Key points

From October 18 to 19, 2026, the "International Conference on Humanitude Without Borders" took place at the Fukuoka International Congress Center in Fukuoka City. About 400 healthcare and welfare professionals and local government officials from 14 countries participated, engaging in active discussions on practical cases and research results of the dementia care technique Humanitude, as well as issues related to aging societies. Soichiro Takashima, mayor of Fukuoka City, expressed his commitment to promoting Humanitude and introduced estimates showing its potential to help contain social security costs. Strengthening international cooperation is anticipated going forward. [1] [2]

Overview of the International Conference on Humanitude Without Borders

The "International Conference on Humanitude Without Borders" was held from October 18 to 19, 2026, at the Fukuoka International Congress Center in Fukuoka City. Concurrently, the 8th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Humanitude Society Fukuoka Conference 2026 was held, gathering dementia care specialists. The venue was the 5th-floor international conference room of the Fukuoka International Congress Center in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. The event was hosted by Fukuoka City at the request of the Humanitude headquarters. Fukuoka City has signed the Humanitude Without Borders Charter, aiming to improve care quality in the aging Asian region. [1] [2]

The two-day conference shared the latest knowledge and practical cases related to Humanitude, a dementia care technique. By hosting the event and inviting experts from Japan and abroad, the goal was to strengthen international cooperation to promote high-quality care. Simultaneous interpretation was provided in Japanese, English, and French, with consecutive interpretation in Spanish, creating an environment where diverse participants could engage in discussions. Through this conference, Fukuoka City is reinforcing its role as a hub for disseminating Humanitude worldwide. [2]

Participants and Discussion Topics

Approximately 400 healthcare and welfare professionals and local government officials from 14 countries participated in the International Conference on Humanitude Without Borders. Participants reported practical cases and research findings on the dementia care technique Humanitude and discussed challenges related to aging societies. Particular focus was placed on responses to the accelerating aging in Asian countries. Humanitude is noted as a care technique that conveys "You are important to me." Lectures included participation from Humanitude founders Yves Gineste and Albeiro Vargas, who shared expert insights. [1] [2]

Additionally, international organizations such as ACAI and ACAP gave lectures on aging in Asia. Soichiro Takashima, mayor of Fukuoka City, introduced the city's early efforts to promote Humanitude, presenting results showing reductions in anxiety and care refusal, as well as estimates indicating containment of social security costs. Fukuoka City expressed its intention to serve as a role model and share its experience globally. The conference also shared current dementia research and effective care practices, with networking opportunities provided for participants. [1] [2]

Fukuoka City's Initiatives and Background of the Conference

Fukuoka City has signed the Humanitude Without Borders Charter and is actively promoting Humanitude. Mayor Soichiro Takashima presented estimates indicating that introducing Humanitude reduces anxiety and care refusal among dementia patients and contributes to containing social security costs. Based on these achievements, Fukuoka City aims to disseminate Humanitude globally and fulfill a role as a model city. The Humanitude Without Borders Promotion Headquarters is based in Fukuoka City and conducts case introductions and promotion activities domestically and internationally. [1] [3]

This international conference was held with the aim of improving care quality in the rapidly aging Asian region. Following Fukuoka City's signing of the Humanitude Without Borders Charter, the Humanitude headquarters requested the city to host the event. The conference is expected to promote international cooperation and knowledge sharing in dementia care. Fukuoka City plans to continue its role as a Humanitude dissemination hub, collaborating with healthcare and welfare professionals both domestically and abroad. [2] [3]