Application Guidelinesfor
Graduate School of Health and Welfare Science(Master’s Courses)
Special Application from
Overseas Designated Schools
Okayama Prefectural University
forthe 2025 Academic Year-0-

Admission Policy of the Graduate School of Health and Welfare Science,
Okayama Prefectural University
The Graduate School of Health and Welfare Science cultivates specialists with advanced knowledge andskill, and research competence qualified to identify and resolve issues in the field of health, medical care,and welfare, and capable of contributing to the broad development of a society in which everyone can enjoy
healthy and fulfilling lives.
In order to achieve this goal, each course selects students from a broad range of candidates in Japan andoverseas.

Admission Policy of the Master’s Course in Nursing Science
The Master’s Course in Nursing Science seeks to provide individuals with interdisciplinary and advanced
specialized knowledge in nursing care and basic research to nurture individuals capable of developing
effective and wide ranging solutions in the field of health and welfare through research, practice andteaching in both domestic and international settings in response to social needs. This course also has apublic health nurse training program.
This Master’s Course seeks individuals highly motivated to pursue scientific research using their broad
knowledge in the field of nursing science, cognitive and logical thinking and decision-making skills, andtheir advanced sense of compassion and ethics. The Course also seeks individuals with competence incommunication skills, including English, and nursing care ability gained through academic and practicalexperience in both domestic and international settings.
Ordinary and special examinations (for adult and overseas students), include a written examination
designed to assess applicants’ foreign language (English) competence, an oral examination designed toassess their specialized knowledge in nursing science, logical thought and decision-making skills, and aninterview to evaluate their suitability for this field, passion for nursing, and motivation for research. The
recommendation-based examination for currently-enrolled OPU students involves a document screening
and an interview to evaluate the applicant’s personality and motivation for research.

Admission Policy of the Master’s Course in Nutritional Science
The Master’s Course in Nutritional Science seeks to provide individuals with advanced specialized
knowledge that facilitates their ability to find solutions to wide ranging health-related nutritional issues,
such as food functions and clinical nutrition, and nurture their ability to identify and address problems to
respond to social needs.
This Course is looking for individuals with a passion for research in the field of nutritional science using
knowledge accumulated in their undergraduate studies, their scientific and ethical thinking anddecision-making skills, their ethical perspective and sense of humanity. The Course also welcomes
individuals who have worked to improve their communication skills, including English competence,
through academic and practical experience in both domestic and international settings.
Ordinary include a written examination designed to assess applicants’ their foreign language (English)
competence, an oral examination designed to assess their specialized knowledge in the field of nutritional
science, thinking ability and decision-making skills, and an interview to evaluate their suitability for thisfield and motivation for research. Special examinations (for adult and overseas students) include a written
examination of foreign language (English) skill, and an interview to assess suitability and motivation forresearch. The recommendation-based examination for currently-enrolled OPU students involves adocument screening and an interview to evaluate the applicant’s personality and motivation for research.

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Admission Policy of the Master’s Course in Health and Welfare Science
The Master’s Course in Health and Welfare Science fosters individuals with expertise in addressing
clinical and policy issues related to health and welfare science through organizational research andeducation that provides opportunities for students to master both theory and technique in health andwelfare science.

This Master’s Course will be of particular interest to individuals with a strong desire to apply theirbroad knowledge and ethical thinking skills to scientific research in health and welfare science, honetheir decision-making abilities, and contribute to humanity with a high sense of ethics. The Course
also seeks individuals with the ability to communicate, including competence in English, developed
through academic and practical experience in both domestic and international settings.
Ordinary include a written examination designed to assess applicants’ their foreign language (English)
competence, The special examination (for adult applicants) includes a written test for foreign language(English), an oral examination designed to assess their specialized knowledge in health and welfare
science, thinking ability and decision-making skills, and an interview to evaluate their suitability for thisfield and motivation for research. Special examinations (for overseas students) include a written
examination of foreign language (English) skill, and an interview to assess suitability and motivation forresearch. The recommendation-based examination for currently-enrolled OPU students involves adocument screening and an interview to evaluate the applicant’s personality and motivation for research.

