In 2012, my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I was ready to do anything for him to be cured. With that sole purpose, I read many scientific papers from all over the world, and I met and talked with numerous experts in the field. How could I cure my father’s cancer? I searched every single possibility available.
That is when I found out about photoimmunotherapy that was only at an early stage of research. Although I had many doubts about this completely new approach, desperate for a miracle, I immediately went to meet the researcher.
Everyone was still doubtful at that stage. But the more I heard about this research, the more it made sense.
I instinctively thought, “This is it.” It was the same feeling I got as when I grasped that the internet would change the world forever. Somehow, wishing to save my father, I immediately made up my mind to support the research personally to speed it up.
Unfortunately, we didn’t make it in time to save my father. But I decided to continue my support. My father who was as an economist always said, “One important mission of corporations is to contribute to humanity.”
Left behind, I resolved to provide this latest treatment to as many people as possible. It will surely be a path fraught with difficulties. But right at this moment there are many who are suffering from cancer, many who wish to save the lives of their loved ones, and I know exactly how they feel.
To provide this treatment as soon as possible, to bring this treatment to as many people as possible, I will not fail to support this research from now on.
Chairman, Rakuten Medical, Inc.
Hiroshi Mikitani
