In April 2023, I was appointed as the director of our hospital, succeeding the previous director, Mr. Fuchimuka.
　This is my third time at this hospital, having been here for four years since 1996, and seven years since April 2011, just after the earthquake, so I have a rough understanding of the situation surrounding medical care in the Kesen region, and I feel reassured that I am familiar with many of the staff and other local people involved, and I would like to deepen my understanding and work together even more.
　Over the past three years, a lot of effort has been devoted to responding to the new coronavirus infection in every region. In our hospital, despite the absence of specialists in respiratory medicine and infectious diseases, the hospital staff has worked together to respond. The status of COVID-19 under the Infectious Diseases Act will change from this May, but we will continue to respond appropriately.
　Our hospital is the core hospital in the Kesen region, and is equipped with a life-saving emergency center. It is an acute care hospital that plays the role of a disaster base hospital, a regional perinatal maternal and child medical center, and a regional cancer treatment cooperation base hospital. At the same time, we also provide outpatient care for various departments and palliative care, and we hope to continue to play a wide range of roles in the future.

Iwate Prefectural Ofunato Hospital, known for its "patient-friendly" approach and state-of-the-art facilities, is a well-regarded hospital in Japan, offering 24-hour emergency services and various medical specialties.