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Application Guidelines for Graduate School of Health and Welfare Science(Master’s Course) (Special Application from Overseas Designated Schools)
Okayama Prefectural University for the 2025 Academic YearⅠ

（people）

Enrollment Capacity
Courses

Enrollment Capacity

Notes

Master’s Course of Nursing
Science
Master’s Course of Nutritional
Science

A limited number of
selected students
A limited number of
selected students

Master’s Course of Health andWelfare Science

A limited number of
selected students

The number stated on the left side isincluded in the enrollment capacity ofeach course. (Enrollment capacity ofeach course is the total number ofstudents
acceptedthroughrecommendation-based examination for
currently-enrolled
OPU
students,
ordinary and special examinations(adult/overseas applicants [including
applicants from the overseas designatedschools]).
7 students for Master’s
Course of Nursing Science, 6 for
Master’s Course of Nutritional Science,and 7 for Master’s Course of Health andWelfare Science)

Ⅱ Qualifications of Application
Applicants who meet all of the following criteria A through F are eligible to apply.
A Must be confidently recommended by the President or the Rector of International Academic
Exchange Partner Universities.

B Hold a bachelor's degree or plan to hold said degree by March 31, 2025.
C Have gained good grades when obtaining bachelor's degree.
D Show a desire to enrich knowledge and determination to succeed in the research work.
E Must be proficient in English or Japanese to perform the task necessary for research.
F It is preferred to have Japanese language - N2 level or better.

Ⅲ Enrollment Date
Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Ⅳ Application Procedure
A Application
Enclose the documents listed in "Application Documents" in an envelope and send byregistered international mail via the designated university which can issue the recommendation
letter. Application by e-mail cannot be accepted. Documents required must be written in
English or Japanese.
B Application Period
From Monday, July 29, 2024 to Friday, August 2, 2024
C Where to send
Admission Service Section
Okayama Prefectural University-3-

111 Kuboki, Soja-City, Okayama Prefecture 719-1197
Ⅴ Application Documents
A Application Form
Use the form provided (Form 1) and fill out completely.
B Certificate of Graduation (Prospective Graduation)
Certificate must be issued and sealed by the president, the rector or the dean of the relevant
university.
C Transcripts
Transcripts must be issued and sealed by the president, the rector or the dean of the relevant
university. Submit the transcripts listing grades of all credits obtained while at the university.
D Statement of Purpose for Research
Applicants must fill out form provided (Form 2). Write the first choice listed in the space for"Course" on the Admission Application Form (Form 1)
E Two Recommendation Letters from the President or the Rector as well as themaster's course instructor of the designated university
Recommendation letters must be issued and sealed by the relevant persons.
F Photo Card and Entrance Examination Admission Card
Use the form provided (Form 3 and 4) and fill out completely.
Write applicant's name on the reverse side of 4cmH x 3cmW color photo and affix it to thephoto space with glue.
G Others
Submit a copy of document which can prove applicant's level of Japanese language.

Ⅵ Interview with the Master’s Course Director/ Supervisor
Prior to submitting an application, an applicant is required to have two or more online interviews
with the Director of the Master’s Course and the prospective supervisor both in English and inJapanese. The interviews shall be held via web video conference such as Skype, Zoom, etc.
connected between Okayama Prefectural University and the designated university before Monday,
July 22, 2024.
Appointments for these interviews must be made by e-mail (nyushi@oka-pu.ac.jp) throughAdmission Service Section by no later than Monday, July 8, 2024.
Among "Application Documents", copies of A,D,E,F must be submitted to Okayama Prefectural
University at latest two weeks prior to the first interview.
A The Director of each course
Master’s Course of Nursing Science
Master’s Course of Nutritional Science
Master’s Course of Health and Welfare Science

MORIMOTO Michiko, Prof.
YAMASHITA Hiromi ,Prof.
TAKATO Jinro, Prof.

