Participation Report: “Yakusai 2026—A Science Experience Event for Children and Adults Alike”
On May 30, 2026, “Pharma Festival 2026 – A Science Experience Event for Children and Adults Alike,” organized by the Federation of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry Labor Unions (Pharma-Cosmetics Federation), was held, and the Proper Use Group of the General Policy Subcommittee of the Pharmaceutical Industrial Policy Committee participated.The event was bustling with many visitors, providing an opportunity to learn about science and pharmaceuticals in a fun and accessible way.
“Medicine Festival 2026—A Science Experience Event for Children and Adults Alike” Flyer
With the aim of raising broad awareness about the importance of the proper use of pharmaceuticals, our group conducted an awareness campaign on “polypharmacy” (the use of multiple medications simultaneously), a topic that has garnered increasing social attention in recent years.On the day of the event, we asked visitors, “Are you familiar with the term ‘polypharmacy’?” and conducted a participatory survey where they used stickers to indicate whether they were “familiar” or “unfamiliar” with the term. The results showed that the term is still unfamiliar to many people, which served as a reminder of the importance of our awareness-raising efforts.
We also distributed a leaflet titled “How Many Medications Are You Taking? ” to encourage attendees to reflect on their own medication regimens. Additionally, we screened a video that provided clear explanations of the issues and precautions related to polypharmacy, designed to deepen understanding through visual aids.Many attendees were seen engrossed in the video, and the event succeeded in sparking interest among people of all ages, serving as an opportunity to reconsider the proper use of everyday medications.
We also held a “Medicine Quiz” as an activity for children. This quiz focused on the proper use of medicines in daily life and related precautions, designed to be both fun and educational.Children tackled the questions alongside their parents, and we observed them thinking intently as they answered. When they got the answers right, smiles naturally spread across their faces, and the entire venue was enveloped in a warm and friendly atmosphere, making it a meaningful time that seamlessly combined learning and interaction.
Throughout the event, we were able to convey to each attendee not only basic knowledge about polypharmacy but also the importance of using medications correctly and safely. Precisely because this is a topic that is often overlooked in daily life, we believe there is great significance in disseminating information through hands-on events like this.
Moving forward, our group will continue to carry out these awareness-raising activities and work to further improve understanding of polypharmacy prevention and the proper use of medications. We will continue to strive to provide information in a clear and approachable manner to engage as many people as possible.
Pharmaceutical Industrial Policy Committee, Comprehensive Policy Subcommittee, Proper Medication Use Group