Green cities, age-friendly cities, nutrition, and blue spaces were among the highlights of a study tour to 5 Japanese cities, organized by the WHO European Healthy Cities Network in collaboration with the Alliance for Healthy Cities in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO). Politicians, mayors and technical experts from the cities of Utrecht in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Brno in Czechia, Helsinki in Finland, Rennes in France, Palaio Faliro in Greece, and Łódź in Poland observed successful policies and programmes in place in each of the 5 Japanese cities, providing valuable insights for potential adaptation in European regions. The tour was hosted for members of the WHO European Healthy Cities Political Committee, acknowledging the crucial role played by inter-regional collaboration in advancing health and well-being. The initiative fostered an understanding of best practices in promoting healthy cities, bridging the gap between the WHO European Region and WHO Western Pacific Region, and providing delegates with ideas for addressing common health challenges in their own cities.
Over 80% of the population of the WHO European Region’s Member States is projected to be living in urban areas by 2030. Each year, an estimated 1.4 million deaths are linked to issues such as pollution and climate change across the 53-country Region. While cities expand, the rise in pollution and environmental stressors poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of urban residents. Therefore, addressing environmental risk factors is paramount. In response, each Japanese city highlighted unique approaches to this issue, under the leadership of their respective mayors.
- Owariasahi City explained the vision of a “Healthy City Owariasahi”. The emphasis was on creating a city full of greenery aligned with the principles of promoting a healthy environment. This highlights the significance of integrating green spaces into urban planning to enhance the overall well-being of the community.
- Tokyo focused on waterfront development, specifically along the Sumida River. The site visit provided insights into urban planning strategies that prioritize natural landscapes, contributing to a more resilient urban environment.
- Taito City shared its experiences with its Blue and Green Walkable City programme, particularly in the Asakusa area of Taito City, highlighting the power of integrating natural elements into urban landscapes for the well-being and enjoyment of residents and visitors.
- Obu City focused on the concept of an age-friendly healthy city. The city’s goal is the creation of a community without fear of dementia, addressing the challenges associated with an ageing population. Officials showcased initiatives designed to create a supportive environment for the elderly, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and inclusivity.
- Fukuroi City showcased its commitment to urban agriculture and healthy nutrition. The city’s emphasis on sustainable and locally sourced food production and its school food programme highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and public health.
The collaborative exchange fostered the potential for cross-cultural partnerships and the development of effective strategies to enhance public health. A subsequent tour in select healthy cities across the WHO European Region, for delegates from cities across the WHO Western Pacific Region, is being planned.