B The Supervisor(*This system is scheduled for the 2025 academic year. Some conditions may change.)(Master’s Course of Nursing Science)
CoursesName of Supervisor
Fundamental
SATO Yoshie, Associate Prof.
Nursing Science Course
SASAKI Shinsuke, Associate Prof.
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Developmental Nursing
Science Course
Broad Nursing
Science Course

SUMIYOSHI Kazuko, Prof. MIKANE Sakae, Prof.
KITAMURA Shinji, Prof. NAGOSHI Megumi, Associate Prof.
OKAZAKI Yuka, Associate Prof.
MITANI Akemi, Associate Prof.
KIMURA Shinji, Associate Prof.
MORINAGA Yumiko, Prof. INOUE Sachiko, Associate Prof.
TOKUSHIMA Yasuko, Associate Prof.

(Master’s Course of Nutritional Science)
CoursesName of Supervisor
TAKAHASHI Yoshitaka, Prof. YAMAMOTO Toshiko, Prof.
Fundamental Nutritional
KAWAKAMI Takayo, Prof. KUBOTA Megumi, Prof.
Science Course
IRIE Yasuyuki, Prof. SHUTO Emi, Associate Prof.
ITO Hideyuki, Prof. TANAKA Koichi, Prof.
Food Nutritional Science
YAMASHITA Hiromi ,Prof. KAWAKAMI Yuki, Associate Prof.
CourseIKEGUCHI Motoya, Associate Prof.
(Master’s Course of Health and Welfare Science)
CoursesName of Supervisor
Health and Welfare
KONDO Rie, Prof. IWAMITSU Kenji, Prof.
Policy Course
KIMURA Hitoshi Associate Prof.
TAKEMOTO Yoshihito, Prof. MURAKOSO Takashi, Prof.
Social Work and Service NAKAMURA Hikaru, Prof. SAKANO Junko, Prof.
CourseKIRINO Masafumi, Associate Prof.
OKURA Takashi, Associate Prof.
Health Related Social
TAKATO Jinro, Prof. RAKUGI Akiko , Associate Prof.
Service Course
SATO Yukari , Associate Prof.
AKUTSU Taichi, Prof. EGASHIRA Tomohiro, Prof.
Child Education and
TAKAHASHI Tamiko, Prof. NIIYAMA Junko, Associate Prof.
Science Course
OBATA Chiharu, Associate Prof.
Ⅶ Examination
A Examination Date
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
B Selection
Applicants will be selected based on a comprehensive evaluation for screening applicants’transcript and statement of purpose for research, and by the results for examination of academic proficiency and interview.
“Remote interview examination” via web video conference connected between Okayama
Prefectural University and the designated university shall be substituted for Examination of
Academic Proficiency and Interview.
Master’s Course

Nursing Science

Name of Subject

PointsAcademic proficiency(Foreign Language)
Academic proficiency(Special Subject)

100

Interview

100

-5-

50

Total

250

Nutritional Science

Health and Welfare Science

Academic proficiency(Foreign Language)

100

Interview

50

Academic proficiency(Foreign Language)

100

150

200
100
Interview(Note) Evaluation includes interview and screening of the transcripts and the statement of
purpose for research.
Ⅷ Announcement of Successful Applicants
A Announcement Date
Friday, September 6, 2024
B Announcement Procedure
Applicant will be informed of the result via the designated university which issued therecommendation letter.
Successful applicant will receive an official letter of acceptance as well as information about
enrollment procedures via the university mentioned above.

