Announced at BioJapan 2026! Co-creation to Strengthen Japan’s Drug Discovery Ecosystem
“BioJapan 2026” was held at Pacifico Yokohama from October 7 to 9, 2026.Launched in 1986 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, this international event brings together domestic and international companies, research institutions, and investors—primarily in the drug discovery and biotechnology sectors—to explore opportunities for collaboration through exhibitions, business meetings, and seminars.
The JPMA operated an exhibition booth throughout the three-day event, in addition to a keynote speech by Chairperson Asuka Miyabashira and a luncheon seminar hosted by the Drug Lag and Loss Task Force. Through interactions with various stakeholders, the JPMA promoted “co-creation” aimed at strengthening Japan’s drug discovery ecosystem.
Keynote Speech: Charting the Future of Biopharmaceuticals in Japan
On the first day of the event, Chairperson Asuka Miyabashira delivered a speech on the current state and challenges of Japan’s drug discovery ecosystem, addressing three key perspectives: drug discovery capabilities, domestic manufacturing capabilities, and the talent base.
While Japan possesses excellent research and technological capabilities, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as the bridging functions required to commercialize these into pharmaceuticals, the manufacturing infrastructure for biopharmaceuticals, and the securing and development of talent. To address these challenges, she emphasized the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, and government, in alignment with the government’s growth strategy.
He also touched on the fact that the JPMA officially launched as a general incorporated association in October, expressing the intention to further strengthen its role in connecting diverse stakeholders across industry boundaries and facilitating the circulation of knowledge, experience, talent, and technology.
Luncheon Seminar: Toward a Japan Free of Drug Loss
On October 9, a panel discussion was held under the theme “A Japanese Ecosystem Free of Drug Loss: Achieved Through Industry-Government-Academia Co-creation.”
The panelists were Kenichi Nakamura of the National Cancer Center, Yasuhiro Araki of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Yoko Yoshimura of JETRO London, and Tomomichi Chonan of Sowanier Co., Ltd. Yukiko Sakakibara, General Manager of the Business Strategy Division at the JPMA, served as moderator.
The discussion addressed challenges and improvement measures regarding Japan’s clinical trial environment, attracting overseas biotech companies to Japan, and barriers to collaboration with domestic firms. Participants exchanged views on policy and business support aimed at eliminating drug loss.
Making BioJapan a “Place for Connection”
During the event, the JPMA exhibition booth featured posters introducing the activities of the R & D Committee, the Biopharmaceutical Committee, and the “ The Office of Pharmaceutical Industry Research.” These displays showcased the JPMA’s initiatives and contributions to the drug discovery ecosystem to visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), LINK-J, and the Medical Industry-Academia Collaboration Network Council (medU-net), the association held a digital stamp rally titled “A Journey Through the Drug Discovery Ecosystem.”This event was designed to allow participants to experience firsthand the “drug discovery ecosystem”—where diverse players, including academia, startups, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and organizations supporting co-creation, collaborate to deliver new medicines to patients—as they toured the venue.
The JPMA will continue to work toward strengthening Japan’s drug discovery ecosystem through dialogue and co-creation with a diverse range of stakeholders, including companies, government agencies, academia, and startups.