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Our group aims to elucidate the health effects of various environmental factors at the population level with multi-disciplinary approaches. At the Department of Hygiene, we apply epidemiological approaches that combine clinical data of diseases and physiochemical/social environmental data from various sources. In addition, we will quantitatively evaluate and predict the health impact of the environment in the past, present, and future using the environment-human health risk function obtained from epidemiological studies. We also focus on global environmental issues, such as climate change, transboundary air pollution, smoke from vegetation fires, and the local environment, which tremendously impact our health.
If you are interested in our lab, go to the page of contact.
The information for the international applicants is available here.
The scholarship information is also available here.
News & Events
News & Events
Recent Published Paper
Recent Published Paper
November 9, 2025
Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports
Why Do Residents Underestimate Air Pollution from Stubble Burning in Punjab, India?
Why Do Residents Underestimate Air Pollution from Stubble Burning in Punjab, India?
This study surveyed 2,202 households across Punjab to understand perceptions of air pollution and stubble burning. While many residents recognized severe air pollution in Delhi, fewer acknowledged the impact of local stubble burning on health. Households with existing health issues were more likely to perceive the smoke as harmful.
This study surveyed 2,202 households across Punjab to understand perceptions of air pollution and stubble burning. While many residents recognized severe air pollution in Delhi, fewer acknowledged the impact of local stubble burning on health. Households with existing health issues were more likely to perceive the smoke as harmful.
Recent Published Paper
Recent Published Paper
October 20, 2025
International Journal of Epidemiology
International Journal of Epidemiology
Effects of smoke haze on respiratory clinic visits in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia according to different haze characteristics
Effects of smoke haze on respiratory clinic visits in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia according to different haze characteristics
Vegetation and peat fires are expected to increase under climate extremes. Smoke haze is a common air-pollution issue in Southeast Asia. We sought to understand how haze affects visits to primary healthcare centers for respiratory illness. The effects of haze were inconclusive, although they appeared to be stronger in the area with more frequent fire-haze days.
Vegetation and peat fires are expected to increase under climate extremes. Smoke haze is a common air-pollution issue in Southeast Asia. We sought to understand how haze affects visits to primary healthcare centers for respiratory illness. The effects of haze were inconclusive, although they appeared to be stronger in the area with more frequent fire-haze days.
Symposium
Symposium
August 28, 2025
Hokkaido University and University Hospital Cologne will co-host a symposium on "Bridging Nations, Protecting Generations: Prevention Strategies against Climate-sensitive Diseases in Elderly Populations of Japan and Germany"
Hokkaido University and University Hospital Cologne will co-host a symposium on "Bridging Nations, Protecting Generations: Prevention Strategies against Climate-sensitive Diseases in Elderly Populations of Japan and Germany"
◆ Date: August 28 (Thursday), 2025
◆ Date: August 28 (Thursday), 2025
◆ Language: English
◆ Language: English
Workshop
Workshop
July 9 - 11, 2025
🌏 Workshop Wrap-Up | Climate Change, Migration, and Health 🌏
🌏 Workshop Wrap-Up | Climate Change, Migration, and Health 🌏
We’ve just wrapped up the Hokkaido University–University of Melbourne Joint Workshop:
“Challenges & Opportunities of Climate Change Impact on Migrant Health in Australia and Japan”
This 2.5-day event brought together a diverse community of researchers, educators, and practitioners across public health, education, and social policy to discuss one of today’s most urgent challenges: the intersection of climate change, migration, and health.
This 2.5-day event brought together a diverse community of researchers, educators, and practitioners across public health, education, and social policy to discuss one of today’s most urgent challenges: the intersection of climate change, migration, and health.
🙌 A big thank you to our insightful speakers and moderators:
🎤 Prof. Kathryn Bowen
🎤 Prof. Kayo Ueda
🎤 Asst. Prof. Kazutaka Yoshida
🎤 Prof. Chi Hyunjoo Naomi
🎤 Assoc. Prof. Yasufumi Moritani
🎤 Assoc. Prof. Xerxes Seposo
🎤 Assoc. Prof. Karen Block
🎤 Ms. Gemma Tarpey-Brown
🎤 Dr. Eliza Crosbie
Workshop
Workshop
July 9 - 10, 2025
Hokkaido University and the University of Melbourne will co-host a workshop on "Climate Change x Migrant Health: Challenges and Possibilities Linking Japan and Australia"
Hokkaido University and the University of Melbourne will co-host a workshop on "Climate Change x Migrant Health: Challenges and Possibilities Linking Japan and Australia"
In this workshop, researchers from different fields of expertise will exchange opinions on the intersection of climate change and the health of migrant workers. We look forward to your participation.
In this workshop, researchers from different fields of expertise will exchange opinions on the intersection of climate change and the health of migrant workers. We look forward to your participation.
◆ Date: July 9 (Wednesday) and July 10 (Thursday), 2025
◆ Date: July 9 (Wednesday) and July 10 (Thursday), 2025
◆ Method: Face-to-face + online (face-to-face venue: Open Innovation Hub – Enreiso)
◆ Method: Face-to-face + online (face-to-face venue: Open Innovation Hub – Enreiso)
◆ Language: English
◆ Language: English
Recent Published Paper
Recent Published Paper
April 18, 2025
JAMA Network Open
JAMA Network Open
Discover a breakthrough in understanding the interplay between climate change and public health with our latest study published in JAMA Network Open.
Discover a breakthrough in understanding the interplay between climate change and public health with our latest study published in JAMA Network Open.
Spearheaded by our innovative team, the research delves into how ambient air temperature influences gastroenteritis risk among the Rohingya refugee populations in Bangladesh. Employing cutting-edge statistical models, the study reveals that even subtle shifts in temperature, particularly colder spells, can significantly increase the risk of disease, often with effects manifesting weeks later.
Spearheaded by our innovative team, the research delves into how ambient air temperature influences gastroenteritis risk among the Rohingya refugee populations in Bangladesh. Employing cutting-edge statistical models, the study reveals that even subtle shifts in temperature, particularly colder spells, can significantly increase the risk of disease, often with effects manifesting weeks later.
This pioneering work not only deepens our insight into climate-sensitive health challenges in vulnerable communities but also charts a new course for developing proactive, adaptive public health strategies in the era of global change. Join us in exploring how data-driven research is paving the way toward a more resilient and informed future.
This pioneering work not only deepens our insight into climate-sensitive health challenges in vulnerable communities but also charts a new course for developing proactive, adaptive public health strategies in the era of global change. Join us in exploring how data-driven research is paving the way toward a more resilient and informed future.
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