AHRMS, Inc.

Last week, the 41st World Veterinary Association Congress was held in Tokyo. With attendance of 4,400 people from around the world, it was a very successful event. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress also attended, joining us in listening to the keynote speech on highly pathogenic avian influenza virus strain mutations.
I also had the opportunities to reconnect with many veterinary friends, including former president Dr. Johnson Chiang, and learn the updated academic and clinical veterinary medicine from many splendid veterinary scientists and practitioners.
My tie was a gift from the congress held in Yokohama 31 years ago, and I still cherish it.

On November 19th, Dr. Ujimasa had the privilege of delivering a lecture to second-year students in the Department of Veterinary Health and Nursing at the Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University. We are deeply grateful for this honorable opportunity.

Upon graduation, these students will take the national examination to become certified veterinary nurses. Approximately 60–70% are expected to work in veterinary hospitals throughout Japan, while an additional 10–20% will pursue careers in animal health–related companies.

At around 20 years of age, these students stand at the very beginning of their professional journey. Dr. Ujimasa encouraged them to embrace new challenges—whether in academic study or personal pursuits—with the mindset that “even if you fail, your life will not be taken.” This message reflects his belief in the value of bold curiosity and resilience for the future leaders of the animal health industry.

On October 8, I had the honor of speaking at the 58th Animal Health Seminar organized by Crecon Research & Consulting, where I gave a presentation to 144 participants from 43 animal health companies.
　
This was my sixth lecture in Crecon’s long-running seminar series, and the title of my talk was:
“Discounts can be Poison – Strategy is the Real Cure”.

More than ten years ago, the late Ron Brakke of Brakke Consulting, Inc. (BCI) once remarked during his visit to Japan that “the Japanese animal medicine distribution system is about 20 years behind the U.S.”
I sometimes imagine what Ron would say if he could see Japan’s situation today — how far we may have come, and how far we still have to go.

Yet, even now, I cannot help but feel the gap that remains between Japan and the United States.
That is why I continue to raise my voice, sound the alarm, and urge awareness of the challenges ahead.

I participated in the 3rd Interpet Osaka as one of the panelists for the panel discussion titled “Future outlook for the Japanese pet industry” on June 13th, 2025.
Thank you to the many friends and acquaintances who came to support me.
I was harsh on both original and generic manufacturers of animal medicines, but I would appreciate it if they could provide unbiased and accurate information, otherwise wholesalers and veterinarians will spread misinformation to pet owners.
Facilitator Chairman Dr. Koshimura also said, “Currently, senior dogs and cats account for more than half of the total, and newborn puppies and kittens account for less than 4%, so a significant decrease in the number of pets kept is inevitable. In 7-8 years, veterinary clinics will begin to be eliminated. Can anyone give their opinion on this?” He asked all the panelists and I answered since I was a representative of veterinarians there.
My biggest concern is that owners will stop visiting veterinary clinics due to rising veterinary medical costs, which is actually happening in the United States and other countries.

On May 22nd, I had the opportunity to give a keynote speech entitled “Japan in the World – Trends in Animal Medicines” at the 56th regular general meeting of the Japan Animal Drug Instrument Distributor Association.

Some people told me that they attended just for this, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity.