Mie University and ROHTO Pharmaceutical Conclude Joint Research
~Analyzing "Mie Prefecture" Origin Health Ingredients to Thrive in the 100-Year Era~
Research and Establishment of Traditional Medicine (Honzo-gaku), Exploration of Unique Materials, and Regional Revitalization in Mie Prefecture
Jan 29, 2018
Mie University (located in Tsu City, President: Yoshihiro Komada) and ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka City, President: Toshiaki Yoshino) have signed a collaborative research agreement on January 26th to merge the knowledge of academia with the expertise of a pharmaceutical company. The goal is to contribute to the regional revitalization of Mie Prefecture..
Purpose of the Joint Research
- 1. Discovery new health materials by research the functionality of unique materials from Mie Prefecture and ROHTO Pharmaceutical
- 2. Reevaluate "Traditional Medicine" (Honzo-gaku),originating from Mie Prefecture with modern technology to establish it as a new field of health science
- 3. Combine the academic knowledge of Mie University with ROHTO Pharmaceutical's expertise to contribute to the regional revitalization of Mie Prefecture
Joint Research Details
Joint Research Details:
Mie Prefecture boasts the lowest obesity rate in Japan and ranks 8th for women and 10th for men※１ in terms of healthy life expectancy. The region has around 100 unique food materials, such as Shakuyaku, which have been traditionally considered beneficial for health and supported lives of local people. In this joint research, the functionality of these unique food materials from Mie Prefecture will be explored. Specifically, the study will reevaluate the "Traditional Medicine"(Honso-gaku) developed by Mie Prefecture figures such as Genjyo Noro, Shohaku Niwa etc. to adapt it to modern times and establish it as a new field of health science. “Aqua Ignis Taki” in Taki Town, Mie Prefecture, set to open in February 2020, is one of the facility's concepts that includes the dissemination of academic knowledge and the provision of herbal baths and health products.
Mie University is a pioneer in the field of zebrafish research worldwide, possessing various disease prevention models that yield effective results in a short time. By utilizing zebrafish for the exploration and research of ROHTO Pharmaceutical's proprietary development materials, new functionalities will be able to add to ROHTO Pharmaceutical's unique materials.
※1: Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 2015 Survey
What is "Honzo-gaku"?
The study of drugs (animals, plants, minerals) originally used to treat diseases.
It developed in China, with the "Shinno-Honzo-Kyo" considered the oldest herbal book.
In Japan, books on Honzo-gaku have been read since the Nara period, and in the 10th century, a book called " Honzo-wamei, " was compiled, which compares the Japanese names of herbs with their Chinese names.
What is "Aqua Ignis Taki"?
It is one of a project, "Mie Furusato (Hometown) Creation Project," founded by the joint company consisting of Aqua Ignis Corporation which produce hot spring resorts, AEON TOWN Co.,Ltd., ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., First Brothers Co., Ltd., and The Daisan Bank, Ltd..
Aqua Ignis Taki, a stay-and-go complex facility with themes food and health, is scheduled to open in February 2020. Site is approximately 119 hectares in Taki Town, Mie Prefecture.The development area is approximately 71 hectares.
Out of this, approximately 44 hectares are being developed to create facilities such as commerce, accommodation, hot baths, experiences, and direct sales markets, as well as medicinal herb gardens, orchards, parking lots, adjustment and sedimentation ponds, and roads.
It is recognized as the first privately-owned facility directly connected to a smart interchange, and preparations for the opening, including the direct connection between the facility and the interchange, are progressing.