Since the October 2004 Niigata-Chuetsu earthquake, Kazuhiko Hanzawa, a vascular surgeon at Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital, has been conducting free checks for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), commonly known as economy-class syndrome, in quake-hit areas.

While he considered abandoning the effort at times due to a lack of funds, he has managed to keep the initiative going through donations and budget adjustments.

"I want to continue conducting checkups for those living in afflicted areas for as long as possible," said the 53-year-old Hanzawa.