ac.jp
https://doi.org/10.51083/radiatenvironmed.11.2_75
Copyright © 2022 by Hirosaki University. All rights reserved.

of the before), there were few experts on radiation
emergency medicine (REM) in Aomori Prefecture,and the national tertiary radiation emergency medical
institution (National Institute of Radiological Sciences)
was also remote. In other words, it was necessary toestablish an advanced radiation emergency medical
system to develop: i) an advanced effective radiation
emergency medical care system; and ii) human resources
with highly specialized knowledge and skills. In view ofthis background, efforts to improve the medical systemand education/research system related to REM werelaunched under the strong leadership of then President
Endo of Hirosaki University in FY 2008.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Education,

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Ikuo Kashiwakura et al./ Radiation Environment and Medicine 2022 Vol.11, No.2 75–81

Higashidori Clinic

Mutsu General Hosp.

Rokkasho Village Medical Center

Noheji Hosp.

Chitosedaira Medical Clinic

Misawa City Hosp.
Momoishi Hosp.
Aomori Rosai Hosp.

Shichinohe Hosp.
Towada City Hosp.

Rokunohe Town Health
Insurance Clinic

Fig. 1. Distribution of nuclear power facilities and radiation emergency medical care-related facilities in Aomori
Prefecture
Advanced radiation emergency medical support center and Nuclear emergency medical support center,
Nuclear emergency core hospitals, Major nuclear emergency medical cooperative institutions, Off-Site Center
Nuclear power facility(OFC),

Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT),
Hirosaki University started a special education andresearch project “Human Resource Development andSystem Improvement for Emergency Exposure Medicine
Support” (FY 2008-FY 2012) in FY 2008, before the Great
East Japan Earthquake. Since FY 2010, the project has
also been engaged in the “Fostering of Professionals in
Radiation Medicine” (five years), a project developed by
MEXT for integrated promotion of social system reformand research and development. 31 personnel have been
trained to contribute to the field of radiation medicine
in the prefecture (final evaluation: S). In July 2010, theAdvance Emergency and Critical Care Center was
inaugurated at the Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine.
This was followed by the establishment of the “Radiation
Safety Organization” (August, 2010; renamed the“Radiation Safety Promotion Council” in FY 2012) as abody to discuss radiation related matters at the University
with the President as the head of the body.
The work of the Radiation Safety Organization wasevident after Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant
accident in March 2011. 20 teams with 365 members
were dispatched to survey > 5,000 evacuated residents at
the request of MEXT. Post the initial survey, 11 teams
with 202 members were dispatched to support the“Temporary Entry Project for Residents” in the warning
area. In addition, in September 2011, Hirosaki University
concluded a cooperation agreement with Namie Town
in Fukushima Prefecture, and organized a cross-faculty“Namie Town Reconstruction Support Project” within
the university, which has continued its activities to thepresent.
To promote education and research both in theregion and internationally, Hirosaki University has set“Promotion of international education and research inradiation science to ensure safety and security in REM” as
one of its strategies in the third medium-term plan. This
strategy makes use of the strengths and characteristicsof the University in the fields of radiation science andREM. In addition, in accordance with the revision of thegovernmentʼs nuclear countermeasure guidelines forreviewing the system of REM at the time of a nuclear
power plant accident; Hirosaki University was designatedas the “Advanced Radiation Emergency Medical Support
Center” and the “Nuclear Emergency Medical Support
Center” - a core institution responsible for REM on
August 26, 2015. The Center for Radiation Safety andIntegrated Support was established to strengthen theorganization in the University for further promotion ofthese efforts related to REM.
The center has started projects of the national
government with a full-time Administrative Director
and one specially appointed full-time Assistant Professor
under the Director of the Center. Subsequently,
the current “Organization for Radiation Emergency
Medicine and Cooperation Promotion (OREMCooP)” wasestablished in October 2019 with the aim of consolidating
activities related to REM within the Hirosaki University.

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Fig. 2. The structure of Organization for Radiation Emergency Medicine and Cooperation Promotion (OREMCooP)(As of March, 2022).

