The Mayor's Office
Meet the Founder Behind YAKA
Welcome to my little corner of the village. Here you'll find the story behind YAKA, my learning journey, and the experiences that continue to shape this growing village. I hope these stories help you discover the heart behind our mission to make healthy aging simple, warm, and full of hope. Take your time. The door is always open.
Founder's Profile
Founder of YAKA & Mayor of YAKA Slow Village
Chien-Jung (Ronron) Huang
Hello! I'm Chien-Jung Huang, but around here everyone simply calls me the Village Mayor. I'm currently studying long term care and healthy aging at The University of Tokyo. My dream is to make research feel a little less intimidating and a lot more human by turning complex ideas into stories that anyone can enjoy. That's why I created YAKA Slow Village, a place where health, kindness, and imagination come together. I hope everyone who visits can slow down, smile, and discover that growing older can be a beautiful adventure.
Education
A Journey of Learning
Changhua County Lukang Junior High School (2013 – 2016)
National Lukang Senior High School (2016 – 2019)
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology and Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University (2019 – 2023)
Fields of Study: Geriatric Care, Long-Term Care, Healthy Aging
Research Student, The University of Tokyo (2024 – 2025)
Master’s Student in Department of Gerontological Home Care Nursing / Palliative Care Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo (2025 – Present)
Research Interests: Healthy Aging, Home Care, Long Term Care, Palliative Care
Honors & Milestones
National Science and Technology Council Undergraduate Research Grant (2022)
English Oral Presentation, Taipei Medical University (2023)
JLPT N1 (2024)
Japan Taiwan Exchange Association Scholarship (2024–Present)
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Extra-Curricular Adventures
The Elegance of Wafuku: Kimono and Hakama Aesthetics Masterclass
President of Japan-Korea Culture Research Club, TMU
Taipei Medical University (TMU), Taiwan
2022 – 2023
Precious Badges
MOE Scholarship for Study Abroad: Exploring Geriatric Welfare in the North
Geriatric Welfare and Nursing Clinical Practicum
Health Sciences University of Hokkaido (HSUH), Japan
July 2023
MOE Scholarship for Study Abroad: Elite Nursing Observation in the South
Geriatric Welfare and Nursing Clinical Practicum
Kyushu University, Japan
July 2023
My First Academic Presentation in Japan
The 45th Annual Conference of Japan Academy of Nursing Science (JANS)
Toki Messe (Niigata Convention Center), Japan
December 2025
Brainstorming Across Borders: Asian Academic Exchange
AUA (Asian Universities Alliance) Youth Forum
Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea
January 2026
My First International Academic Presentation
The 29th East Asian Forum of Nursing Scholars (EAFONS)
National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
February 2026
Cultural Echoes in Imperial Gardens
International Academic Exchange Program
Peking University (PKU), Beijing
March 2026
Expanding Academic Horizons Under the Oriental Pearl
International Academic Exchange Program
Fudan University (FDU), Shanghai
March 2026
Why I Created YAKA
Where the Story Began
YAKA was born in Lukang, a historic town on Taiwan's west coast.
Growing up among old streets, red lanterns, and warmhearted neighbors taught me that communities become stronger when people care for one another. That feeling became the inspiration for YAKA Slow Village.
I hope this little village reminds everyone that aging isn't something to fear. It's another beautiful chapter of life.
The Golden Era
Lukang was once one of Taiwan's busiest trading ports, filled with people, stories, and new ideas. That lively spirit continues to inspire YAKA today.
The Original Elders
Long ago, wild Formosan sika deer lived around Lukang. They inspired the YAKA logo and remind us to stay curious, gentle, and full of life every single day.
The Corridor of Time
When evening falls, Lukang's old streets glow beneath rows of red lanterns. YAKA hopes to be like one of those lanterns, not the brightest light in the world, but a warm one that quietly stays beside you.
Life at The University of Tokyo
Here you'll find stories from my days at The University of Tokyo, moments from studying abroad, and reflections on healthy aging around the world. Every journey becomes another little story for YAKA Slow Village.
A Little Note from the Mayor:
My diary is currently written in Traditional Chinese as I continue sharing my experiences with readers in Taiwan. An English edition is slowly on its way, and I can't wait to share more stories with you. Thank you for visiting our little village.
