Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG), founded in 1972, in cooperation with Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital (TMGH) established at the same time in the same campus, has engaged in a wide range of research projects to elucidate aging mechanism, pathogenesis and preventive methods of morbid states, and social problems the elderly frequently face.
We restarted as a local independent administrative agency in April 2009. As the new name of ours, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology (TMGH-IG), shows, the two facilities are consolidated. The consolidation of the institute and the hospital will promote comprehensive and translational researches which provide fruitful elderly stage.
Researchers in our institute cover various fields of gerontology. In addition to their own research fields, they are involved in interdisciplinary researches to resolve dilemmas of aging society. TMIG had been the only research institution specializing in gerontology in Japan until National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG) was inaugurated in April 2004. We are strongly confident that our institute has led and will lead the development of gerontology in this country.
Major mission of TMIG is to promote researches that support progresses in geriatric medicine, care giving, and health promotion of the elderly people. To achieve this mission, the following three fields of researches are particularly encouraged: researches on 1) aging mechanism and its regulation; 2) elucidation of pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of morbid states frequently seen in the elderly (such as vascular diseases, cancer, dementia, and a number of other geriatric syndromes); and 3) promotion of healthy longevity and welfare for elderly people.
The coming of the super-aging society in Japan is bringing and will bring us various problems to be resolved. We will be grateful for your encouragement and support for our institute and researchers.

Hideki Ito, M.D., Ph.D.
Director of Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology