Health promotion, as articulated in the Ottawa Charter of the World Health Organization (WHO), is defined as “a process that enables individuals to exert control over and enhance their health.” This concept is delineated in terms of health prerequisites, three fundamental strategies, and five areas of action. Economic and social conditions are recognized as prerequisites for health, forming the foundation for health promotion efforts. The three primary strategies employed are “advocacy,” “enabling,” and “mediation,” which aim to empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health.

The five areas of activity include establishing health policies, improving supportive environments, strengthening community engagement, developing personal skills through education and information dissemination, and reorientating healthcare services toward disease prevention and health promotion.

In Japan, the enactment of the “National Health Promotion Movement in the 21st Century (Healthy Japan 21)” in 2000 and the “Health Promotion Law” in 2002 reflects the adoption of these principles.

Within the field of nursing, N. J. Pender’s health promotion model holds prominence. This model serves as a foundational framework and methodology for facilitating individuals’ efforts to control and enhance their health behaviors, spanning from preventive measures to health promotion initiatives throughout the lifespan.

• Glanz, K., Lewis, F. M., & Rimer, B. K. (Eds.). (2006). Health behavior and health education: Theory, research, practice (Sone, S., Watabe, H., & Yuasa, M., Trans.). Igaku-Shoin.
• Green, L. W., & Kreuter, M. W. (2005). Practical health promotion: Planning and evaluation using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model (Jinba, S., Trans.). Igaku-Shoin.
• Japanese Society of Health Education (Ed.). (2003). Health education: Development of health promotion. Hoken Dojinsha.