He relinquished his job as an assistant professor of Shinshu University School of Medicine in 1996 to take up a new post in Belarus, leaving his family in Japan. As a thyroid surgeon, he became involved in the treatment of victims of the Chernobyl disaster who were suffering as a result of having being exposed to radiation for over five years. He continued this work until he returned to Japan in 2001. He had to conduct his work while contending with many obstacles and difficulties presented by the language barrier, but he nevertheless held a daily clinic and performed as many as 750 operations while at the same time introducing new medical technologies to local young doctors. He will continue his support of the victims of the accident and promote an educational campaign through the Japan Chernobyl Medical Fund for which he is a representative.

Since the nuclear plant accident in 1986, he often visited the area to engage in medical volunteer activities. He decided to move there even though he was over 50, unable to ignore people who were suffering in a country with limited medical resources. During his tenure, he overcame various difficulties including his own suffering from gastric ulcer, and pursued his vocation as a doctor. We would like to present this award to him, expressing our admiration for his tireless and selfless efforts.