From stem cell research at the University of Tokyo to regenerative medicine in Ginza
Dr. Junya Higuchi conducted stem cell research at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine before becoming Director of Ginza YR Clinic, where he provides regenerative medicine. He holds three concurrent specialist certifications and has over 20,000 outpatient cases of clinical experience.
* This page is intended to provide medical information and does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes.
Background
After graduating from the School of Medicine at the University of Tsukuba, Dr. Higuchi completed his foundational clinical training at St. Mary’s Hospital, gaining experience in emergency medicine and comprehensive patient management. He then joined the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tokyo, building expertise in outpatient care and surgery across joint, spinal, trauma, and sports medicine.
During his doctoral studies at the Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Dr. Higuchi focused on mesenchymal stem cell research — specifically investigating how adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) regulate the pathology of osteoarthritis — and was awarded a PhD in Medicine. He now serves as Director of Ginza YR Clinic, where he provides regenerative medicine with a focus on stem cell therapy.
Research in Stem Cell Therapy | Publications & Academic Presentations
Dr. Higuchi’s lead-authored paper was published in Regenerative Therapy, the official journal of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine (2020). The study examined the relationship between clinical outcomes and MRI findings in patients who received intra-articular injections of autologous adipose-derived stem cells for knee osteoarthritis. The findings were presented at the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine the same year and at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) in 2021.
Differential regulation of Runx2 and Runx3 in articular cartilage degradation
Nature Communications 2022；13:6187
Comparative chondrogenic potential of adipose-derived and synovial stem cells in vitro and in vivo
Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2021；12:405
Three Specialist Qualifications | Orthopedics × Regenerative Medicine × Sports Medicine
Dr. Higuchi holds three concurrent certifications: Specialist of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, Certified Regenerative Medicine Physician of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine, and Certified Sports Doctor of the Japan Sports Association. Among Japan’s approximately 350,000 licensed physicians (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, December 2024), only a small number are estimated to hold all three qualifications simultaneously.
Interview with the Director
Among your 10 publications, which one means the most to you — and why?
“Regardless of whether I was the lead author, every paper holds equal significance to me. I am genuinely grateful to the mentors who guided me and to all the colleagues who allowed me to be part of their work.”
— Junya Higuchi, MD, PhD
Regenerative medicine is still an emerging field. How did you come to believe this was the right path?
“Personally, my fundamental approach is to provide evidence-based care. We are gradually gaining a clearer picture of the diseases and conditions where stem cell therapy and other forms of regenerative medicine offer advantages over conventional treatments. In cases where standard therapies have limited effectiveness, or where highly invasive procedures would otherwise be required, regenerative medicine can serve as a meaningful additional option. That said, accurate diagnosis and careful assessment of indication remain essential. When I believe a non-regenerative approach would better serve a patient, I discuss all available options with them and work toward the most appropriate treatment plan together.”
— Junya Higuchi, MD, PhD
The term “regenerative medicine” is increasingly being used loosely. What is your view on this?
“The phrase certainly carries a sense of hope for patients, but this field is still evolving and there is much room for improvement. To deliver better outcomes, I believe it is important — both as a field and individually — to keep expanding what we know and reflecting that knowledge in clinical practice.”
— Junya Higuchi, MD, PhD
What kind of regenerative medicine do you hope to offer at Ginza YR Clinic?
“High-quality regenerative medicine starts with a rigorous management system that puts safety first, alongside careful assessment of indication and ongoing evaluation of outcomes. Beyond that, I believe it is essential to take the time to understand each patient’s physical condition and personal wishes, and to approach every consultation with genuine sincerity.”
— Junya Higuchi, MD, PhD
Over the course of your stem cell work, has there been a patient encounter that made you feel it was all worth it?
“Hearing patients say that their pain has eased, or that daily life has become more manageable — that is what keeps me going. Not every case goes smoothly, of course. But in those moments when stem cell therapy genuinely makes a difference, I find myself thinking: ‘I’m glad I stayed the course.'”
— Junya Higuchi, MD, PhD
Director’s Profile
Consultations on Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine encompasses far more than stem cell therapy alone. Options such as PRP therapy and exosome treatment vary in their indication depending on the individual patient’s condition. Drawing on research experience at the University of Tokyo and over 20,000 clinical cases, we tailor recommendations to each person’s unique needs.
Whether you are actively considering regenerative medicine or simply want to understand your current situation — your first consultation is the starting point of that conversation. There is no obligation to decide on a treatment plan at that visit.
About Dr. Junya Higuchi — Key Points
- ✓ PhD in Medicine from the University of Tokyo Graduate School, stem cell research background
- ✓ 10 peer-reviewed publications · 14 academic presentations
- ✓ Three concurrent specialist certifications: Orthopedics, Regenerative Medicine, Sports Medicine
- ✓ 20,000+ outpatient cases · 1,000+ surgeries performed
- ✓ Evidence-based regenerative medicine, tailored to each individual patient
* This page is intended to provide medical information and does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes. Indication and risk vary by individual. Please consult a physician for details. All treatments are provided on a private-pay basis (not covered by insurance).
Appointments & Enquiries
Initial Consultation Fee: ¥3,300
Tel03-6263-9219
Address7F, Css Building III, 6-5-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, Exits C3 / C2 — approx. 5 min on foot
References & Disclaimer
- Regenerative Therapy (2020), Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine — lead author: Junya Higuchi
- Nature Communications 2022；13:6187
- Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2021；12:405
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan — Physician Statistics, December 2024
- Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine — official website (j-arm.com)
* This page is intended to provide medical information only and does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes or results. Indication and risk vary by individual. Please consult a physician for details. All treatments are provided on a private-pay basis and are not covered by insurance.
