Professor SHIMADA Takafumi

Mental disorders are recognized as one of the five major diseases in Japan, with approximately half of all cases developing by the age of 14. Increasing challenges in education, welfare, and healthcare--including neurodevelopmental disorders, school refusal, child abuse, and rising adolescent suicide attempts--highlight the growing importance of child and adolescent mental health. Established in 2026 as an endowed department supported by Hamamatsu City, this program aims to address these issues through collaboration with psychiatric, educational, governmental, and welfare institutions. Its activities include clinical practice and support, research, professional training, human resource development, and public awareness initiatives related to child and adolescent mental health.