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We are a dedicated group of researchers and innovators who have spent the past 10 years combining rigorous research with hands-on practice in the field of elder care. Through international research papers, book publications, and workshops, we have successfully introduced Japan's “KOTOBUKI CARE” approach to a global audience.

 

As the world transitions into an era of super-aged societies, with elderly populations surpassing 21%, we are witnessing profound challenges, including the collapse of caregiving systems and the abuse of the elderly. In response to these issues, we are increasingly being asked, "What does dignified and compassionate care look like—not only for the elderly, but also for their families and the caregivers themselves?" There has been a growing interest in visiting Japan’s caregiving sites to learn from best practices firsthand.

We believe that research should extend beyond academia and directly contribute to society. In January 2025, we established the Non-Profit Corporation KOTOBUKI with the mission of giving back to society and advancing our goal of promoting dignified elder care worldwide.

 

The name “KOTOBUKI” (寿), meaning "celebrating longevity" in Japanese, embodies our core belief in creating a society that truly honors the gift of long life.

In a world where aging is often seen as a challenge—amidst issues such as low birth rates, caregiving shortages, and an aging population—we are committed to building a society that celebrates the value of longevity.

 

This vision is the foundation of everything we do.

Media and Awards

⚫︎Conducted over 1,300 case studies across top caregiving facilities nationwide and presented these findings at numerous international conferences.
⚫︎Gained attention for caregiving training and workshops based on academic research, with educational experience at over 250 caregiving facilities in Japan and abroad, training more than 4,500 caregivers.
⚫︎Co-author of the book “Words for Living Together: Tips on Care and Facility Design for Elderly Homes” (Maruzen Publishing, 2022), which won the “OPEN IDEA” category award at the OPEN CARE PROJECT AWARD 2023, hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
⚫︎Recipient of the GOOD DESIGN NEW HOPE AWARD 2024.
⚫︎(NEW!) Winner of the Grand Prize at the “TOKYO MOONSHOT Business Pitch The Final”in 2025

Academic Background

  1. Konomi Munakata, Ayaka Yoshikawa, Haruka Mori, Tomoki Kaneko, Takashi, Iba, “Pattern Mining Workshop: Practice of Clustering with KJ Method”, Pursuit of Pattern Languages for Societal Change conference 2017 (PURPLSOC2017), Krems, Austria, 2017

  2. Konomi Munakata, Tomoki Kaneko, Takashi Iba, “Pattern Illustrating Workshop”, 24th European Conference on Pattern Languages of Programs (EuroPLoP2019), 2019年7月

  3. Takashi Iba, Tomoki Kaneko, Rio Nitta, Erika Inoue, "Dialogue workshop for using Pattern Languages for supporting everyday life", PLoPourri, 29th Conference on Pattern Languages of Programs (PLoP 2022), September, 2022 

  4. Tomoki Kaneko, Takashi Iba, Konomi Munakata. “The 30 Extracted Patterns of the Innovative Practices of Dementia Care Service in Japan” Alzheimer's Disease International Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2022 (ADI-APRC 2022), Taiwan, Taipei, December 2022. 

  5. Tomoki Kaneko, Takashi Iba. “Utilization of Pattern Language for Realizing Dementia-Friendly Society” 4th International Conference on Dementia and Alzheimer Rehabilitation, UK, London, February 2023. 

  6. Tomoki Kaneko, Takashi Iba, Konomi Munakata. “Online Dialog with Using a Pattern Language for Living Well with Dementia” IAGG Asia/Oceania Regional Congress2023 (IAGG-AOR2023), Japan, Yokohama, June 2023.

  7. Tomoki Kaneko, Takashi Iba. “Learning from Japan’s Advanced Practices in a Super-Aging Society: Utilizing Pattern Language to Shape the Future of Elderly Care” World Virtual Congress on Dementia and Alzheimer’s Diseases (DAC2024), Online, February 2024.

Members

KANEKO TOMOKI

KONOMI MUNAKATA

Ph.D. (Media and Governance)

President and CEO, KOTOBUKI
/ Board Member, Senior Citizen Welfare Support Association
/ Board Member, NPO MOTTAI
/ Senior Researcher, Keio Research Institute at     

  SFC, Keio University
 

Professional Experience

2015–2020
Head Office Staff Member, Dementia Friendship Club: Contributed to the management and operation of the organization’s nationwide activities.
 

2019–2021
Part-Time Care Staff Member, Grundvig, a social welfare organization providing community-based care services.


2021–2022
Committee Member, FY2021 Health Promotion Services for Older Persons Project: Research on the Development of an International Exchange Platform for Dementia
Editor-in-Chief, Japan Dementia International Exchange Platform

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, KOTOBUKI
 

Qualifications

Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation

International Baccalaureate Bilingual Diploma
 

Professional Experience

2016–Present
Researcher, Elder Care Research Project: Conducted research on elder care in collaboration with Tomoki Kaneko at Keio University

2020–2025
Executive Coach, COACH A Co., Ltd.
Provided executive coaching to more than 100 business leaders and management professionals.

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1-3-6 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo BIZMARKS Kojimachi, Japan

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