The International Centre for Community-Based Loneliness Prevention (ICCLP) is a global collaboration between Tohoku University, Nottingham Trent University, Hokkaido University and the University of Queensland. Our mission is to understand biological, psychological and social mechanisms of loneliness and to reduce loneliness by applying the Social Identity Approach to Health, which emphasizes the power of group belonging for wellbeing. We explore how social and cultural contexts shape experiences of loneliness among different groups and use this knowledge to design interventions that foster social connection and resilience.
From Men’s Sheds to Social Prescribing, we work with communities across UK, Australia and Japan to create inclusive, identity-based solutions that empower individuals and strengthen social ties. Through cutting-edge research, cross-cultural partnerships, and practical initiatives, the Centre aims to transform understanding of loneliness and deliver evidence-based strategies that improve health and wellbeing worldwide.
2026.5.31
Professor Ito and Professor Clifford will participate in the international symposium at the 17th Annual Conference of Japan Primary Care Association (JPCA2026) on May 31. Title: “社会的処方：世界に広がる現状と日本のプライマリ・ケアへの期待”
2026.5.28
Professor Ito and Professor Clifford will speak at the International Social Prescribing Conference 2026 (ISPC2026) on May 28th. Title: “Social Prescribing as ‘Social Cure’: The Group Dynamics of Loneliness Reduction in Different National Contexts”
2026.5.27
Professor Clifford Stevenson, Distinguished Professor and ICCLP Scientific Director, met with Dr. Teiji Tominaga, President of Tohoku University, and Dr. Asako Sugimoto, Executive Vice President for Research. Also in attendance were Professor Hideki Kojima, Dean of the Graduate School, and Dr. Ayahito Ito, Senior assistant professor and ICCLP Executive Director.
2026.5.15
Professor Ito gave an invited lecture at the University of Southampton.
2026.4.27-29
Professor Ito participated in a booth exhibition and panel discussion at the ShedFest West ’26 held in Edmonton.
During the panel discussion, he joined Barry Golding and John Lutchford to present and discuss the current state of Men’s Sheds in Japan.
2025.12.16
Dr. Ayahito Ito has received the 22nd (2025) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Prize.
In addition, to commemorate this achievement, he attended a gift presentation ceremony and received a commemorative gift from Dr. Teiji Tominaga, President of Tohoku University.
2025.12.12
The results of the public opinion survey conducted by the Cabinet Office on measures to address loneliness and social isolation have been announced.
2026
JUN 19 FRI
JST-RISTEX “Citizen Support Project” The 8th International Seminar
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2026
JUN 16 TUE
JST-RISTEX “Citizen Support Project” The 22th CS (Community Shed) Seminar
2026
JUN 9 TUE
JST-RISTEX “Citizen Support Project” The 21th CS (Community Shed) Seminar
2026
MAY 19 TUE
JST-RISTEX “Citizen Support Project” The 20th CS (Community Shed) Seminar
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2025
DEC 16 TUE
JST-RISTEX “Citizen Support Project” The 19th CS (Community Shed) Seminar
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2025
DEC 13 SAT
JST-RISTEX × Transformative Research Area (A) “Lifelong Studies”
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2025
DEC 9 TUE
JST-RISTEX “Citizen Support Project” The 18th CS (Community Shed) Seminar
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