2. Fundamental Goals: The Hirosaki University
Vision of the Future1)
Hirosaki University, in its role as one of the comprehensive
public universities in the north of Japan, has set as its
foundation a commitment to serve as a core actor forregional revitalization. Taking this commitment into
consideration, we established four strategic areas ofconcentration, renewable energy, the environment, REM,
and food, positioning them as objectives in the second
medium-term plan. We have subsequently integrated
these strategic and related themes into our researchand educational programs. We have also made great
headway in establishing ties with local organizations andgovernmental bodies. Moreover, as we enter the thirdround of medium-term plan, we will continue to contributeto local society through human resource development
and the fostering of innovation.
Hirosaki University has recently implemented auniversity-wide reorganization. We have 1) strengthened
human resource development programs in the fields
of science, technology and agriculture that contributeto innovation, 2) made qualitative improvements in theteacher training program for elementary school teachers,
and 3) built up both the educational and researcharms of the graduate schools. Moreover, among ourthird medium-term plan, we will continually review

the themes and reevaluate and reform the system bywhich research is implemented in the original four coreareas of concentration. Furthermore, although we have
independently implemented university governancereforms through wide-ranging on-campus discussion
and debate, we must continue to verify and reexamine
these outcomes. We must do so in order to enhance thefunctioning of and to implement the reforms instituted
under the management system that was introduced after
the establishment of the national university corporation
system. Ultimately, our mission is to live up to our sloganof “communicating to the world, creating with ourcommunity”.
3. Structure and activities of OREMCooP
OREMCooP was established in October 2019 for the
purpose of centralizing REM activities performed in theuniversity (Fig. 2). Two major projects were carried out
by this organization: i) The Nuclear Regulatory Agency
Project; and ii) Functional Enhancement Projects.
The Nuclear Regulatory Agency project by the “Center
for Radiation Support and Safety”, which is responsible
for national radiation emergency medicine and carries
out the missions of the “Advanced Radiation Emergency
Medical Support Center” and “Nuclear Emergency
Medical Support Center”. The second is the universityʼs

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Table 1. Main activities undertaken by the Center
Activity items
1. Network construction

Activity content••••

National and regional network construction support
Regional network construction support
Expert network construction support
Information collection for network construction, etc.

2. Education/training program for ourselves
3. Highly specialized education/training• Nuclear emergency medical training for core human resources• Training for Nuclear Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (NEMAT)• Participation in training hosted by other organizations

4. Regular drill for ourselves
5. Participation in nuclear disaster response drills nationwide• Training on ʻdispatchʼ of NEMAT• Participation and advice for nuclear emergency drills

6. Maintenance and management of materials and equipment

four priority strategic projects: functional enhancement
projects. This project consists of three divisions:“Education and Research,” “Social Contribution,” and“International Collaboration”.
Both the projects are being undertaken with thecooperation of the university departments, including
the Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine (IREM),
the Graduate School of Health Sciences, the Advance
Emergency and Critical Care Center in Hirosaki
University Hospital, and the Graduate School of Medicine.
3.1. Center for Radiation Support and Safety
In 2015, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority designated the“Nuclear Emergency Medical Support Center” and the“Advanced Radiation Emergency Medical Support Center”
as facilities that provide medical care for nuclear disasters,
and they have been active for about six years. This year,
in cooperation with related organizations in and outsideof the prefecture, the center will develop and maintain a
medical treatment system, provide basic training for thestaff within its facilities, conduct training to coordinate
the dispatch of “Nuclear Emergency Medical AssistanceTeams.” Additionally, the center will build and strengthen
the network of people involved in nuclear disaster medicalcare, and provide education, trainings, drills and prepare
for the occurrence of a nuclear disaster. The company
actively engaged in a number of related activities,
including training for core personnel such as physicians,
nurses, and radiology technicians at base hospitals. The
main activities are summarized in Table 1.
3.2. Functional Enhancement Projects
As one of the comprehensive universities in the North
Tohoku region, Hirosaki University, is based on pursuing
the role of “core center for regional revitalization.”
During the period of the third mid-term plan, food,health, renewable energy, environment, and REM
were designated as important strategic projects of theuniversity. The university aimed to utilize regional
resources to promote education and research to create
innovations and develop “human resources for regional
development.” These steps would help to solve regional
issues such as lack of “places” to work, the decline in
the working population, and the lowest average life
expectancy in Japan (Table 2).
At the time of this writing, FY 2021 is the final year of
the third medium-term targets and plan period (FY 2016FY 2021). One of the projects to strengthen the universityʼsfunctions, “Strategy 3: Formation of an international
education and research center for safety and security
in REM,” will come to an end, but we will continue ouractivities as an organization toward the fourth mediumterm period of the project.
This report provides an overview of the activities of thisproject in the areas of “Education and research,” “Social
cooperation,” and “International collaboration,” which
comprise the OREMCooP. The results of the activities
have been produced through the cooperation andcollaboration of many facilities and departments within
the university. All REM projects at Hirosaki University
are cooperated beyond the fields and the organizations
systematically and strategically conforming to REM andCooperation Promotion activity.
The following is an overview of the activities of eachdepartment within OREMCooP.
3.2.1. Education and research department
Main activities of this department are as follows;▪ Human resources development for REM▪ Basic research on REM▪ Education for radiation nursing and publication ofEnglish academic journals: REM

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Table 2. Outline of four strategies undertaken by the Hirosaki University in the third medium-term plan
Strategy

