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While “oshi-katsu” (activities supporting one’s favorites) has been reported to increase positive emotions among younger generations, its prevalence and impact on the feeling that life is worth living among elderly people have not been sufficiently examined. This study aimed to clarify the relation between oshi-katsu and the feeling that life is worth among elderly people by conducting an online survey targeting seniors nationwide. Responses from two groups were analyzed: those engaged in oshi-katsu (n=480) and those not engaged (n=500). The results indicated that although the perceived positive impact of oshi-katsu on social aspects such as interpersonal relationships and social activities was limited, more than two-thirds of participants reported positive effects on psychological aspects, including feelings of fulfillment and happiness. Furthermore, scores for “feeling that life is worth living” and its subscales, including “desire for self-realization,” “sense of life fulfillment” and “will to live” were significantly higher in the oshi-katsu group compared to the non-participating group. These findings suggest that oshi-katsu among elderly people may contribute to enhanced awareness of fulfillment and an increased feeling that life is worth living.

With the recent widespread use of social networking services (SNS), non-face-to-face communication has become increasingly common among younger generations, including university students. This study aimed to clarify the relation between university students’ face-to-face and non-face-to-face interactions and their subjective well-being. An online survey was conducted targeting university students nationwide, and the responses were analyzed based on three categories of interaction partners: close friends at the same university (n=340), classmates at the same university (n=347) and friends outside the university (n=353). The results indicated that both face-to-face communication and text-based non-face-to-face communication were primarily used with close friends and classmates at the same university, as well as with friends outside the university. Subjective well-being tended to be higher among students who interacted more frequently and tended to be lower lower among those who interacted less frequently. This relation was consistent for both face-to-face and text-based non-face-to-face communication. These findings suggest that text-based non-face-to-face communication may contribute to subjective well-being in a manner similar to face-to-face communication.

We examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its related factors to support the health of Mine City residents. We enrolled 1,871 subjects, consisting of 1,186 men and 685 women, aged 20 to 92 years. Inclusion criteria were those who underwent health checkups at Mine City Hospital and answered a lifestyle questionnaire. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the subjects was 14.7%. Significantly more men than women were classified as having metabolic syndrome or being at risk for metabolic syndrome across all age groups （youth, middle age, and elderly）. Moreover, particularly high rates were observed among middle-aged and elderly men. Blood pressure was significantly higher in men than women during youth and middle age, showing an upward trend with increasing age. Fasting blood glucose was significantly higher in men than women across all age groups and showed an upward trend with increasing age. LDL cholesterol was significantly higher in men than women in the youth age group. LDL cholesterol increased with age in women, whereas no significant differences were observed among age groups in men. HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in men than women across all age groups, showing an increasing trend with advancing age. The proportion of individuals not meeting national physical activity guidelines was high among men in middle age and among women in youth and middle age. No sex difference was observed in sedentary time; however, it was shorter in the elderly compared with the youth and middle-aged age groups in both men and women. Scores for dietary behaviors associated with obesity risk decreased with increasing age in both men and women, with a sex difference observed only in the elderly age group. These findings provide useful guidance for health support aimed at preventing and managing metabolic syndrome in the general population.

This article aims to analyze the basis organization of Hotokukai and its regular meetings. Hotokukai was established by Hanada Nakanosuke, and this association has spread throughout of the country. Hotokukai held monthly meetings on the basis of detailed manuals; decisions were also made on a monthly basis. Basis organizations sent reports of monthly meetings to head offices and printed magazines. The author introduced a regular meeting held by the organization in Osaka as example.

The world-renowned modern architect Bruno Taut (1880-1938) resided in Japan during the 1930s due to Nazi persecution. For a significant period, the people of Takasaki provided him with shelter and refuge. The present study focuses on Takasaki, the city that welcomed Taut, and re-examines the reasons why this city was able to pursue policies centered on culture while sometimes resisting the wishes of the government of the time. In addition, it explores the necessary measures for the protection of such an intellectual figure. In doing so, the author elucidated the reality of the three structures of discrimination that Taut confronted, and which had an impact on his life. Furthermore, the author analyzed how Taut managed to overcome this discrimination. Specifically, the third theme, which focused on bamboo crafts and discriminated communities, highlighted the potential for a global exchange of knowledge regarding discrimination. In conclusion, the following factors may be considered: a) Takasaki was a city that was well-equipped to welcome cultural figures, and had a personal network that could actually handle the invitation, such as Taut's patron, Fusaichiro Inoue. b) Taut, although initially unwilling, used "crafts" as a cultural catalyst, and built a solid relationship of trust with Takasaki's artisans, and furthermore, exhibited his works at the "Miratiss" store, making the results visible and easy to understand for everyone. c) Takasaki's rich cultural and natural environment and the genuine warmth of its residents. These factors interacted with each other, freeing Taut from the oppressive feelings of discrimination and helping to shape Takasaki into a more clearly cultural city.

