Many aspects of each individual’s physical characteristics and personality are determined by genes written in DNA, and the sequence of this DNA is called the genome. The human genome consists of approximately 3 billion genetic codes linked together. Advances in genomic research in recent years have made it possible to predict what diseases individuals are prone to and even anticipate appropriate medication methods.

BioBank Japan (BBJ) was launched in 2003 within the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo as a leading project of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for the implementation of personalized medicine. Over the first to third phases, with the cooperative medical institutions nationwide, BBJ received bio-samples and information on medical records from some 270,000 patients. Having thus become one of the world’s largest disease biobanks, BBJ initiated its fifth phase in April 2023. By further analyzing the provided bio-samples, BBJ aims to enhance its role as a data infrastructure for genome analysis research. Simultaneously, the organization fosters the utilization of the samples and data it holds by researchers, backing fundamental, applied and practical research endeavors to contribute to the advancement of genomic medicine.

In recent years, significant changes have occurred in diseases and their treatment methods that pose threats to our health, such as the emergence of COVID-19. BBJ, in collaboration with cooperative medical institutions, updates participants’ clinical information and introduces the latest research methods. The samples, medical information, and genomic data stored by BBJ are continued to be utilized by numerous researchers from academic research institutions and private companies around the globe striving to develop new diagnostics and treatments for various diseases and infections, all while ensuring the utmost protection of personal information. Starting its activities in the fifth phase from 2023, BBJ continues its efforts to further utilize its valuable assets to meet the precious intentions and expectations of everyone who has cooperated thus far.

I express my gratitude to all those who have collaborated with BBJ, and I kindly ask for your continued support and cooperation in the future.

Koichi MATSUDA　

Director, BioBank Japan
Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo Project Professor, Institute for Medical Science, The University of Tokyo