Ⅸ Enrollment Procedures
A Period
Due no later than Friday, September 20, 2024
B Procedure
Send documents required for enrollment to Admission Service Section by registered international
mail via the designated university which issued the recommendation letter.
Applicant who fail to complete the procedure by the specified date will be deemed to havedeclined enrollment.
Ⅹ First-Year Payment
A Entrance Fee
Amount 282,800 yen(Note) Entrance fee is subject to change. Revised entrance fee shall apply from the date ofrevision.
B Tuition･Amount (Yearly amount) 535,800 yen･Payment Procedures
Payment in two installments for the first (end of May) and second (end of October) semesters
after enrollment(Note) Tuition is subject to change. Revised tuition shall apply from the date of revision.

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C

Insurance Fee, Supporter’s Association Fee, Alumni Association Fee
1. Amount
Master’s
Alumni
Insurance Fee*
Supporter’s Association Fee
CourseAssociation Fee
Nursing
Science

2,790 yen (for 2 years)
42,000 yen
Admission fee 20,000 yen
10,000 yen+ Membership fee (for 2 years)
22,000 yen

Nutritional
Science
Health and2,470 yen (for 2 years)
WelfareScience*Fees for the Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research(Gakkensai), and Insurance for Accidents Involving Third Parties or Their Property for Students
Covered Under Gakkensai provided by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)Ⅺ Security Export Control
Okayama Prefectural University performs the security export control based on "Foreign Exchange
and Foreign Trade Act" so that education and study contents to foreign students do not obstructmaintenance of international peace and the security.
International applicants who fall under any of the conditions set out in said regulations may beunable to enter their desired course or program.

Ⅻ Others
A The examination fee is not required.
B Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements for graduation from the Graduate
School of Health and Welfare Science at Okayama Prefectural University, students are awarded amaster’s degree. The degree areas written on the master’s diplomas are as follows:
Master’s Course of Nursing Science“Nursing Science”
Master’s Course of Nutritional Science “Nutritional Science”
Master’s Course of Health and Welfare Science “Health and Welfare Science”
C Successful applicant must acquire necessary status of resident in Japan as "college student"
by enrollment date with the cooperation of Okayama Prefectural University.
D Even after an official letter of acceptance was issued, enrollment can be cancelled in case thecontents of Application Documents should be confirmed to be false.

-7-Invitation from the Graduate School of Health and Welfare Science (Master’s
Courses), Okayama Prefectural University

The need for programs in preventive healthcare, and health and welfare in a society facing a lowbirthrate and an aging population is clear. To meet these and other needs, we established the first
graduate school integrating health and welfare science, nursing science and nutritional science inJapan in April 1997.
We invite not only those who have completed undergraduate programs in nursing, public health,midwifery, nutrition, social work, psychiatric social worker, care, early childhood education and other
health-related areas, but also those in other fields who have an interest in health and welfare and a desire
to participate in education and research to improve their expertise and skills as professionals with the goalof becoming researchers, educators, leaders, administrators and practitioners involved in addressing the
problems facing society as we move into the future. The curriculum at our graduate school is designed toequip students with the knowledge and skills required to solve problems while helping them to develop a
broader perspective and deepen their experience through opportunities for learning and research provided
in each master’s course, and through the chance to exchange information and experience by participating in
lectures and activities common to the graduate school’s three master’s courses as well as special subjects
offered by other master’s courses to enhance their respective specialties.
Ⅰ Overview of the Master’s Course of Nursing Science・・・・・・・・・

