Touching down at Tokyo International Airport on May 17, 11 University of Miami undergraduates pursuing health and science professions earned the distinction of becoming the inaugural participants of a new study abroad collaboration between the School of Nursing and Health Studies and Juntendo University. Final planning for the academic exchange took place during a December meeting in Tokyo between Dean Hudson Santos; Johis Ortega, associate dean for hemispheric and global initiatives; and key leaders from Juntendo.
“We are excited to offer students this invaluable new opportunity with our partners at Juntendo,” said Ortega. “Our excellent visit last year set the stage for launching rigorous, meaningful, culturally immersive experiences through this and future collaborations.”
Yui Matsuda, professor of clinical, led the eager Miami students into the city, where they received a warm welcome from her longtime research collaborator, Dr. Miyoko Okamoto, a prominent nurse scholar who works as an associate professor at Juntendo. Together they have conducted numerous studies, presenting and publishing on work that is helping expand cross-cultural understanding of many public health issues, including poverty, health inequity, caring for individuals with diverse backgrounds and teaching culturally sensitive care, just to name a few.
Health-centric itinerary
Through this first-ever two-week trek, the faculty focused on teaching about social determinants of health in Japan, a nation roughly the size of the U.S. state of California by comparison. The health-centric itinerary included visits to hospitals in Tokyo and nearby Mishima, with tours medical-surgical, ICU, emergency, and other departments. Students even had the chance to witness the takeoff and landing of a critical care helicopter transport.
The itinerary was designed to incorporate a broader perspective on health and well-being through classes and field experiences. Every part of the trip, including sightseeing, across urban and rural settings, was part of the academic experience, strategically integrated to engage students in enhancing their understanding of global health.
“It has been incredibly meaningful for students to learn key cultural and historical concepts in the classroom and then immediately observe how culture influences health behaviors in public spaces,” said Matsuda, who also serves as a visiting associate professor in Juntendo’s Department of Global Health Research.
One example she cited was the chance for students to sample a refreshing, highly popular Japanese green tea with long-studied health benefits. “At a famous garden in the heart of Tokyo, we learned about the art and tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony while enjoying refreshing matcha together,” said Matsuda. “Building friendships with students from Juntendo University has also been a wonderful highlight of the week.”
In past years, largely because of the pandemic, Matsuda had been limited to connecting Miami and Juntendo students via Zoom, so she was thrilled to be able to complete the cycle of interaction in person for the first time this summer.
Student reflections
Brixida Martinez, a sophomore microbiology major, learned about the trip through classes in her public health minor at the School of Nursing and Health Studies. She described her in-person experience in Japan as “incredible.”
In particular, she was moved by the group’s visit to Nezu Shrine, a centuries-old place of worship in Tokyo’s Bunkyō ward. “It was a meaningful look into how environment, community and tradition can shape health outcomes and even influence life expectancy in Japan,” said Martinez. “In a society where social isolation is a growing concern, places like Nezu Shrine provide a shared place, a moment of grounding, and a reminder that no one moves through life entirely on their own.”
The well-kept grounds also contributed to a positive sense of well-being that members of the group found echoed throughout their time in Japan. “Clean, peaceful and intentionally designed spaces can have a real impact on mental health, stress reduction and overall quality of life,” added Martinez.
Fellow participant Julia Coyne, a senior nursing major from New Jersey, also said she gleaned learning opportunities everywhere she went during her adventure with the School of Nursing and Health Studies. “What stood out most to me was how closely health is woven into everyday life in Japan,” she said. “Whether through community design, daily routines or approaches to aging, I saw firsthand how culture influences the way people live, age and care for their health.”
Coyne appreciated studying the concept of longevity in "Blue Zones," as well, learning about Okinawa, Japan, one of five original locations where researchers found residents were living significantly longer, healthier lives.
Exploring Tokyo and its surroundings alongside Japanese students with similar academic interests enriched the experience for Coyne and other Miami participants. “They gave us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and daily life beyond what we could have learned in the classroom,” she said.
Overall, organizers succeeded in their aims of expanding the students’ knowledge about transcultural public health and underscoring for these future health professionals the importance of learning about varied life experiences and health systems.
“Being immersed in a different culture and witnessing firsthand how tradition and environment support health has broadened my perspective as a future health care professional,” said Martinez. “I’m grateful for the chance to learn, observe and grow alongside such an amazing group.”