The author, Kondo, joined the Yamaguchi City Office in April 1992, and has since been extensively involved in community development practices at the local level, including work at the Shiraishi Community Center, Odono Regional Exchange Center, and Tokuji Regional Exchange Center. In addition, while serving in the Collaboration Promotion Division, the author participated in the institutional design of citizen–government collaborative community development initiatives, following the implementation of the Yamaguchi City Ordinance on Collaborative Community Development in April 2009. Drawing on experience both as a municipal official and as a citizen, the author has engaged in various styles of community development. This paper introduces several practical case studies from these experiences and systematically examines them from the perspective of a coordinator. The analysis is conducted based on two key viewpoints. The first viewpoint concerns the participation of younger generations in community development. While community development initiatives that reflect local characteristics are actively pursued across different areas of the city, their primary actors tend to be retirees from older generations, and cases in which younger generations, such as university students, play an active role remain limited. The author has long recognized this imbalance and has explored mechanisms to facilitate youth participation; this paper reconsiders these efforts through a review of past practices. The second viewpoint emphasizes the cultivation of a sense of unity within Yamaguchi City. Despite the city's composition of 21 distinct areas, each with its own history, culture, and regional identity, and the ongoing community development efforts that leverage these characteristics, concerns have been raised that such diversity may inadvertently hinder the formation of a cohesive citywide identity. This paper also examines community development practices from this perspective. It is hoped that this study will provide insights not only for Yamaguchi City but also for other cities facing similar challenges in community development.

This study explores the effectiveness of utilizing overseas social media and international students to promote inbound tourism in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Despite the national recovery in tourism, Yamaguchi faces challenges in attracting Chinese visitors due to low global awareness and the limitations of traditional information dissemination. This research specifically focuses on the potential of Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok)to reach younger demographics effectively. Methodologically, the study employs content analysis, interviews, and participant observation through a governmentsponsored "monitor tour." The research highlights the unique role of international students as "cultural translators." Unlike short-term tourists, students offer authentic, resident-based perspectives that bridge cultural gaps and build trust with foreign audiences. Furthermore, the author conducted an experimental promotion by posting AI-generated "anime-style" images of Yamaguchi’s landscapes on Douyin. The analysis reveals that these visually reimagined contents significantly enhanced engagement, eliciting emotional responses and a renewed interest in visiting the region. The findings suggest that local governments should shift from one-way information dissemination to a co-creation model. By combining the logistical resources of the administration with the creative, multicultural viewpoints of international students, regional cities can generate high-value content. This approach not only improves information reach but also redefines the region's appeal, offering a sustainable strategy for revitalizing local inbound tourism.

From the late Edo period to the early Meiji era, Shin Buddhist monks such as Shimaji Mokurai (島地黙雷), Ōzu Tetsunen (大洲鉄然), Akamatsu Renjō (赤松連城), and Kagawa Hōkō (香川葆晃) achieved remarkable political prominence. After Gesshō’s (月性) death, they carried on his legacy by participating directly and indirectly in the anti-shogunate movement. After the Meiji Restoration, they promptly moved to Kyoto to initiate reforms in Hongwanji’s (本願寺) religious administration. Furthermore, they opposed the Buddhism abolition movement (廃仏毀釈) and the new Meiji government’s policy of establishing Shinto as the state religion. Throughout this process, they consistently used Shin Buddhism as an example, arguing to new government officials from Chōshū/Yamaguchi like Kido Takayoshi that Buddhism was a religion essential to the new state. The author introduces over forty newly discovered official appointments and certificates received by Hōkō, the least researched of these four Chōshū-affiliated Shin Buddhist priests who played such active roles, and explains the historical context of each document.

