Yokohama: "9th Foot Fes" to Support Feet in the 100-Year Lifespan Era, First "ASHI-1" Grand Prix for Foot Care Professionals to Compete with On-Site Wisdom Also Held

The Japan Total Foot Management Association (Location: Yokohama City, President: Hisayo Nishida) will simultaneously host the "9th Foot Fes in Yokohama," an experiential event for the general public, and the "1st ASHI-1 Foot Care Grand Prix," which visualizes the skills and thinking of specialists, for two days on Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th, 2026, at Kanagawa University Minatomirai Campus.

In the era of a 100-year lifespan, foot health is directly linked to Quality of Life (QOL). However, in Japan, there is a challenge where people "don't know where to consult" for foot problems due to the wide variety of consultation options. This event supports citizens in "building feet that can walk for life" through the collaboration of various professions, including doctors, nurses, prosthetists and orthotists, physical therapists, clinical psychologists, shoe fitters, shoe specialists, and foot care specialists.

Event details URL: https://www.japanfoot.or.jp/event/20260606.html

■ Foot Health is the Key to "Frailty Prevention"

To extend healthy lifespans, addressing "frailty" (weakness) is unavoidable.

Frailty refers to a weakened state where physical and mental vitality declines with age, just before becoming in need of nursing care. However, it is said to be a turning point between health and needing care, as it is possible to return to a healthy state with appropriate care and exercise.

"Falls" are a major trigger that accelerates this frailty and significantly impairs QOL. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (*1), falls and fractures account for 13.9% of cases requiring nursing care, making it the third leading cause after dementia and cerebrovascular diseases.

Furthermore, there is a clear relationship between foot condition and falls. A report (*2) indicates that elderly individuals with abnormalities such as thickened nails or ingrown toenails have an annual fall rate of 46%, more than double that of people with healthy nails (20%). This means that foot problems themselves significantly increase the risk of falls.

Foot pain, nail problems, and ill-fitting shoes can disrupt walking balance and easily lead to falls. Protecting foot health is not merely about alleviating pain; it is a crucial key to preventing the need for nursing care and extending healthy lifespans.

*1 Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "2022 (Reiwa 4) National Livelihood Basic Survey"
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/saikin/hw/k-tyosa/k-tyosa22/dl/14.pdf

*2 Source: IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering E "Impact of Foot and Toenail Abnormalities on Falls in the Elderly"
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ieejeiss/124/10/124_10_2057/_article/-char/ja/

■ Current Status and Challenges of Foot Care Habits in Japan

Compared to Western countries, which are advanced in foot care, Japan's care habits are still developing. Many people give up on foot problems, attributing them to "age," or face the challenge of "not knowing where to go" due to the wide variety of consultation options, such as dermatologists, orthopedic surgeons, shoe stores, and foot care salons.

■ Experience "Team-based Foot Support" through Multi-professional Collaboration

"Foot Fes in Yokohama" and "ASHI-1 Foot Care Grand Prix" will visualize a multi-professional collaboration model where specialists work together to support an individual's feet. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience knowledge and techniques for maintaining foot health and find appropriate consultation services that suit their needs.

Held on Saturday, June 6th: 9th Foot Fes in Yokohama (for the general public)

No reservation required, free admission. It's a special day where children to seniors can learn the importance of protecting foot health while having fun.

The day will consist of four themes: "Know," "Learn & Try," "Experience Professional Care," and "Consult." Each corner can be freely explored, allowing visitors to experience according to their interests and concerns.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 6th, 2026, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Venue: Kanagawa University Minatomirai Campus, 1st Floor, Knowledge Core & Global Lounge
Admission Fee: Free (some experience corners are paid)
Target Audience: Anyone from children to seniors.

■ "Know" Corner

Visitors can objectively understand their foot condition by measuring foot length, width, and circumference, and visualizing foot pressure balance with foot prints. In the shoe fitting check, visitors can confirm if the shoes they wore on the day fit their feet. To provide advice closer to real life, visitors are encouraged to wear shoes they frequently use.

■ "Learn & Try" Corner

Under the guidance of specialists, visitors can learn self-care practices they can do at home, tailored to their own foot condition and concerns.

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