The Backstage of Multicultural Coexistence – HitoHito Care Clinic's Initiatives

On April 26–27, 2025, the "First Nepal Festival Kansai" was held, attracting nearly 10,000 attendees over two days. 

Osaka City’s Ikuno Ward-based HitoHito Care Clinic participated in the event, advocating the importance of health checkups to the Nepali community.

The clinic previously organized a unique event featuring a screening of the Nepali film One Day, paired with Nepali cuisine and sushi, which drew significant local interest. Doctor Kazuhito Nakamura stated, “Moments of shared laughter across language and cultural differences form the roots of multicultural coexistence.”

When a Shopping District Becomes a Runway: The Red Carpet Walking Challenge

quoted from HitoHito Care Clinic website

quoted from HitoHito Care Clinic website

On October 13, 2024, the clinic spearheaded the “Ikuno Heroine Red Carpet Walking” event along a 90-meter red carpet at JR Momodani Station’s shopping arcade. Comedian Mujinzo and 100 locals of diverse nationalities and ages participated as “heroines of Ikuno.” Nakamura explained, “By creating extraordinary stages, healthcare institutions can rediscover community bonds.” This event was part of the “EXPO Ikuno Heat-Up Project” led by the clinic.

Beyond Healthcare: Creating Purpose
The clinic’s “Hito Care” initiative promotes “life enrichment” through flea markets and multicultural exchanges. A December 2024 Christmas flea market raised donations for the Noto Peninsula earthquake relief. Nakamura emphasized, “If the entire town becomes a ‘healing space,’ it revitalizes the community.”

“What Role Should Healthcare Play in a Society Where Diversity Is the Norm?”
Ikuno Ward, where 1 in 4 residents is foreign-born—a higher proportion than Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward—is pioneering a new coexistence model through the clinic.

During a follow-up Zoom interview, Doctor Nakamura noted that as long-term foreign residents increase, healthcare institutions must actively build bridges between locals and international communities to foster “physical and mental well-being for all.”