Medicine begins
with the patient’s
experience.

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a condition whose symptoms often remain invisible to others, and many patients live each day without those around them noticing their struggles. Through my long involvement in the clinical care and research of MG, I have come to realize that it is essential not only to “provide treatment,” but also to “walk alongside each person’s life journey.”

I find it truly reassuring to see young people taking the initiative to deepen understanding of MG and to foster a community of mutual support. I believe that these activities will serve as a meaningful learning environment for early-career clinicians and a source of hope for patients and their families.

He has long been internationally active as a leading authority in the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG), contributing to both clinical practice and research. He holds multiple specialist certifications, including board certification and instructor status from the Japanese Society of Neurology, and has served in numerous leadership roles, such as President of the Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Neuroimmunology.

He has chaired the committee responsible for developing Japan’s clinical practice guidelines for myasthenia gravis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), and is also one of the 16 authors of the international MG clinical guidelines. He is widely recognized both domestically and internationally as one of the world’s leading MG specialists.

In addition, he is a member of a research group on intractable diseases under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, serves as an advisor to patient organizations, and provides expert commentary at the request of multiple pharmaceutical companies. Through these roles, he has earned strong trust from government, patient communities, and the healthcare industry alike.

Recently, I had the opportunity to hear from young people who are living with myasthenia gravis (MG) while studying at university or continuing their work, and I learned about this activities. It reminded me of helping patients form a support group half a century ago. Even though medical science has advanced since then, I realized once again that efforts like this are still needed today.

MG has characteristics that differ from other illnesses, with symptoms that are difficult for the general public to imagine. For this reason, I support creating a society that understands these challenges and provides an environment where young people can be supported. My contribution may be small, but I hope to help in any way I can.

She served as a professor of Home Care Nursing, Adult Nursing, and Public Health Nursing at Seirei Christopher University, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo Metropolitan University of Health Sciences, and Aomori University of Health and Welfare. She also held key leadership roles in academic societies, including the Japan Academy of Nursing Administration and Policies, Japan Academy of Home Care, Japan Society for Intractable Diseases Nursing, and Japan Academy of Nursing Science.

After graduating in 1961 from the Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, he worked at the Totsuka Public Health Center of the Yokohama City Health Bureau, the Health Division of Mitaka City Office, the Epidemiology Laboratory of the School of Health Sciences at the University of Tokyo, and later at Tokyo Metropolitan Fuchu Hospital and Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital.

In 1969, she was appointed Vice President of the National SMON Association. Through her support activities for SMON patients, she made significant contributions to establishing the concept of “intractable diseases” in Japan and to the development of home-based medical care. She also played a central role in founding Japan’s first myasthenia gravis (MG) patient organization, the Japan Myasthenia Gravis Association, thereby contributing to the foundation of today’s support system for patients with intractable diseases.

She is regarded as a pioneering figure who has led the field of support for patients with intractable diseases including myasthenia gravis and home medical care for over half a century. She has authored numerous works, including “A Model for Realizing Patients’ Wishes: Visualizing Home Care Support by Visiting Nurses.”

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular junction disorder caused by autoimmune mechanisms. Over the past decade, major advances have been made. For example, antibody subtypes have been identified, and molecular targeted therapies tailored to those subtypes have expanded the possibilities of symptom control.

However, even today, there are patients who wait years before diagnosis, patients whose disease progresses due to unknown antibodies, and patients whose daily lives are disrupted by fluctuation triggers. MG often appears during key life stages such as school, work, marriage, pregnancy, and parenting. Also, the fear of relapse and lack of societal understanding have profound effects on life planning. Since symptoms are not always visible, patients can be misunderstood and isolated. Behind this lies a lack of imagination by both society and healthcare toward “invisible illness.”

The Myasthenia Gravis Bridging Foundation seeks to bring patients’ lived experience into clinical, research, and educational contexts, making those voices a new foundation of knowledge. This is a concept that transcends the boundaries of medicine, and fosters a culture in which patients and professionals learn together.

As a physical therapist specializing in neuromuscular disease rehabilitation, I strongly support the establishment of this foundation and its mission. Reconstructing healthcare starting from patients’ voices is a universal principle across all medical fields. I sincerely hope that this initiative becomes a “bridge” toward a more human-centered healthcare future.

He serves as Chief Physical Therapist in the Department of Rehabilitation at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry Hospital. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Sciences from Waseda University and has multiple advanced professional certifications in areas including neurology, respiratory care, cardiovascular health, and metabolic conditions.

Specializing in neuromuscular diseases, he provides comprehensive rehabilitation care across the full continuum from acute hospital settings to home-based care while supporting patients in ways that align with their individual life stages. In addition to his clinical work, he contributes to professional organizations and promotes collaboration across clinical practice, education, and health policy.

He is also actively involved in international and community-based education, delivering training and lectures on neuromuscular and respiratory rehabilitation in underserved regions, both within Japan and abroad, including Nepal and China. Through these efforts, he works to expand access to specialized knowledge and improve the quality of care globally.

In research, he has received multiple competitive public grants and holds patents related to the safety and development of respiratory rehabilitation devices and assistive technologies. His work bridges clinical challenges with research and real-world implementation, advancing patient-centered rehabilitation. By fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient communities, he contributes to shaping the future of care for neurological disorders.