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
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."
Yomiuri Shimbun
25-06-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Israel Killed at Least 14 Scientists in an Unprecedented Attack on Iran's Nuclear Know-How
PARIS (AP) — Israel's tally of the war damage it wrought on Iran includes the targeted killings of at least 14 scientists, an unprecedented attack on the brains behind Iran's nuclear program that outside experts say can only set it back, not stop it. In an interview with The Associated Press, Israel's ambassador to France said the killings will make it 'almost' impossible for Iran to build weapons from whatever nuclear infrastructure and material may have survived nearly two weeks of Israeli airstrikes and massive bunker-busting bombs dropped by U.S. stealth bombers. 'The fact that the whole group disappeared is basically throwing back the program by a number of years, by quite a number of years,' Ambassador Joshua Zarka said. But nuclear analysts say Iran has other scientists who can take their place. European governments say that military force alone cannot eradicate Iran's nuclear know-how, which is why they want a negotiated solution to put concerns about the Iranian program to rest. 'Strikes cannot destroy the knowledge Iran has acquired over several decades, nor any regime ambition to deploy that knowledge to build a nuclear weapon,' U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy told lawmakers in the House of Commons. Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program was peaceful, and U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Tehran is not actively pursuing a bomb. However, Israeli leaders have argued that Iran could quickly assemble a nuclear weapon. Here's a closer look at the killings: Chemists, physicists, engineers among those killed Zarka told AP that Israeli strikes killed at least 14 physicists and nuclear engineers, top Iranian scientific leaders who 'basically had everything in their mind.' They were killed 'not because of the fact that they knew physics, but because of the fight that they were personally involved in, the creation and the fabrication and the production of (a) nuclear weapon,' he said. Nine of them were killed in Israel's opening wave of attacks on June 13, the Israeli military said. It said they 'possessed decades of accumulated experience in the development of nuclear weapons' and included specialists in chemistry, materials and explosives as well as physicists. Zarka spoke Monday to the AP. On Tuesday, Iran state TV reported the death of another Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, in an Israeli strike, after he'd survived an earlier attack that killed his 17-year-old son on June 13. Targeted killings meant to discourage would-be successors Experts say that decades of Iranian work on nuclear energy — and, Western powers allege, nuclear weapons — has given the country reserves of know-how and scientists who could continue any work toward building warheads to fit on Iran's ballistic missiles. 'Blueprints will be around and, you know, the next generation of Ph.D. students will be able to figure it out,' said Mark Fitzpatrick, who specialized in nuclear non-proliferation as a former U.S. diplomat. Bombing nuclear facilities 'or killing the people will set it back some period of time. Doing both will set it back further, but it will be reconstituted.' 'They have substitutes in maybe the next league down, and they're not as highly qualified, but they will get the job done eventually,' said Fitzpatrick, now an analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London think tank. How quickly nuclear work could resume will in part depend on whether Israeli and U.S. strikes destroyed Iran's stock of enriched uranium and equipment needed to make it sufficiently potent for possible weapons use. 'The key element is the material. So once you have the material, then the rest is reasonably well-known,' said Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based analyst who specializes in Russia's nuclear arsenal. He said killing scientists may have been intended 'to scare people so they don't go work on these programs.' 'Then the questions are, 'Where do you stop?' I mean you start killing, like, students who study physics?' he asked. 'This is a very slippery slope.' The Israeli ambassador said: 'I do think that people that will be asked to be part of a future nuclear weapon program in Iran will think twice about it.' Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons, which it has never acknowledged. Previous attacks on scientists Israel has long been suspected of killing Iranian nuclear scientists but previously didn't claim responsibility as it did this time. In 2020, Iran blamed Israel for killing its top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, with a remote-controlled machine gun. 'It delayed the program but they still have a program. So it doesn't work,' said Paris-based analyst Lova Rinel, with the Foundation for Strategic Research think tank. 'It's more symbolic than strategic.' Without saying that Israel killed Fakhrizadeh, the Israeli ambassador said 'Iran would have had a bomb a long time ago' were it not for repeated setbacks to its nuclear program — some of which Iran attributed to Israeli sabotage. 'They have not reached the bomb yet,' Zarka said. 'Every one of these accidents has postponed a little bit the program.' A legally grey area International humanitarian law bans the intentional killing of civilians and non-combatants. But legal scholars say those restrictions might not apply to nuclear scientists if they were part of the Iranian armed forces or directly participating in hostilities. 'My own take: These scientists were working for a rogue regime that has consistently called for the elimination of Israel, helping it to develop weapons that will allow that threat to take place. As such, they are legitimate targets,' said Steven R. David, a professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University. He said Nazi German and Japanese leaders who fought Allied nations during World War II 'would not have hesitated to kill the scientists working on the Manhattan Project' that fathered the world's first atomic weapons. Laurie Blank, a specialist in humanitarian law at Emory Law School, said it's too early to say whether Israel's decapitation campaign was legal. 'As external observers, we don't have all the relevant facts about the nature of the scientists' role and activities or the intelligence that Israel has,' she said by email to AP. 'As a result, it is not possible to make any definitive conclusions.' Zarka, the ambassador, distinguished between civilian nuclear research and the scientists targeted by Israel. 'It's one thing to learn physics and to know exactly how a nucleus of an atom works and what is uranium,' he said. But turning uranium into warheads that fit onto missiles is 'not that simple,' he said. 'These people had the know-how of doing it, and were developing the know-how of doing it further. And this is why they were eliminated.'
