Directors

Kanichi Kusano

BVetMed, PhD, DVM, MRCVS

Co-Director & Veterinarian
LinkedIn

Kanichi holds veterinary licenses in Japan, the UK, and Hong Kong, as well as the Official Controls Qualification (Veterinary) – Small Animal Exports (OCQ(V)-SX).

Career Highlights:
・August 2025 – Present: Part-time veterinarian at Triage Vets in London (small animal hospital)
　　・Specializes in small animal clinical care and surgery
　　・Provides health certification for animals travelling abroad
・April 2025 – Present: Veterinary, Research and International Liaison Officer, British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
・28 years at Japan Racing Association (JRA)
　・2022 – 2025: General Manager, JRA London Office
　・Clinical care of racehorses
　・Racing administration
　・Veterinary regulatory affairs and anti-doping
　・Horse welfare
　
International Contributions & Memberships:
・Development and administration of anti-doping policies
・Coordination and rule-making for international horse racing
・Member of:
　・International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
　　・Chairman of Subcommittee on Gene Doping Control of Thoroughbreds　Jan 2016 – Jan 2019
　・International Group of Specialist Racing Veterinarians (IGSRV)
　　・Vice Chairman　Jan 2012 – Jan 2018
　　・Executive committee member (Asian representative) I2008 – Jan 2012
　・Asian Racing Federation (ARF)
　　・Chairman　Drug Control Committee　 2013 – Jan 2022

Education:
・1998: Graduated from Nihon University, College of Veterinary Medicine, licensed as a veterinarian in Japan
・PhD in Veterinary Medicine from The University of Tokyo, specializing in respiratory function and respiratory diseases in racehorses

Tomoko Kusano

BVetMed,DVM

Current: Operates Japan UK Veterinary & Business Services Ltd, providing veterinary services and consulting for animal-related businesses.

Previously: Operated Tomochan London Ltd, introducing Japanese audiences to UK horse racing culture, organising farm events and Royal Ascot viewing experiences, and sharing educational information for high school students in London. Tomochan London maintains a separate website with horse-related and educational content.

2022: Moved to London, UK, and lives with two high school children and two dogs. Motivated to support Japanese families living with pets in the UK.

2012–2022: Worked at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), assisting in cancer research projects and working as a data science assistant and curator.

Graduated from Nihon University, College of Veterinary Medicine, and obtained a veterinary license in Japan.