9

Ⅱ Overview of the Master’s Course of Nutritional Science・・・・・・・・・

12

Ⅲ Overview of the Master’s Course of Health and Welfare Science・・・・・・・・・

15-8-

I Overview of the Master’s Course of Nursing Science
Due to Japan’s low birthrate and its rapidly aging population, progress in medical technology, theadvancement of globalization, and the diversification of values, we are under pressure to review oursystems for the delivery of preventive healthcare, and health and welfare. The response to these social
needs requires motivated human resources with fundamental research skills and interdisciplinary
knowledge in the nursing sciences as well as the ability to develop theories, assistive technology andsystems capable of addressing the challenges we face for the future. Our Master’s Course of Nursing
Science provides opportunities for education and research with the goal of cultivating human resources
capable of leading innovation and the search for practical solutions in nursing science. The Broad
Nursing Science Course offers classes that nurture professionals with the knowledge and practical skills
essential for national public health nursing examinations.
A Overview of Courses
1. Fundamental Nursing Science Course
The focus of this course is the nursing theory that forms the foundation of various nursing practices
and human care as expressive skills. We provide education and research from various perspectives
with the aim of establishing evidence that supports theories, principles and practice as a basis for thescientific and theoretical development of nursing science.
2. Developmental Nursing Science Course
The aim of this course is the cultivation of leaders with a combination of practical, research andeducational skills in the areas of nursing science that support lifelong health.
In the area of maternal nursing science, we are aiming to establish a special maternal nursing science
to pursue a methodology of the care for women and their families and a system to support theassociated practices from both of theoretical and practical sides.
In the area of adult nursing science, we are providing education and research based on aninterdisciplinary approach from both theoretical and practical perspectives to pursue creation of a caresystem especially in the fields of care for patients with chronic diseases and with cancers andcirculatory diseases as well as those in a perioperative period.
In the area of adult nursing science, we are providing education and research based on aninterdisciplinary approach from both theoretical and practical perspectives to pursue creation of a caresystem especially in the fields of care for patients with chronic diseases and with cancers as well as
those in a perioperative period.
In the area of gerontological nursing science, we are aiming to establish a special gerontologicalnursing science to pursue a methodology of the care for elderly people and their families and a system
to support the associated practices from both of theoretical and practical sides.
3. Broad Nursing Science Course
This course seeks to cultivate leaders capable of applying practical and research skills in the area ofcommunity health nursing (public health nursing, home nursing) and mental health nursing science).
In the area of public health nursing science, we pursue a methodology, evaluation and system forinnovative care dealing with health problems in the area of public health nursing and home healthnursing. To obtain candidacy of the national public health nursing examinations, students study
public health nursing, epidemiology, public health statistics, Health and Welfare Administration and
Finance, etc. to build practical skills and policy proposal abilities.
In the area of mental health nursing science, we seek mental healthcare based on an interdisciplinary
approach from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

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B

FY 2025 preliminary curriculum

Nursing Science Major Research Themes
Supervisor

Major Research Themes

Fundamental Nursing
Science Course

SATO
Yoshie,AssociateProf.

1. Research on basic nursing education

SASAKI
Shinsuke,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on scientific grounds of nursing care/nursing skills
2. Measuring method development of visualized biological information
3. Development of new nursing assistance tools

SUMIYOSHI
1. Research on patients care with diabetes
Kazuko,2. Research on patient educationProf.
KITAMURA
Shinji,Prof.

Developmental Nursing Science Course

OKAZAKI
Yuka,
AssociateProf.

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) research in the fields of medicine, nursing, health andwelfare2. Research related to internal medical management on nursing
3. Research related to chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis / peritoneal dialysis
management on nursing
1. Study of adolescent healthcare
2. Research on child rearing support
3. Research on the issues encountered during each stage of the female lifecycle
4. Research on midwifery education

NAGOSHI
Megumi,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on support for making decisions during therapeutic and palliative careperiods for families of and patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiac
failure2. Research on vocational identities of nurses and organizational development
3. Research on the response to sudden changes in the elderly, care givers, etc.

MIKANE
Sakae,
Prof.

1. Research on ethical issues in practical nursing care
2. Research on end-of-life care
3. Research on extending seniors’ health life

MITANI
Akemi,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on mental health support for mothers and fathers during the childrearing period
2. Research on the influence of baby massage on the process of developing
maternal
feelings

KIMURA
Shinji,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on childhood obesity
2. Research on child health nursing education
3. Research on intergenerational interactions
4. Research on the support for students who refuse to go to school using ICT- 10 -

Broad Nursing Science Course

Supervisor

Major Research Themes

MORINAGA
Yumiko,Prof.

