One Year Since the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement Between Asahi Kasei Homes and Azabu University: Interim Report Meeting Held for Endowed Chair Research Themes
Asahi Kasei Homes and Azabu University held an interim report meeting for their joint research project, "Symbiotic Society for Pets and People for LONGLIFE." The session presented findings on the impact of microbes on living environments and the role of dogs in fostering community social capital, emphasizing that visible consideration by pet owners is key to harmonious urban coexistence.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56
Asahi Kasei Homes Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Yuji Owaku) and Azabu Veterinary Educational Institution (Location: Sagamihara, Kanagawa; Chairperson: Hiroaki Ogura) announced that they held an interim report meeting on March 16 regarding research conducted under the endowed chair (*1) "Symbiotic Society for Pets and People for LONGLIFE," established at Azabu University. The report meeting featured presentations on three research themes and a panel discussion on the theme of "Urban Pet Coexistence."
*1: https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/j-koho/press/20250515/index/
I. About the Endowed Chair "Symbiotic Society for Pets and People for LONGLIFE"
In this joint research, we are promoting studies from the following three perspectives to form a society where pets and people can live with peace of mind:
1. Development of Living Environments
Designing "spaces and time that support coexistence," including housing and block design, flow lines, and time-of-day usage.
2. Community Formation
Creating mechanisms where greetings, interaction, and mutual aid emerge naturally.
3. Construction of Social Networks
Creating co-creation models in collaboration with local governments, universities, companies, and local communities.
II. About the Research Themes
Based on the perspectives in Section I, we set the following three themes:
1. Development of Living Environments: Symbiosis between pets and people through microbes.
2. Community Formation: The intervention of dogs in local communities and the creation of social relationships.
3. Construction of Social Networks: Building a mutual care system for pets and people.
At the interim report meeting, presentations were made regarding 1 and 2.
1. Development of Living Environments: Symbiosis between pets and people through microbes
This research explores the impact of microbes (microbiome) shared by humans and dogs on physical and mental health. It was confirmed that the microbial structure of the living environment differs depending on whether pets are kept, and that contact with dogs may have a positive effect on children's psychological well-being. Moving forward, we aim to conduct demonstrations in urban areas and apply the findings to healthy living environment design.
2. Community Formation: The intervention of dogs in local communities and the creation of social relationships
We focused on the fact that dogs function as mediators connecting people in urban areas. The survey revealed that rather than a conflict of pros and cons, many people are in the "indifferent" category, and that friction is often rooted in "misunderstandings" or a lack of information. It was shown that greetings and conversations mediated by dogs could lead to the formation of social capital, such as a sense of local security and disaster prevention awareness.
III. Interactive Hearing: Results of Mixed Group Interviews with "Pet Owners and Non-Owners"
Through dialogue in mixed groups consisting of pet owners, those interested in pets, and those not interested, we visualized the "structure of misunderstanding" caused by differing positions and explored the perspectives necessary for coexistence.
Visible Consideration, Not Separation, Promotes Coexistence
Survey data revealed that many non-owners are "not particularly bothered" by pets. On the other hand, it became clear that for owners and non-owners to coexist peacefully in society, it is important to "visualize" the consideration shown by pet owners. Specifically, carrying waste disposal bags and water, or holding a leash at an appropriate length while walking, provides a sense of security to non-owners. Many also noted that if there were signs indicating individual dog traits—such as whether it is okay to pet them or if the dog is shy—it would be easier for interested non-owners to make decisions on how to interact. As ideas for social implementation, we discussed that mechanisms making each other's situations visible, such as "showing time and circumstances" and "using individual trait signs," lead to coexistence.
IV. Future Outlook
Moving forward, while continuing to accumulate joint research data and conducting demonstrations in urban areas, we will explore "forms of coexistence" that encompass the entire lifestyle, including the potential for community formation through dogs, housing design (indoor and outdoor), and collaboration with disaster prevention and welfare. Asahi Kasei Homes and Azabu University will continue to accumulate research and practices that are close to daily life, aiming to build an urban model where people, animals, and communities support one another.
*1: https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/j-koho/press/20250515/index/
I. About the Endowed Chair "Symbiotic Society for Pets and People for LONGLIFE"
In this joint research, we are promoting studies from the following three perspectives to form a society where pets and people can live with peace of mind:
1. Development of Living Environments
Designing "spaces and time that support coexistence," including housing and block design, flow lines, and time-of-day usage.
2. Community Formation
Creating mechanisms where greetings, interaction, and mutual aid emerge naturally.
3. Construction of Social Networks
Creating co-creation models in collaboration with local governments, universities, companies, and local communities.
II. About the Research Themes
Based on the perspectives in Section I, we set the following three themes:
1. Development of Living Environments: Symbiosis between pets and people through microbes.
2. Community Formation: The intervention of dogs in local communities and the creation of social relationships.
3. Construction of Social Networks: Building a mutual care system for pets and people.
At the interim report meeting, presentations were made regarding 1 and 2.
1. Development of Living Environments: Symbiosis between pets and people through microbes
This research explores the impact of microbes (microbiome) shared by humans and dogs on physical and mental health. It was confirmed that the microbial structure of the living environment differs depending on whether pets are kept, and that contact with dogs may have a positive effect on children's psychological well-being. Moving forward, we aim to conduct demonstrations in urban areas and apply the findings to healthy living environment design.
2. Community Formation: The intervention of dogs in local communities and the creation of social relationships
We focused on the fact that dogs function as mediators connecting people in urban areas. The survey revealed that rather than a conflict of pros and cons, many people are in the "indifferent" category, and that friction is often rooted in "misunderstandings" or a lack of information. It was shown that greetings and conversations mediated by dogs could lead to the formation of social capital, such as a sense of local security and disaster prevention awareness.
III. Interactive Hearing: Results of Mixed Group Interviews with "Pet Owners and Non-Owners"
Through dialogue in mixed groups consisting of pet owners, those interested in pets, and those not interested, we visualized the "structure of misunderstanding" caused by differing positions and explored the perspectives necessary for coexistence.
Visible Consideration, Not Separation, Promotes Coexistence
Survey data revealed that many non-owners are "not particularly bothered" by pets. On the other hand, it became clear that for owners and non-owners to coexist peacefully in society, it is important to "visualize" the consideration shown by pet owners. Specifically, carrying waste disposal bags and water, or holding a leash at an appropriate length while walking, provides a sense of security to non-owners. Many also noted that if there were signs indicating individual dog traits—such as whether it is okay to pet them or if the dog is shy—it would be easier for interested non-owners to make decisions on how to interact. As ideas for social implementation, we discussed that mechanisms making each other's situations visible, such as "showing time and circumstances" and "using individual trait signs," lead to coexistence.
IV. Future Outlook
Moving forward, while continuing to accumulate joint research data and conducting demonstrations in urban areas, we will explore "forms of coexistence" that encompass the entire lifestyle, including the potential for community formation through dogs, housing design (indoor and outdoor), and collaboration with disaster prevention and welfare. Asahi Kasei Homes and Azabu University will continue to accumulate research and practices that are close to daily life, aiming to build an urban model where people, animals, and communities support one another.