[Yokohama] The 9th 'Ashi Fes' to support feet in the 100-year life era to be held, featuring the first 'ASHI-1' Grand Prix where footcare professionals compete with practical knowledge

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

In the era of 100-year lifespans, foot health is directly linked to quality of life (QOL). However, in Japan, there is an issue where people 'don't know where to consult' for foot problems because consulting options are diverse. This event supports citizens in 'building feet that can walk for a lifetime' through the collaboration of various professions including doctors, nurses, prosthetists, physical therapists, clinical psychologists, shoe fitters, shoe specialists, and footcare specialists.

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

Foot Health is Key to 'Frailty Prevention'

'Frailty prevention' is essential for extending healthy life expectancy.

Frailty refers to a weakened state where physical and mental vitality declines with aging, just before becoming in need of long-term care. However, it is said to be a crossroads between health and needing care, as appropriate care and exercise can restore a healthy state.

'Falls' are a major trigger that accelerate frailty and significantly impair quality of life. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (*1), falls and fractures account for 13.9% of causes for needing long-term care, ranking third after dementia and cerebrovascular diseases.

Furthermore, there is a clear relationship between foot condition and falls. Reports (*2) indicate that among elderly individuals with abnormal nails such as thickened nails or ingrown nails, the annual fall rate reaches 46%, more than double that of those 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 long-term care and extending healthy life expectancy.

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

*2 Source: IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering 'Effects 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 State and Challenges of Footcare Habits in Japan

Compared to Western countries, which are advanced in footcare, Japan's footcare habits must be said to be still developing. Many people give up on foot problems, attributing them to 'age,' or face the challenge of 'not knowing where to go' for consultation due to the diverse range of options, including dermatologists, orthopedic surgeons, shoe specialty stores, and footcare salons.

Experience 'Supporting Feet as a Team' through Interprofessional Collaboration

'Ashi Fes in Yokohama' and 'ASHI-1 Footcare Grand Prix' will visualize a model of interprofessional collaboration where professionals work together to support an individual's feet. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience knowledge and techniques for protecting foot health and find appropriate consultation options for themselves.

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

No reservation required, free admission. It will be a special day where children to seniors can enjoy learning the importance of protecting foot health.

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 6, 2026, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Venue: Kanagawa University Minatomirai Campus, 1st floor, Knowledge Core Global Lounge

Admission: Free (some experiential corners are paid)

Target: Everyone from children to seniors.

'Know' Corner

Visitors can objectively grasp their foot condition by measuring foot length, width, and circumference, and visualizing sole pressure balance through 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 daily life, visitors are encouraged to wear shoes they usually wear.

'Learn & Try' Corner

Under the guidance of specialists, visitors can learn self-care that can be practiced at home, according to their own foot condition and concerns.

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