Generative artificial intelligence is reshaping educational assessment; however, high-stakes evaluations of student writing remain contentious. This study proposes an LLM-derived similarity metric—cosine similarity between essay-level embedding vectors of student essays and expert model texts (e.g., instructor-written benchmark essays)—as an automated indicator of L2 English writing proficiency. Using a longitudinal design, about 35 Japanese university students will produce argumentative essays at three time points over a 15-week semester. Essays will be scored by trained human raters and analyzed for linguistic features, including lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and cohesion. The author will examine (a) convergent validity via correlations between the similarity metric and human scores, (b) sensitivity to developmental change using repeated-measures models, and (c) incremental predictive validity through hierarchical regression by adding the similarity metric to models based on surface linguistic features. It is hypothesized that the similarity metric will show strong positive associations with human ratings, detect significant longitudinal gains, and explain unique variance beyond traditional feature-based predictors. If validated, this approach could support scalable diagnostics that complement human judgment and improve the reliability and pedagogical utility of L2 writing assessment.

For this study text mining was conducted on commercially available math workbooks to compare vocabulary used in arithmetic word problems for lower elementary grades (Grades 1-2) and Grade 6. Analysis based on JLPT levels and textbook frequency showed that lower-grade problems mainly contained everyday vocabulary, whereas about 40% of Grade 6 vocabulary corresponded to N2–N3 levels, including abstract and subject-specific terms such as ratio, area, and relationship. These linguistic demands may hinder comprehension not only for non-Japanese students but also Japanese. The findings highlight the need for vocabulary support aligned with students’ Japanese proficiency in understanding math word problems for all students.

The purpose of this paper is to clarify two issues revealed through the performance comparison of servers introduced in FY2022 and FY2024. First, it aims to define performance metrics for servers to be introduced in the future; second, it identifies issues within the university’s network and concludes that improvement are needed. Regarding metrics for measuring server performance, a provisional set was developed through the verification of servers introduced in FY2022. These metrics were established by comparing them with the servers introduced in FY2018, which remain in operation. Subsequently, the servers introduced in FY2024 were configured to resolve storage issues discovered during that comparison. Verification of the servers introduced in FY2024 shows a need for updating the metrics and areas for improving the campus network design were identified.

This study aims to clarify the formal characteristics of back-of-the-book indexes appended to textbooks for librarian training courses. To achieve this, 220 textbooks published in Japan between 1950 and 2025 were examined and their contents analyzed. The results showed that 179 textbooks (81.4%) included an index. Similar to general books, most textbooks employed typographical devices such as indentation and line breaks for index headings, ensuring readability. In terms of layout, smaller type sizes than those used in the main text and multi-column formats were commonly adopted to accommodate a larger number of index terms. Although subheadings and ‘see’ references were used more frequently than in books on other subjects, the use of cross-references was still insufficient and cannot be regarded as fully widespread.

Objective: This study aimed to develop a prototype using lotus root peels, byproducts of lotus root processing, to evaluate their suitability as a healthy tea and elucidate their characteristics. Methods: The edible portions and peels of Iwakuni lotus root purchased in March, 2024 were used as samples. The sliced samples were dried in a ventilated dryer at 50 ℃ for 20 h. Subsequently, the dried edible portions were roasted in an oven at 150℃ for 10 min or 180℃ for 5 min, whereas the dried peels were roasted at 150℃ for 5 min or 180°C for 5 min. Extracts were prepared by adding 100 mL of boiling water to 4 g of the crushed roasted samples and steeping for 5 min. Using these extracts, color differences (L*, a*, and b* values), potassium and polyphenol levels, and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity were measured, and taste analysis, aroma analysis, and voluntary tasting surveys were conducted. Results: Notably, no significant color difference was observed between the edible portions and peels at the same roasting temperature and time. The extract made from the peels exhibited higher potassium and polyphenol levels and DPPH radical scavenging activity than the tea made from the edible portions. In taste analysis, compared to commercial barley tea used as a control, the extract made from the edible portions showed higher saltiness and umami flavor, whereas the tea made from the peels showed higher astringency and bitterness. Aroma analysis revealed that aroma components associated with burning increased with increasing roasting temperature and time. Sensory evaluation revealed that the extract made from the edible portions roasted at 180℃ for 5 min was the most preferred, followed by that made from the peels. Conclusion: Lotus root extract made from the peels exhibited higher potassium and polyphenol levels than that made from the edible portions, consistent with the overall evaluation results of the tasting surveys. Overall, these results suggest that the lotus root peel extract shows potential as a healthy tea.