1. Development of assessment guide for child abuse prevention from theperspective of studies on fathers
2. Research on in-service training for and cultivation of public health nurses
3. Research on public health activities and support for victims at the time ofdisaster
4. Research on public health nursing activities (regional organization activities,
reduction of care-giving burden, etc.)

INOUE
Sachiko,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on support for individuals with mental disease and developmental
disorders, and their supporters
2. Epidemiological research on mental health of children, workers, and residents
3. Research on mental health education for children

TOKUSHIMA
Yasuko,AssociateProf.

1. Research on the prevention of social frailty using online resources
2. Research on healthcare behaviors in the elderly in the community
3. Research on factors related to goal achievements in newly hired public healthnurses- 11 -II Overview of the Master’s Course of Nutritional Science
Seeking to prevent and improvement lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia,
which have become increasingly problematic in recent years, we conduct epidemiologic research inworkplaces and in the community, examine the relationship between dietary habit and disease, anddevelop functional foods. Students work to establish methodologies using biochemistry and molecularbiology, and to solve vocational and health issues using the established methodologies.
Our master’s course offers two courses, Fundamental Nutritional Science and Food Nutritional
Science.
A Overview of Courses
1. Fundamental Nutritional Science Course
This course focuses on research and education aimed at understanding the series of life processes
from nutrition/ food intake to metabolism at the genetic, molecular, individual, and group level,and build capabilities in the development and expansion of unknown theories. In this course,
students will discover new physiology of physiologically active substances generated through thelipid metabolism and protein using cutting edge biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology
technologies. Students also work to clarify the relationships between inflammatory disease,arterial sclerosis, and the deterioration of brain function caused by aging. Furthermore, students
conduct applied research including the development of management tools that allow the use of
results in the alleviation of the symptoms of allergies and in the nutritional management oflifestyle diseases, including cancer and dementia. Through education and research, this course
aims to cultivate leading managerial dietitians capable of linking fundamental nutritional science toclinical practice and research to play active roles in the field of nutritional science at educational andresearch institutions.
2. Food Nutritional Science Course
In recent years the consumers and producers are showing more interest in information on maintaining
the safety and effectiveness of food, information about the establishment of laws regarding functional
food such as Food for Specified Health Uses and Food with Functional Claims, and information such associal issues concerning food safety, including food poisoning. According to these social background,
this course provides education and research aiming at the discovery of new functional foodcompositions and the development of its material using natural product chemistry, food science, andmolecular genetic approach based on nutritional science, and besides at cultivating evaluation method
for food safety based on solving cause and preventing food poisoning and searching for food material
having safety and high-functioning for the purpose of health enhancement and disease prevention.
This course aims to nurture human resources capable of taking a leading role in food-relatedcompanies, educational research institutions, and administrative agencies as experts in nutrition andfood with both exuberant creativity and problem-solving abilities as well as highly specialized
knowledge and skills in the field of nutritional science involving research and development offunctional food.

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B

FY 2025 preliminary curriculum

Nutritional Science Major Research Themes
Supervisor
TAKAHASHI

YoshitakaProf.

YAMAMOTO

Fundamental Nutritional Science Course

Toshiko,Prof.

KAWAKAMI

TakayoProf.

Major Research Themes
1.Essential fatty acids and their metabolizing enzymes
2.Bioactive lipids and their pathophysiology

1. Study on food functionality for prevention of chronic diseases
2. Novel nutritional significance of lipid components in milk
3. Histochemical study on synthesizing enzymes of bioactive lipids in homeostasis anddisease
1. Study of liver diseases and lipid nutrition
2. Study of the development of nutrition evaluation indictors in education of nutritionand health

KUBOTA
Megumi,Prof.

1.Research on the heredity factor and environmental factor of osteoporosis
2.Study of dietary education utilizing the characteristics of school lunch by life stage

IRIE
Yasuyuki,Prof.

1. Analysis of Functions of new tumor suppressor, Amida
2. Research on chronic kidney disease, CKDmodel, using extension cultivation
stimulation model

SHUTO
Emi,
Associate
Prof.