OutlineStrategy 1“Innovation and human resource development utilizing regional specifics and resources in the fields of Agri, Life and Green”
Activity 1: Innovation and human resources development in the fields of science, technology aiming to utilization of regional
specifics and resources
Activity 2: Human resources development for regional innovation of food
Activity 3: Establishment of “Aomori model regional revitalization cycle” aiming to innovation of internationally competitive
Aomori brand food industry

Strategy 2“Formation of comprehensive education and research center with knowledge of social medicine aiming to mental and physicalhealth promotion”
Activity: Establishment of Center of Health Aging Innovation, and study of social medicine and social support activities aiming torefresh “short lived prefecture”

Strategy 3“Promotion of international education and research of radiation sciences to secure security and safety for REM”
Activity: Project for formation of international education and research center for security and safety for REM

Strategy 4“Construction of education system with focus on the region for development of regional revitalization human resources”
Activity: Consistent and integrated promotion of educational reform based on 3 policies by university –wide management ofteaching and learning

3.2.2. Social cooperation department
Main activities are as follows;▪ Reconstruction support project for Namie Town,
Fukushima; Ministry of the Environment project▪ Risk communication project▪ Environmental radiation monitoring and healthconsultation and radiation risk consultation.
3.2.3 International collaboration department
Main activities are as follows;▪ Cooperation project with overseas organizations,international collaborative researches▪ Overseas training programs; exchange students
and international contribution activities (Academic
meeting).
3.2.4. Namie Town Reconstruction Assistance Project
In September 2011, immediately after the Great East
Japan Earthquake, a partnership agreement was signedwith the Namie Town in Fukushima Prefecture. This
led to the continuation of various support activities led
by a working group consisting of several faculties andresearch institutes in Hirosaki University. In addition,
since FY 2013, a risk communication project for residentsof Namie Town was adopted by the Ministry of theEnvironment, and two full-time public health nurses andone radiation specialist have been engaged in activities atthe Hirosaki University Reconstruction Support Office in
the Namie Town Hall. In addition, we are also working on
the Ministry of the Environmentʼs “Exposure Dose Survey
for the residents in Namie Town” in the field of Namie
Town and are contributing to various reconstruction
support for Namie Town.

4. Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine(IREM)2)
The IREM consists of five departments: Radiation
measurement and physical dosimetry, risk analysis
and biodosimetry, radiochemistry and radioecology,international cooperation and collaborative research andREM.
In response to the Fukushima nuclear power plant
accident, the governmentʼs system of medical care for
REM in the event of a nuclear disaster and in normal
times has undergone a major review, and Hirosaki
University has been designated as the National Center
for Nuclear Disaster Preparedness. Hirosaki University
has been designated as the National Center for Nuclear
Disaster Response, and the IREM serves as the Advanced
Radiation Exposure Medicine Support Center.
As a group of experts in radiation exposure medicine
that promotes one of Hirosaki Universityʼs highly
strategic and ambitious goals and plans “Formation ofinternational education and research center for security
and safety for REM,” IREM is also engaged in thedevelopment of expert personnel with an international
perspective and world-class research and development.
In addition, IREM has been qualified as the core center
on Environmental transfer and biological effects due
to radionuclides together with University of Tsukuba,
Center for Research in Isotopes and Environmental
Dynamics by MEXT since FY 2018. It aims to form aninternational center of excellence for research on theenvironmental fate of radioactive materials.
5. Graduate Schools of Health Sciences
The Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health
Sciences has four areas of study: Nursing, Radiological