本研究の目的は、成人・老年看護学領域（以下、本領域）における慢性期疾患の紙上事例を用いた看護過程演習をよりよい演習に資するための基礎資料を得ることである。2023年度、2024年度の演習前、演習後に成人看護学Ⅱ（慢性期）を受講する学生（延べ111名）に対して質問紙調査をおこない、アセスメントの理解度と講義評価を分析して看護過程演習展開を検討した。その結果、両年度とも演習後にアセスメントの理解度が向上した。特に、学習効果があった項目は、アセスメントガイドの活用とグループ内発表であった。アセスメントガイドは情報整理を助け、個人ワークでまとめたものを個人発表し、学生と教員間でディスカッションする形式のグループ内発表は多角的視点の獲得や思考の深化につながったと考えられる。

This study aimed to review existing literature on the psychological burden, including ethical dilemmas, and the quality of care experienced by nurses working in palliative care wards under various restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, to elucidate their characteristics, and to identify implications for the future direction of nursing practice. Literature searches were conducted using the Ichushi-Web (Japan Medical Abstracts Society) and PubMed, and four domestic studies and one international study published since 2019 were included in the analysis. The findings revealed that nurses faced significant work-related and psychological burdens, such as difficulties in building relationships with patients’ families, increased responsibility for information provision, and role conflicts under visitation restrictions. Conversely, despite these constraints, care practices aimed at maintaining patient dignity and preserving connections between patients and their families were implemented, suggesting that the essence and quality of palliative care were sustained in modified forms.

Regarding the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, there are concerns about the risk of lasting effects, especially among young people. In this study, we aimed to clarify the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic experience on the mental health of university students in the post-pandemic era and conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey and analyzed 331 responses. As a result, the experiences during the pandemic, such as general activity restrictions, self-growth or the importance of family and friends, infection prevention behaviors or restrictions of conversations with friends, reunion with family, new learning methods, or new hobbies and activities, were significantly associated with better mental health and resilience in the post-pandemic period. These results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic experience may have a positive impact on the mental health of university students in the post-pandemic era.

Physical activity is a key factor for preventing and improving metabolic syndrome. Herein, we examined the relationship between physical activity levels and health-related factors in middle-aged men and women with a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The subjects were 963 men and women aged 40 to 64 (638 men, 325 women) who underwent health checkups at Mine City Hospital and completed a lifestyle questionnaire. Subjects were classified into four groups based on physical activity levels: Level 1, < 120 METs·min/week (n = 303); Level 2, 120 to < 1380 METs·min/week (n = 323); Level 3, 1380 to < 3600 METs·min/week (n = 190); and Level 4, ≥ 3600 METs·min/week (n = 147). We analyzed metabolic syndrome diagnosis results; physical characteristics; blood pressure; blood test values; daily inactive time, excluding sleep duration; dietary literacy; obesity-prone eating behaviors; social networks (LSNS-6); sleep status (AIS); and psychological state (K6). We found that physical activity levels of Level 2 or higher were associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Increasing physical activity levels were associated with reduced inactive time, higher dietary literacy scores, increased social network scores, and higher HDL cholesterol levels. Individuals with low physical activity levels had lower dietary literacy, suggesting an increased risk of metabolic syndrome development, and tended to have weaker social networks.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of using posters to provide blood donation information on university students’ willingness to donate blood. The participants were 175 nursing students (mean age 19.42 ± 1.13 years) at University A in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Posters displaying blood donation information and the blood inventory status published by the Japanese Red Cross Society were placed inside elevators for two weeks. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was conducted. Of the 175 students, 29 (16.6%) had previous blood donation experience, and 146 (83.4%) had none; 72 (41.1%) had attended a lecture on blood donation, while 103 (58.9%) had not. Both experiences were significantly less common. During the survey period, 122 students (69.7%) used the elevator, and among them, 64 (52.5%) viewed the posters. Among those with blood donation experience and those with lecture attendance experience, a higher proportion had viewed the poster. This suggests that individuals with blood donation or lecture attendance experience may be more likely to pay attention to blood donation information. Factor analysis (maximum likelihood method with Promax rotation) of 13 blood donation information items identified three factors: “Understanding of Knowledge and Systems,” “Blood Donation Process and Precautions,” and “Blood Donation Service Information.” Multiple regression analysis, with “intention to donate blood within the next six months” as the dependent variable and “academic year,” “blood donation experience,” “lecture attendance,” and the three factors as independent variables, showed that blood donation intention was significantly associated with “blood donation experience,” “understanding of knowledge and systems,” and “blood donation process and precautions” (adjusted R² = .34), whereas “academic year,” “lecture attendance,” and “blood donation service information” were not significant. Furthermore, content analysis of reasons why poster displays increased interest revealed that visualization of blood type shortages and real-time information enhanced the perceived necessity of donation. These findings suggest that early and continuous education on blood donation, combined with information that helps individuals perceive donation as personally relevant, may be effective in promoting blood donation behavior.