Elucidation of the mechanism of food functional ingredients that suppress cancer
stem cells and their application to nutritional management.

- 13 -

Supervisor

Major Research Themes

Food Nutritional Science Course

ITO
Hideyuki,Prof.

1. Isolation and characterization of bioactive natural products
2. Analysis of bioactive food components
3. Bioavailability of functional polyphenols

TANAKA
Koichi,Prof.

1. Searching for and cultivation of microorganisms to manufacture fermented foodproducts with new characteristics and functions
2.Searching for and cultivation of microorganisms for efficient biomass energy
production

YAMASHITA

Hiromi,Prof.

1. Functional food factors associated with energy metabolism and skeletal muscle

function.
2. Functional food factors associated with prevention of muscle atrophy and life
style-related diseases

KAWAKAMI

Yuki,
Associate
Prof.

IKEGUCHI
Motoya,AssociateProf.

1. Research on chemical structure and functional properties of food components
2. Molecular biological research on arachidonate cascade

1. Development of functional food (food with health claims, health food, dietary supplements, etc.);
Research on dose extrapolation from animals to human, Clinical research
2. Research on systematic reviews for and meta-analysis approaches to functional material search
and functional food development; Research on Japanese and overseas legal systems regarding
functional food
3. Surveys on consumer psychology and behavior, market and marketing, and development ofconcepts regarding functional food- 14 -

III Overview of the Master’s Course of Health and Welfare Science
The super aging society of the 21th century requires social system design principles and methodologies
for the realization of physically, mentally, socially healthy and affluent lives and the improvement ofquality of life through the human lifecycle, with or without disease or disability. Our Master’s Course of
Health and Welfare Science is promoting research into true lifelong welfare centered on human health.
Accordingly, the master’s course offers courses oriented toward the three areas mentioned below toprovide opportunities for education and research through the pursuit of the respective specialties andmutual collaboration: 1) theorization of collaboration and integration between health, welfare andmedical services, the establishment of health and welfare assistance policies and pursuit of a social
adjustment theory in light of the characteristics of disabilities; 2) development and theorization of clinicaltechnology and care management to achieve the well-being of children, the disabled and the elderly,
including pursuit of concrete and practical approaches; 3) pursuit of theories and approaches which leadto health and welfare practices based on the scientific analysis of mental/ physical characteristics related
to adaptive behaviors by a variety of people, including children, the disabled and the elderly; and 4)
pursuit of theories and practical approaches regarding infant and child education.
A Overview of Courses
1. Health and Welfare Policy Course
This course systematically analyzes the actual status of health and welfare assistance for children, theelderly and disabled with a focus on the various issues that arise in a society with a low birthrate andan aging population, and the formation process of a long-lived society.
Furthermore, to respond to requests for the establishment of a care system that corresponds tohealth maintenance, disease and disability through collaboration among health, welfare and medical
services, this course provides education and research required to pursue health and welfare assistancepolicies required by government agencies and institutions along with planning and evaluation.
2. Social Work and Service Course
This course helps students acquire the interdisciplinary skills and advanced specialized knowledge
needed to provide assistance activities to individuals with physical, mental or social problems.
Keeping the fact in mind that the qualitative aspects of such activities have been brought into question
due to past quantitative responses, this course provides education and research required for thedevelopment and practice of assistance technology necessary for local governments, including medical
institutions, facilities for disabled adults/children, nursing homes and child welfare institutions.
3. Health Related Social Service Course
There is a growing need for health and welfare assistance that fits each stage of the life cycle.
Satisfying this need requires the ability to analyze activities in the context of the living environment
and the characteristics of individual disabilities. This course provides education and researchrequired to develop objective evaluation methods for physical and psychological functions to promote
adaptation to the environment by disabled adults/ children and the elderly, and the implementationand development of methods for research and practical situations.
4. Child Education and Science Course
With the environment surrounding children changing dramatically due to the declining birthrate
and increasing numbers of women entering the workforce, providing education that nurtures
children’s potential, and supports their sound physical, psychological and social growth has
become even more important. This is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge andmethodologies that allow them to identify and address practical issues in child science andeducation as they become ready to pursue careers in advanced research and education.

