Founded in 1944
Established with the founding of Hyogo Prefectural Medical College, the predecessor of Kobe University School of Medicine. Six professors have chaired the department since then.
News & Activities
All news →The department at a glance
1,600+ operations in 2025
Performed at Kobe University Hospital and the Kobe International Cancer Center for Clinical Research (ICCRC), across ear, nose, throat, and head and neck surgery.
23 physicians, 9 specialty clinics
Otology and hearing, vertigo, facial nerve, head and neck oncology, thyroid and salivary glands, laryngology and voice, swallowing, rhinology and olfaction, and sleep surgery.
Kobe University Hospital is a designated Advanced Treatment Hospital and serves as a regional referral center for Hyogo Prefecture.
Our Mission
Advancing otology, hearing science, and otolaryngology–head and neck surgery from Kobe to the world.
Rooted in Kobe, an international port city, and connected to the global medical and scientific community, our department pursues three missions:
Research
Advancing otology, hearing science, lateral skull base surgery, and head and neck surgery through cutting-edge technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational research.
Clinical Care
Providing advanced, comprehensive care for patients with ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders as a regional referral center in Hyogo.
Education
Training future leaders in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery with clinical excellence, scientific curiosity, and a global mindset.
Where would you like to go?
Research
Our research areas, the otology and hearing science group, selected publications with links, and current funding.
Collaboration & Industry
For academic researchers and companies: what we bring, what we are looking for, and how to start a conversation.
For Patients from Abroad
What we treat, and how to apply through the hospital's International Medical Care Center (IMCC), which handles all inquiries from patients abroad.
Join Us
For physicians, researchers, and graduate students interested in visiting, training, or studying with us.
About the Department
Message from the Chair, our history since 1944, faculty, and location.