Division of Moonshot Research and Development Program Moonshot Research and Development Program
Outline
Key Fields | Moonshot Research and Development Program |
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R&D Phase | Basic Study, Applied Study, Nonclinical Study/Pre-clinical Study, Clinical Study, Clinical Trials, None |
Contact |
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Overview

"Moonshot Research and Development" is a bold new R&D program from AMED that aims to create disruptive innovation in Japan.
To solve issues facing future society, AMED is driving R&D in ambitious projects that are more than just extensions of conventional technology.
- Moonshot Research and Development Program (Cabinet Office)
- The basic approach for the Moonshot Research and Development Program (Cabinet Office)
- Guidelines for Operation and Evaluation of the Moonshot R&D Program in Health and Medical Fields (Cabinet Office・MEXT・MHLW・METI)
AMED is tackling Moonshot Goal 7 in the health and medical field.
In order to achieve Moonshot Goal 7 as set forth by the Headquarters for Healthcare Policy, AMED will conduct research and development (R&D) in accordance with the R&D Concept established by the Cabinet Office, MEXT, MHLW and METI.
「Realization of sustainable care systems to overcome major diseases by 2040, for enjoying one’s life with relief and release from health concerns until 100 years old」
【moonshot target 7: 3 targets】
【Target:3】Realization of drastic improvement of QoL without feeling load (realization of an inclusive society without health disparity)
Moonshot Goal 7 : R&D Activities
Research and Development Program & management (Portfolio)
NEW‼ Updated on January 21
This document is an overview of the "portfolio" that serves as the management plan for Moonshot Goal 7 in an easily understandable manner.
It includes the overall structure of Goal 7, individual projects, and the story of realization by 2040,
Dr. Hirano, Moonshot Program Director, will answer questions and introduce the portfolio.
Click on the image to view the PDF file.
The Moonshot Goal engaged by AMED
Toward the attainment of the Moonshot Goal 7 finalized by the Headquarters for Healthcare Policy, research and development will be implemented by combining based on the basic approach to the R&D program specified by the Cabinet Office, MEXT, MHLW and METI.


Management and Evaluation Framework
This figure shows the overall promotion framework of Moonshot R&D.
The Moonshot Program Director (PD) and Moonshot Sub-PD’s will provide necessary guidance and advice to the research projects conducted by the PMs in order to achieve the Moonshot goals set by the Headquarters for Healthcare Policy.

Moonshot Program Director

HIRANO Toshio (Professor Emeritus, Osaka University, President, Osaka International Cancer Treatment Foundation)
Specializes in immunology and life science; PhD.
Discovered Interleukin 6 and opened new ways to treat autoimmune diseases.
Draws on deep and wide-ranging knowledge and experience, from work promoting cutting edge multidisciplinary research to basic medical research to medical applications; served as head of Osaka University and of QST Recognized by numerous prizes, including the Crafoord Prize and the Japan Prize Appointed in 2016 as the first President of the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology
R&D Projects
PM Name | Affiliation | Position | Project Name | Project Overview | Latest Symposium Video |
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ABE Takaaki |
Tohoku University | Professor | Mitochondrial Medicine | Document | Video |
KURITA Masakazu (Ended in November 2023) |
The University of Tokyo | Lecturer | Development of method for complex tissue regeneration via tissue embryonization | Document | Video |
NAKANISHI Makoto | The University of Tokyo | Professor | Extending healthy lifespan by eliminating senescent cells In Japanese only | Document | Video |
MURAKAMI Masaaki | Hokkaido University | Professor | Regulating microinflammation: Preventing disease through quantum and neuromodulation technologies In Japanese only | Document | Video |
YANAGISAWA Masashi | University of Tsukuba | Professor | Deciphering and Engineering Sleep and Hibernation -- The Future of Medical Care | Document | Video |
PM Name | Affiliation | Position | Project Name | Project Overview | Latest Symposium Video |
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NANGAKU Masaomi | The University of Tokyo | Professor | Bring hospital into home toward controlling inflammation at home | Document | - |
HONDA Kenya |
Keio University | Professor | Understanding and harnessing the role of the gut microbiome in healthy longevity | Document | - |
PM Name | Affiliation | Position | Project Name | Project Overview | Latest Symposium Video |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
KOSEKI Haruhiko | RIKEN | Deputy Director | A world of zero cancer risk created by rejuvenation using cell lineage conversion | Document | - |
NISHIKAWA Hiroyoshi | Nagoya University | Professor | Actualization of a cancer-free society through regulation of chronic inflammation | Document | - |
PM Name | Affiliation | Position | Project Name | Project Overview | Latest Symposium Video |
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ISA Tadashi |
Kyoto University | Professor | Study of reservoir functions that support resilience* of the brain and its enhancement to overcome dementia | in preparation | - |
HAYASHI Yu |
The University of Tokyo | Professor | Life course approaches through sleep to protect, nurture, and activate the brain | in preparation | - |
HIGUCHI Makoto | National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology | Center Director | Early detection and modulation of the dementia pathogenesis based on the concept evolving from glial pathology to senoinflammation | in preparation | - |
PM:Project Manager
(Reference) Other Moonshot goals and responsible Agency for R&D
Last updated 01/21/25