◆◆ABOUT JIHA◆◆ 　The Japan Institute of Healthcare Architecture (JIHA) is a non-profit organization originally established under the name Japan Institute of Hospital Architecture in 1954 to promote improvement in Japan’s medical and health architecture. At present, the total number of members, both individual and organizational, is around 700. The JIHA provides a common ground for uniting the effort of architects and healthcare personnel. The Institute attained its current name in 1995 and became an incorporated association authorized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1996. 　The JIHA has taken the leading role in enhancing the standard of Japanese healthcare facilities through various activities. It was a recipient of the Public Health Award in 1995. 　Major initiatives underway include affiliation with international organizations through various activities such as joint study meetings for architects and providing support to healthcare architectural staff in the Western Pacific region.

---

◆◆MAJOR ACTIVITIES◆◆ ★ The Journal of Japan Institute of Healthcare Architecture First issued in 1968, the Journal is published quarterly and distributed to members free of charge. It mainly reports on newly built healthcare facilities with explanatory photographs and drawings. It also contains articles and research papers useful for planners and designers of the facilities. An abridged English translation is provided. ★ Study Visits and Seminars There are monthly events exclusive to members such as study visits to recently built facilities in Japan as well as seminars on various topical issues. ★ Training Sessions Two-day training sessions are held twice annually with professionals active in the respective field serving as lecturers. Also open to non-members, these sessions are attended by over 120 participants annually. Members are entitled to a discount on the program fee. ★ Overseas Study Tour An overseas study tour has been organized every year since 1980 taking members to suggestive healthcare facilities around the world to help them gain broader and deeper understanding of these facilities. ★ Autonomous Research Research projects are conducted annually on an autonomously selected theme by a group consisted of members. ★ Commissioned Research Government commissioned research projects are conducted by a team organized for such purpose.

---

◆◆HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE AWARD◆◆ 　The Healthcare Architecture Award was established in 1991 with support from the Ministry of Health and Welfare to recognize recently completed outstanding healthcare facilities. The award emphasizes the integration of design and function more than any other existing architectural awards. Entries are evaluated comprehensively based on design, amenity and ease of use among other criteria. During the last 10 years, 58 facilities have received the award, including hospitals, clinics, elderly homes and day service centers. PRIZE-WINNING FACILITIES 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017