Sales Proceeds Partially Donated: Book Release on Cat Longevity Research — 'Research on AIM: The Journey to the World's First Medicine for Cats to Live Longer' (Gakken Science Books)

Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / President & CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara) announced that its group company, Gakken Inc. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / President & CEO: Tatsuya Minami), has released the Gakken Science Books title 'Research on AIM: The Journey to the World's First Medicine for Cats to Live Longer' (Supervised by Tooru Miyazaki, AIM Medical Research Institute) on June 4, 2026.

Ongoing Scientific Research Driven by Public Sentiment

Approximately 9 million cats are kept as pets in Japan. Living alongside humans as family members, domestic cats currently have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. But how would you feel if you learned they could potentially live even longer?

In reality, many cats develop kidney disease as they age, leading to premature death before reaching their natural lifespan. Kidney disease is considered difficult to cure once contracted. Countless cat owners have endured emotional hardship due to this seemingly inevitable condition. Dr. Tooru Miyazaki, the researcher featured in this book, discovered a protein called 'AIM' and has long dedicated his research to feline kidney disease and healthy longevity. This book chronicles the progress of that research and the relentless efforts of scientists striving toward practical application.

The narrative follows the research journey—from setbacks caused by the pandemic, to its revival through donations from cat lovers nationwide, and finally to the submission of official approval applications to the government for manufacturing and distribution. This is a story of scientific pursuit, highlighting Dr. Miyazaki’s unwavering path—resigning from his professorship at the University of Tokyo to pursue his mission of curing incurable diseases—and the many supporters who stand behind him.

Supervisor Profile

◉ Supervisor: Tooru Miyazaki (Miyazaki Tooru)

President and Representative Director, AIM Medical Research Institute. Medical Doctor. Aiming to 'cure incurable diseases,' he has achieved notable results as an immunology researcher at institutions in Europe and the United States. Since discovering the unknown protein 'AIM' in 1996, he has conducted extensive research into its therapeutic effects on various diseases. His work has clarified the efficacy of AIM in treating kidney disease in both humans and cats (feline species), and he is actively involved in drug development, drawing significant public anticipation. Publications include 'The Day Cats Live to 30' and co-authored 'The Shape of Science' (both published by Jiji Press).

▼ Sample Prologue (PDF)

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▼ Table of Contents

＜About Gakken Science Books＞

A science non-fiction series born from 'Gakken no Kagaku' (Gakken Science), a book-with-experiment-kit series for elementary school students with over 500,000 cumulative copies in circulation. The series vividly and honestly portrays the real-time research of admirable scientists—depicting their struggles, failures, and perseverance without sugarcoating.

[Product Overview]

Gakken Science Books

'Research on AIM: The Journey to the World's First Medicine for Cats to Live Longer'

Supervised by: Tooru Miyazaki (AIM Medical Research Institute, Medical Doctor)

Author: Kaori Awada

Edited by: Gakken Science Editorial Department

Price: ¥1,760 (tax included)

Release Date: June 4, 2026

Format: B6 size, 176 pages

E-book: Available

ISBN: 978-4-05-206339-8

Publisher: Gakken Inc.

Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1020633900

[Where to Purchase]

・Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4052063392/

・Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18591373/

・Seven Net: https://7net.omni7.jp/detail/1107704372

＜E-book＞

・Kindle: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0GXGDJ67J/

・Rakuten Kobo: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18591373/

Gakken Inc.

https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/ ・President & CEO: Tatsuya Minami ・Incorporation Date: January 13, 2009 (Company name changed on October 1, 2022) ・Capital: 50 million yen ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416 ・Business: Publishing and content, global operations, medical and nursing publishing, educational institution services, classroom-related operations, e-commerce and online services, advertising

GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/ ・President & CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara ・Incorporation Date: March 31, 1947 ・Capital: 19,817 million yen ・Sales: 199.1 billion yen, 82 consolidated subsidiaries (as of fiscal year ending September 2025) Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Stock Code: 9470) ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8510 ・Phone: 03-6431-1001 (main) ・Business: Holding company established in 1946, operating in education and medical welfare Education: Classroom and tutoring businesses including 'Gakken Classroom', Publishing and content such as learning materials, School and kindergarten supplies Medical Welfare: Service-oriented housing for seniors, Dementia group homes, Childcare and after-school support Global: Operations in over 150 countries