Community Health Nursing
at Yokohama City University
Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University – Division of Community Health Nursing
About
The landscape of public health, medical care, and social welfare in Japan is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by shifts in demographic and household structures, disease patterns, socioeconomic conditions, and societal values. Within this evolving context, the scope of nursing has expanded far beyond the care of individuals with illness, extending to the promotion of health and well-being across individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
The Department of Community Health Nursing of Yokohama City University is committed to advancing scholarship and practice that contribute to healthier and more resilient communities across the lifespan. Our faculty engage in the systematic development of community health assessment methodologies, evaluation tools, and prevention-oriented programs that address the diverse needs of populations ranging from children to older adults. We also conduct empirical research to inform the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health, medical, and welfare policies and systems.
Research Overview
Health Promotion and Community Development for Lifelong Well-being Using Innovative Nursing Methods
High-Quality Home Health Care Nursing and Community-Based Care Systems
Innovative Educational Methods in Community and Public Health Nursing Using Digital Technologies (ICT/AI/GIS)
Publications / Presentations / Awards / Tools
- 2026/2/1 Our department hosted a Japan–Korea collaborative workshop in Yokohama with the STOP Team from Yonsei University.
- 2025/9/10 Graduate student Ms. Tanigawa and her colleagues received the Outstanding Presentation Award at the 28th Annual Conference of the Japan Academy of Community Health Nursing.
- 2025/9/10 A paper authored by Assistant Professor Akatsuka and colleagues was published in the International Journal of Medical Informatics.
- 2025/5/26 Professor Arimoto received the 2024 President’s Award of Yokohama City University.
Faculty of the Department of Community Health Nursing (as of April 2026)
Azusa Arimoto
PhD,PHN,RN
Research Interests
Professor Arimoto specializes in empirical research addressing the health needs of community residents across all generations. Her work focuses on the development and evaluation of policies, systems, and community-based interventions designed to enhance population health. She also leads research on the prevention and mitigation of social isolation and loneliness among caregivers, with an emphasis on evidence-based program development.
Keywords
Loneliness, Social Isolation, Maternal Health, Child Abuse Prevention, Public Health Nursing, Scale Development, Program Development
Eriko Ito
PhD,RN,PHN
Research Interests
Lecturer Ito's research centers on improving the quality of life (QOL) of home-based patients in the end-of-life stage and their families living within the community. Her work contributes to advancing holistic, person-centered home care and strengthening community care systems that support both patients and family caregivers.
Keywords
Home Care, End-of-Life Care, Family Caregivers, Community Care Systems
Eiki Akatsuka
PhD,PHN,RN
Research Interests
Assistant Professor Akatsuka conducts research focused on promoting the health and well-being of the eldest-old population. His scholarly interests include the application of digital health technologies and behavioral economics, particularly the use of nudges, to enhance public health nursing practices and community health outcomes.
Keywords
Oldest-old Adults, Public Health Nursing Activities, Digital Health, Behavioral Economics, Nudge
Shoko Ishikawa
MSN,PHN,RN
Research Interests
Assistant Professor Ishikawa's research aims to improve the health and well-being of working-age adults. Her interests include mental health promotion, workplace health strategies, and the development of community-based approaches to prevent psychological distress and suicide.
Keywords
Working-age Adults, Public Health Nursing Activities, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention