Minako Yamaoka-Tojo, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor at Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences. She is a physician-scientist specializing in cardiology, vascular biology, atherosclerosis, endothelial cell dysfunction, and cardiometabolic diseases. Her primary research interests include vascular aging, the biological properties of the endothelial glycocalyx, cardiovascular complications associated with obesity and diabetes, and preventive strategies to extend cardiovascular healthspan. She has published numerous peer-reviewed papers and serves as an editorial board member and reviewer for several international academic journals. She is also actively engaged in promoting translational research and preventive cardiology within the cardiovascular field.