This paper reports on the practice of the “Children and Families Happiness Project,” a community collaboration initiative launched in fiscal year 2023 by Institute of Child and Family Social Work Education affiliated with the Faculty of Social Welfare at Yamaguchi Prefectural University. Addressing complex community challenges such as isolated parenting households, school refusal, support for children with developmental disorders, and support for children requiring medical care, the university leveraged its educational and research functions to collaborate with related organizations. This collaboration resulted in the development of six support programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and families. Students actively participated in each practice, forming a mutually reinforcing cycle of support and learning. This research presents a new model for supporting children and families, where the university-affiliated research institute functions as a hub connecting local support resources, complementing existing systems.

Advances in perinatal and paediatric medicine have led to an increase in children requiring ongoing medical care while living within their local communities. This study aimed to identify challenges in enabling children with medical needs to enrol in local schools and participate fully in school activities. A literature review was conducted, analysing 20 peer-reviewed academic papers published in Japan between 2015 and 2025. The results revealed that challenges concerning the enrolment and participation in school activities of children with medical needs can be categorised into the following five domains: diverse circumstances of children with medical needs, systems concerning enrolment and support, teachers’ expertise, parental burden, and coordination within and outside the school and shortage of nursing staff. These challenges are interrelated and suggest they may constrain school attendance and participation in local schools.

This study aims to examine the educational effects of collaborative field-based learning in the professional training of social workers. Since 2017, the authors have participated with students in community-based activities, including a dementia café organized by the Yamaguchi Prefecture branch of the Alzheimer’s Association Japan, and have explored the educational significance of experiential learning in real-world settings. With the implementation of a new curriculum in 2021 and the launch of the Mental Health Social Work Course in the Faculty of Social Welfare in 2022, the need arose to review and analyze these ongoing initiatives. Accordingly, group interviews were conducted with students who had participated in the dementia café, with the cooperation of the host organization. The analysis revealed that students learned, through direct interaction with people with dementia, their families, staff, and local residents, the attitudes and understandings required of social work professionals. Furthermore, observing and engaging with on-site staff functioned as a form of live supervision, deepening their learning. These findings suggest that field-based experiential learning is effective in cultivating human resources capable of fulfilling social roles within the community. Strengthening collaborative learning support systems between universities and practice settings will be essential for future educational development.

Outcomes and Challenges of Community Care Conferences as Perceived by Care Managers This study aimed to clarify the outcomes and challenges of community care conferences from the perspective of care managers, who play a central role in community-based integrated care systems. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among care managers in A Prefecture who had experience participating in community care conferences focused on individual cases, yielding 155 valid responses. The results indicated that community care conferences functioned as opportunities to review care management processes and to deepen understanding of other professionals’ roles. However, participants reported limited perceived effects on service users and their families, as well as limited impacts on motivation for continued participation and job retention. Furthermore, the quality of conference facilitation and the nature of interdisciplinary collaboration were found to be associated with care managers’ evaluations of community general support centers. These findings suggest that community care conferences should be redefined and reconstructed not as one-time discussion forums, but as continuous support processes encompassing pre-conference, conference, and post-conference phases. In particular, it is important to clarify the responsibility of community general support centers in providing post-conference follow-up and practical support, in order to ensure that agreed care plans are effectively translated into practice.

This study examined the provision of public social welfare—specifically, disability welfare services— for individuals with severe behavioral disorders and the outcomes of such welfare provision. This study identified an increase in the abuse of persons with disabilities—specifically those with severe behavioral disorders—in the context of welfare service provision. There is also a growing need for dignified support in which physical restraints are not used as a tool for management. Among individuals with severe behavioral disorders, needs have remained unmet because prior barriers embedded in public disability welfare provision have resulted in service delivery that diverges from the standard that allows the individual to lead the life they wish. These unmet needs, in turn, give rise to irreversible outcomes. The social welfare provision system must clearly define the responsibility for welfare provision and ensure its reliable implementation. Social welfare policies are required that ensure reliable service provision while enhancing responsiveness to the needs of the individual, their family members, and the entities responsible for social welfare provision.