An American journalist wrote an autobiographical account of her breast cancer journey, titled, “Why I Wore Lipstick: To My Mastectomy,” which was made into an Emmy Award-nominated TV drama in the U.S. This groundbreaking drama had a huge impact on women across the nation, and was a catalyst to promote breast cancer awareness.

Upon the release of the Japanese translation in 2007, the book’s author sought a new pink ribbon symbol to further awareness of breast cancer in Japan. Ms. Hiroko Suzuki, Founder and President of the Quality of Life Foundation, designed the symbol. Since then Ms. Suzuki has organized several lecture/dinner parties and charity events to further the prevention of breast cancer. The events have all been a tremendous success and effectively draw attention to preventive measures of the disease.

With the very first charity party, PINK BEAUTY was born as a private organization, with an aim to share information on breast cancer, by medical specialists in the field. In the past proceeds raised by the organization have been donated to Japan Pasteur Association and Japan Breast Cancer Society for scholarship funding. Doctors and researchers were given financial support to study overseas.

In October 2014, Quality of Life Foundation“Support Council of International Activities for General Medical Research”was registered as a Specified Nonprofit Corporation.

From 2015, to proactively achieve the goals of the foundation, we began inviting medical experts to study and train in Japan, to accelerate the development of advanced medical care for diseases affecting women, including breast cancer.

In contributing to the development of breast cancer treatments, starting with charity gala parties, we have organized seminars by medical specialists, mutual exchanges and meetings, in order to develop high-demand treatment techniques and to achieve practical approaches to regional medical treatment and education. It is our goal to further enhance our program inviting doctors to study and train in Japan, which has been well-received by the ambassadors to this country.

With private-sector funds, the organization is able to select and dispatch the very best personnel in a timely manner, to achieve more effective developments in medical technology, and meaningful international relations. The foundation contributes to the promotion of cultural exchange between people from various countries, and continually strives to improve the health and quality of life of as many people as possible.