DWIH Tokyo Symposium

Innovations for an Aging Society

Germany and Japan, like many other industrialized countries, are facing significant challenges as their populations age. Japan is the world’s oldest society, with almost one-third of its population aged 65 and above and over 10% already older than 80. Germany, too, is experiencing a rapid increase in the proportion of older adults, creating pressure on healthcare systems and social structures. As demographic shifts continue, innovation becomes essential to sustain quality of life, promote healthy living into old age, and ensure sustainable healthcare systems.

The DWIH Tokyo symposium, Global Health: Innovations for an Aging Society, brings together leading experts from Germany, Japan, and beyond to discuss innovative solutions and collaborative strategies for healthy aging. Through keynote speeches, thematic panels, and interactive brainstorming sessions, participants will explore biomedical research, preventive health strategies, and the social dimensions of aging. Join us to connect with researchers, policymakers, and innovators at the forefront of transforming healthcare for aging societies.

Event Information

October 7, 2025, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Keio University, North Annex (1-4-65, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0072, Japan)
Organizer(s): DWIH Tokyo (German Centre for Research and Innovation Tokyo) / Co-Organizer: Keio University, University of Cologne / Supported by: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Japan, Institute of Science Tokyo, University of Tsukuba

Venue: Keio University, North Annex, (1-4-65, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0072, Japan) Google Maps
Language: English
Participation Fee: Free
Registration: Required
Program: here
Event Report: here

Program Schedule (More Information)

09:30 – 10:00

Welcome Coffee, 1F Lounge

10:00 – 10:40

Keynotes Speeches & Greetings, 1F Lecture Room 1+2

  • Moderation: Mr. Axel Karpenstein (Director of the DWIH Tokyo / DAAD Tokyo)
  • Prof. Joybrato Mukherjee (President of the DAAD and Rector of the University of Cologne)
  • Prof. Kohei Itoh (President, Keio University)
  • Mr. Hideaki Nishizawa (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
  • Prof. Tomohiro Morio (Executive Vice President, Institute of Science Tokyo)
  • Prof. Akira Uedono (Director European Liaison Office, University of Tsukuba)

10:45 – 12:15

Thematic Panel Discussion: Policy Perspectives on Health Innovations for Aging Societies, 1F Lecture Room 1+2

  • Moderation: Mr. Axel Karpenstein (Director of the DWIH Tokyo / DAAD Tokyo)
  • Prof. Fumihiko Ishikawa (Institute of Science Tokyo)
  • Prof. Klaus Lieb (Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research)
  • Prof. Tomoo Matsuda (Research Director, Mitsubishi Research Institute)
  • Mr. Hideaki Nishizawa (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
  • Prof. Joachim Thiery (Kiel University)

12:15 – 13:45

Lunch at 6F Innovation Lounge

13:45 – 15:15

Afternoon Thematic Sessions (Three Parallel Panels), 1F Lecture Room 1+2, 2F Meeting Room and 6F Meeting Room

Each session features expert insights (5–10 minutes per speaker), moderated discussion (35 minutes), and audience Q&A (15 minutes).

Panel A: Biomedical Innovations for Healthy Aging

  • Moderation: Prof. Hadi Al-Hasani (German Diabetes Center, DDZ)
  • Prof. Natalia Kononenko (University of Cologne)
  • Prof. Takashi Sasaki (Keio University)
  • Prof. Satoru Takahashi (University of Tsukuba)

Panel B: Behavioral and Social Dimensions of Aging

  • Moderation: Prof. Klaus Lieb (Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research)
  • Prof. Tomoo Matsuda (Research Director, Mitsubishi Research Institute)
  • Prof. Yuko Oguma (Keio University)
  • Prof. Cornelia Wrzus (Heidelberg University, Network Aging Research)

Panel C: Public Health and Prevention Strategies

  • Moderation: Prof. M. Christina Polidori (PI Cluster of Excellence CECAD, University of Cologne)
  • Ms. Eva Carlotta von Gablenz (University Clinic Cologne)
  • Prof. Koju Kamoi (Institute of Science Tokyo)
  • Prof. Isao Muraki (University of Tsukuba)

15:15 – 16:15

Networking & Poster Session with Coffee, 1F Lounge

The poster session will showcase cutting-edge research and practical approaches to the challenges of aging societies. Presenters from universities, research institutions, and startups will share their latest findings and innovations. This interactive format invites participants to engage with diverse perspectives, spark new ideas, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Topics will range from biomedical innovations and preventive health to socioeconomic issues, as well as the social and behavioral dimensions of aging.

16:15 – 17:30

Wrap-Up Session: Reflections & Outlook, 1F Lecture Room 1+2

In the final session, we will consolidate the day’s discussions, including insights from parallel sessions, and present a shared outlook for future collaboration. Panelists will address the central questions: (1) By 2030, what should we have accomplished together? (2) What final reflections and calls to action can advance further collaboration?

  • Moderation: Dr. Ewa Adamkiewicz (Leibniz Association) and Ms. Sabine Schenk (Chairperson, Advisory Board, DWIH Tokyo and Heidelberg University Office, Kyoto (HUOK))
  • Prof. Hadi Al-Hasani (German Diabetes Center, DDZ)
  • Prof. Yasumichi Arai (Director of Center for Supercentenarian Medical Research, Keio University)
  • Prof. Nobuhiro Hayashi (Vice President for International Strategy and Engagement, Institute of Science Tokyo)
  • Prof. M. Christina Polidori (PI Cluster of Excellence CECAD, University of Cologne)
  • Prof. Cornelia Wrzus (Heidelberg University, Network Aging Research)

17:30

Closing Remarks

Dr. Markus Heckel (DWIH Tokyo / DAAD Tokyo)

17:45 – 19:15

Evening Reception at 6F Innovation Lounge (Participation with prior registration)