Japan is the fastest aging society in the world. Therefore, it is a pioneer when it comes to addressing the challenge of long-term care. In particular with regards to the question of how to develop and secure qualified personnel in long-term care in the face of a growing staff shortage, manifold innovative approaches can be identified in Japan. With Japan also being a forerunner in the advancement of technology in long-term care, best practice of the use of technology and innovative products to facilitate independent living of care receivers and to improve care work already exist. Nonetheless, the transfer of this knowledge to Germany, where the challenges in eldercare are similar, is still scarce, and dialogue between partners in both countries can be intensified and multiplied.

This symposium intends to enhance the exchange of ideas and research results on the management of long-term care in Japan and Germany, between practitioners and scholars from both countries. We thus create a forum that enables a transfer of knowledge between Japan and Germany as well as between research and practice.
The symposium focuses specifically on the topics of personnel development and retention as well as technology and innovation. Among others, the speakers will exchange both countries’ experiences with an increasingly diverse body of eldercare workers that includes immigrants as well as career changers. How to empower eldercare workers, and how to create a sustainable working environment will be among the core topics of this symposium. Furthermore, assessing the potential of long-term care supported by technology in Germany will be debated by panelists, against the backdrop of the Japanese example. We especially welcome participants employed in the health care and nursing care sector to join this unique chance to exchange innovative ideas and solutions for tomorrow’s most pressing challenges in long-term care.

The symposium is based on research by Prof. Dr. Gabriele VOGT in the Department of Asia-Africa Studies (AAI) at Universität Hamburg, funded by Hamburg Innovation GmbH (HI) and organized in cooperation with the Japanese-German Center Berlin (JDZB).
The symposium will be held in English.

Venue: Hamburg Innovation GmbH (HI), Harburger Schlossstr. 6-12, 21079 Hamburg