[Event Report] Tokyo Dome Corporation Hosts 'Japan-U.S. ALS Forum' ~Creating a Future from Diverse Voices, Aiming for a Place Where Hope and Innovation Meet~

Tokyo Dome Corporation (Location: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Yutaka Saito) hosted the 'Japan-U.S. ALS Forum' on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Tokyo Dome Hotel, bringing together Japanese and American expertise for a cure for the intractable disease ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). We are pleased to report on the content of the official movie from the day, which has now been completed.

Approximately 130 participants, including individuals with ALS, their families, supporters, and researchers, were invited to this forum. Through the sharing of the latest regenerative cell therapy research by U.S. company Regelife and panel discussions by Japanese and American experts, dialogue for the future was deepened, starting from the diverse voices of those affected. Furthermore, anticipating various communication environments, including eye-gaze input, pre-event questions and an on-site survey system were utilized. Power outlets for suction machines and care spaces were also provided at the venue, creating an environment where participants in all situations could actively participate.

Official Movie URL:

Digest Movie URL:

Background of the Event

Our company upholds 'sharing excitement' as its corporate philosophy, creating numerous leisure and entertainment experiences, and aiming to realize a rich society. As a company that provides enjoyment and purpose to our customers, we want to open a place where hope and innovation meet, and consider the future together with individuals with ALS and their families. With such strong feelings, we came to host this forum. We aim to share cutting-edge scientific knowledge and contribute to the realization of a society where each individual's thoughts and hopes are respected.

Event Outline

Name: Japan-U.S. ALS Forum

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Venue: Tokyo Dome Hotel B1F 'Cynthia'

Organizer: Tokyo Dome Corporation

Sponsors/Collaborators:

ALS Network

Keio University Research Center for Regenerative Medicine

Regelife

General Incorporated Association WITH

Limited Company LIBRA

Specified Non-profit Corporation ALS/MND Support Center Sakura

General Incorporated Foundation Sukoyakasa Yutakasa no Mirai Kenkyujo

General Incorporated Association Serika Fund

Takawa LLC

General Incorporated Association Japan ALS Association

Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings Co., Ltd.

General Incorporated Association END ALS

General Incorporated Association LINK-J

Speakers:

Dr. Hideyuki Okano (Director/Professor, Keio University Research Center for Regenerative Medicine)

Sheri Strahl (ALS Network President & CEO MPH, MBA)

Mark Ma (Regelife CEO & Co-Founder)

Masatane Muto (Representative Director, General Incorporated Association WITH ALS)

Attendees: Approximately 130 people

Event Highlights and Main Content

1. Presentations on the Latest Examples of Japan-U.S. ALS Support and Technology

Sheri Strahl, active at the forefront of ALS support in the U.S., and Masatane Muto, an individual with ALS and communication creator engaged in expressive activities using technologies like eye-gaze input and raising awareness for ALS, took the stage.

[Presentation by Ms. Sheri Strahl]

Ms. Strahl spoke about 'three positive changes' in the current environment surrounding ALS: 'Evolution of care' through multidisciplinary clinics, 'Strong partnership between patients and researchers' where patients lead new discoveries and participate in clinical trial design, and 'Astonishing acceleration of science' brought about by the use of AI and biomarkers. She delivered a powerful message, stating, 'We now have solid reasons to be truly hopeful,' as these three forces combine to open the path to actual treatment and ultimately a cure.

[Presentation by Mr. Masatane Muto]

Mr. Muto, an individual with ALS and a creator active both domestically and internationally, embodied 'NO LIMIT, YOUR LIFE' (a way of living without limits) and spoke about the future of ALS pioneered by technology and art. He introduced examples of the latest technologies, such as eye-gaze input and brainwave-controlled devices, and avatar robots, which extend lost physical functions and enable continued connection with society.

2. Panel Discussion by Key Figures from Japan and the U.S., and Dialogue Where Diverse Voices Intersect

The first half featured Dr. Hideyuki Okano, a leading figure in regenerative medicine in Japan, and Mark Ma, who is engaged in regenerative medicine research aimed at curing ALS.

[Presentation by Mr. Mark Ma]

At the beginning of the panel discussion, Mr. Ma presented research results on 'reconstruction of neural connections in ALS,' combining the latest cell therapy and microenvironment engineering. Many current ALS treatments focus on 'slowing progression'.