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B

Health and Welfare Science Major Research Themes
Supervisor

Health and Welfare Policy Course

KONDO
Rie,
Prof.

FY 2025 preliminary curriculum

Major Research Themes
1. Research on comparison between Japan, Korea, and France of child poverty, si
ngle parent family, child abuse, DV, foster parent, adoption, and bullying
2.Research on cooperation between educational
administration and welfare
administration

IWAMITSU
Kenji,
Prof.

Community development through support for individuals (youth and disastervictims) living in poverty

KIMURA
Hitoshi,
Associate
Prof.

Research on welfare industry management

MURAKOSO

Takashi,Prof.

NAKAMURA

Hikaru,Prof.

Social Work and Service Course

SAKANO
Junko,
Prof.

1. Research on social work related to seniors’ loneliness prevention
2. Research on employment support for with intellectual disabilities

1.Research on the development and aging of languages and recognition
2.Research on assessment and intervention ofneurogenic communication disorders (aphasia,
higher brain dysfunction and dementia)

1. Research on Life Skill of the mentally disabled
2. Research on Sense of Coherence in mental health and welfare

1. Research on the comprehensive support model for people diagnosed with MCI (MildCognitive Impairment)
TAKEMOTO
2. Research on human resource cultivation and management models utilizing
Yoshihito,
supervision under high-stress environments
Prof.
3. Research on financial conditions of individuals with dementia and their family
caregivers, and the utilization of social security systems
KIRINO
Masafumi,
Associate
Prof.
OKURA
Takashi,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on support for family caregivers
2. Research on work-life balance and integration of family caregivers

1. Research on support methods by relationship (spouse, parent, child, brother orsister) for families of individuals who commit suicide

2. Research on occupation- and role-based support methods employed bycommunity-based support organization staff for families of individuals who commit
suicide- 16 -

Supervisor

Major Research Themes

Health Related Social Service Course
Child Education and Science Course

TAKATO
Jinro,
Prof.

1. Research on mobility support for individuals with visual impairment
2. Research on preventing or delaying the need for nursing care for the elderlyRAKUGI
Akiko,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on group dynamics for clinical-psychological problems
2. Action research regarding self-governance by residents in depopulated ruralcommunities

SATO
Yukari,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on partnership with individuals with dementia
2. Research on evacuation behaviors of individuals requiring assistance during
disasters
3. Basic research on skill improvement of health and welfare professionals

AKUTSUTaichi,Prof.

1.Musical development and communication in the lives of young children
2.Curriculum design and assessment in music education (especially in the realm of
early childhood education, strings education, and distance education)

EGASHIRA,
TomohiroProf.

1. Research on the New Education Movement in Germany
2. Historical research on educational practices in nature

TAKAHASHI
Tamiko,Prof.

1. Research on involvement with nature in childhood
2. Research on environmental and disaster control education in infancy
3. Practical research regarding cooperation among kindergartens, nursery schools,
and elementary schools

NIIYAMA
Junko,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on dance curriculum
2. Research on methods of teaching physical expression activities for children
3. Research on dance and life-long education

OBATA
Chiharu,
AssociateProf.

1. Research on the psychological connection (human bond) between parents andchildren
2. Research on development and mental health in infants and pre-school children- 17 -

Where to contact concerning application, entrance
examination and other information

Admissions Service Section, Educational Affairs Division
Okayama Prefectural University
111 Kuboki, Soja-shi, Okayama Pref. 719-1197, Japan
Phone: +81-866-94-9163 (Direct Number)+81-866-94-2111 (Main Number)
Websitee-mail address

https://www.oka-pu.ac.jp/
nyushi@oka-pu.ac.jp