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Technology, Biomedical Laboratory Science, andComprehensive Rehabilitation Science. The Masterʼs
Course aims to foster leaders and advanced professionals
with management practice skills, while the Doctoral
Course aims to foster educators and researchers withadvanced specialized knowledge and skills, while
contributing to the society.
The Graduate School of Health Sciences started
activities related to REM in FY 2008, and currently thefour departments continue their own activities while
collaborating with OREMCooP.
5.1. Education and Training▪ Conduct a Radiation Disaster Preparedness Training
to ensure to keep nuclear emergency preparedness
in the northern part of Japan, and to develop humanrecourses to deal with radiation emergency▪ Development of human resources who engage inradiation disaster preparedness on master course▪ Development of some e-learning material for
beginner level learners▪ Preparation of English handout for visitors including
graduate students and faculties from overseas▪ Continuously improve skills of the staff members
involved in Radiation Disaster Preparedness Training
5.2. Radiological Nursing Education▪ Support for the “Program of Certified Nurse
Specialist in Radiological Nursing (Masterʼscourse)” and the continued professional developmentof graduates▪ Various activities related to the preparation,
application, and certification needed to apply to bescreened by the Japanese Nursing Association as a
Certified Nurse Specialist in the specialized field of“Radiological Nursing (provisional name)”▪ Support radiological nursing education programs
targeting nurses and nursing teachers▪ Establish and develop the field of radiologicalnursing through the dissemination of information in
and outside Japan, international exchange, overseas
training, conclusion of agreements with overseasorganizations, etc.
5.3. Radiation Risk Communication
As radiation risk communication support project (FY
2015~), health specialists residing at Namie Town
government office perform the following activities:▪ Health or radiation consultation using various
opportunities▪ Holding salons in the town (including sessions
dealing with radiation anxiety) (about 10 times ayear): “Apple Salon”▪ Holding dialogue meetings on radiation outside thetown (about 12 times a year): “OSHABERI-Kai”▪ Evaluation and modification of activities andtransmission of information.
5.4. Global Human Resources Development▪ Supporting the development of human resources
capable of creating systems for international
exchange and cooperation▪ Developing an educational program to train humanresources in REM, open to overseas students▪ Accepting exchange students in the REM course andRadiological Nursing Specialist Education Program
6. Advance Emergency and Critical Care Center –Hirosaki University Hospital / Graduate Schools of
Medicine
Advance Emergency and Critical Care Center in Hirosaki
University Hospital is the only advanced critical carecenter in Aomori Prefecture, providing 24-hour care fora wide range of serious cases, including life-threatening
illnesses, trauma, burns, and poisonings. The hospital
aims to treat patients are those who are transported
by ambulance or doctor helicopter and those who are
difficult to treat at other hospitals. The hospital has asystem to provide the latest treatment in collaboration
with other departments within the hospital, making fulluse of the advanced medical treatment capabilities of auniversity hospital. In addition, the hospital maintains
close ties with the local fire department to provide highquality medical services and strives to serve as the last
bastion of emergency medical care in Aomori Prefectureso that the citizens of the prefecture can live with peaceof mind.
In the basement of the center, there is a decontamination
room and an initial treatment room with an independent
ventilation system with filters and waste fluid storage
tanks to receive exposed wounded and sick patients.
In addition, the facility is equipped with a whole-bodycounter to monitor the degree of radiation exposure,various measuring devices, and facilities for intensive
care for those who have been exposed to radiation.
In the future, as a facility of the Advanced Radiation
Emergency Medical Support Center and the Nuclear
Emergency Medical Support Center, we will promote theestablishment of a medical system as a base hospital for
REM in Tohoku and Hokkaido.
7. International Advisory Board
The Advisory Board was established with the purpose ofevaluation of activities by external experts. Two overseas
experts were added to the International Advisory Board
in FY 2017, but due to the spread of COVID-19 in FY

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2020 and FY 2021, the meetings were held on paper andon the web. We regret that we were unable to exchange
opinions in person.
8. Future issues
A new human resource development project related
to complex disasters (applied in summer 2021) was
accepted, and a new “Education Center for Disaster andRadiation Emergency Medicine” will be established in
the Organization in FY 2022. The project titled “Projectfor human resource development of radiation exposure
medicine for complex disasters,” aims to develop highly
specialized professionals who can respond to complex
disasters in the region. This will be facilitated incooperation with multiple professions in the event of a
nuclear disaster (which is expected to become a complex
disaster); in order to realize the basic policy of the fourth
medium-term targets and the medium-term plan: “todevelop human resources to lead the region througheducation and research useful for solving regional issues
and social implementation.”
9. Conclusion
The activities of OREMCooP have expanded over
the years and its social responsibility has increased.
Currently, the social situation surrounding REM is81

becoming more diverse and complex. In recent years, inaddition to pandemics, various natural disasters such as
typhoons, heavy rains and heavy snow falls caused byabnormal weather have frequently occurred and become
intensified. The threat of large earthquakes increases
year by year, and the occurrence of large earthquakes
is a factor in inducing nuclear disasters. Furthermore,
although 10 years have passed since the Fukushima
nuclear power plant accident, and full recovery is not yet
complete. In addition, while the construction of nuclear
power plants is progressing due to the increase in energy
demand, especially in Asian countries, the unstableinternational situation poses a threat to cause large-scale
nuclear power accidents, and radiation disasters. In orderto respond to such diversified and complicated education,
research, and social contributions related to REM andradiation science, the organization needs to continue to bea center for sustainable, regionally oriented international
human resource development and contributes to the local
and international communities.
References
1.

2021 HIROSAKI UNIVERSITY Overview, P01 [updated 2021 May
1; cited 2022 May 10]. Available from: https://www.hirosaki-u.
ac.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/05/2021_overview.pdf

2.

HIROSAKI UNIVERSIT Y INS TITUTE OF R ADIA TION
EMERGENCY MEDICINE [cited 2022 May 17]. Available from:https://irem.hirosaki-u.ac.jp/en/