Message from the Chairman of the Board

Established in March 2016 by Mitsui Fudosan in collaboration with colleagues from academia and industry, LINK-J is based in Nihonbashi, Tokyo—a district with a long history as a center of pharmaceutical development. Located in Nihonbashi, Tokyo—a district with a long history as a center of pharmaceutical development—LINK-J has worked to promote open innovation and cultivate a life sciences ecosystem by fostering collaboration throughout Japan and abroad. This year marks the tenth anniversary of our founding.

In scientific research, individual findings rarely lead directly to immediate societal impact. Progress is made through the accumulation of evidence, the integration of knowledge across disciplines, sustained dialogue among individuals with differing perspectives, and careful validation over time. Over the past decade, LINK-J has served as a place where researchers, companies, startups, and others have come together to engage in dialogue and repeated exploration.

The life sciences are essential to human health and the long-term sustainability of society. Many challenges remain unresolved, including cancer, rare diseases, and infectious diseases. Research efforts continue worldwide. At the same time, certain areas, such as regenerative medicine, have begun translating research outcomes into clinical practice and broader societal application in recent years. The life sciences are now entering a period of significant transition.

Life sciences can no longer be advanced within the boundaries of a single discipline. Environments in which researchers and practitioners can connect, exchange knowledge, and examine ideas from multiple perspectives are becoming increasingly important. By supporting these environments, LINK-J aims to provide a foundation that enables research activities and emerging initiatives to progress steadily and thoughtfully. With this perspective, as we look toward the next decade, LINK-J aims to contribute to the future of life sciences by cultivating spaces where new knowledge and value can emerge through connection, and by linking these efforts from Japan to the wider international research community.