The History of Medicine (5) -The Role of Kanbun in Japan's Medical and Intellectual Evolution
In the long history of Japanese medicine and scholarship, one of the most significant innovations was the adaptation of classical Chinese texts into a form that was accessible to Japanese readers. This technique, known as Yomikudashi-bun("reading-down style"), played a pivotal role in transmitting knowledge from ancient China to Japan. Deciphering Foreign Knowledge: The Kanbun System […]
The Role and Future of Regional Pharmaceutical Associations (1) -Addressing the Decline in Membership Rates
On February 27, 2025, the Kanagawa Prefecture Pharmaceutical Association will hold its first presidential election in 19 years, drawing attention from the local medical community. But what exactly is a pharmacists' association, and why is its membership rate declining? Understanding Japan’s Pharmaceutical Associations Pharmaceutical associations in Japan are professional organizations formed by licensed pharmacists. Unlike […]
The History of Medicine (4) -The Evolution of Japanese Medicine Through the Kentoshi Missions
For over two centuries, from 600 AD to 838 AD, Japan and China engaged in a series of diplomatic and trade missions known as the Kentoshi (遣唐使). These missions, integral to Japan’s cultural and technological evolution, played a crucial role in shaping various fields—including medicine. The Historical Context of Kentoshi During the early 7th century, […]
The History of Medicine (3) -Shichimi Togarashi: Japan’s Medicinally Inspired Spice Blend
Have you ever tasted or seen Shichimi Togarashi, Japan’s famous seven-spice blend? Developed during the Edo period (1600s), this unique seasoning is now a staple in Japanese restaurants and households, adding depth and spice to a variety of dishes. The Origins of Shichimi Togarashi Shichimi Togarashi was first created in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) in an […]
The History of Medicine (2) - The Legacy of Yagen: Traditional Medicine’s Essential Tool
Have you ever heard of the Yagen (薬研)? This traditional pharmaceutical tool, resembling a small boat with a rotating wheel inside, has played a significant role in the history of medicine across East Asia. Often referred to as a "chemist’s mortar" in English due to its unique design, the Yagen is both an ingenious and […]
The History of Medicine (1) - Tracing the Origins of Tablet Manufacturing in Japan
Ancient Roots of Pharmaceutical Science The roots of pharmaceutical science stretch back to ancient Greece, where symbols like the Rod of Asclepius and the Bowl of Hygieia emerged, and to the Roman Empire, where Galen made significant contributions to pharmaceutical formulations. In Asia, India's Ayurveda is well-known, but in Japan, traditional medicine cannot be discussed […]
Aging Population and Japan: Yokohama's Medical Policy for Regional Frailty Prevention
Regional Medical Policies and Challenges Toward Healthy Life Expectancy Japan has entered a super-aged society, with over 21% of its population aged 65 and above. In Kanagawa Prefecture, where Yokohama City is located, the aging rate exceeded 23.9% in 2015 and is expected to continue rising. The pace of aging in Japan is faster than […]
Yellow Flag Training for Disaster Preparedness on pharmacy: Ensuring Pharmacy Accessibility in Emergencies_Yokohama City
On January 17, 2025 (Friday), marking 30 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, Pharmaceutical Association conducted a Yellow Flag raising training to enhance emergency response capabilities in Yokohama city. This initiative ensures that local pharmacies can effectively serve as essential healthcare access points during natural disasters. The Yellow Flag is a recognized symbol indicating that […]
Recent Health Promotion Laws in Japan and Organizational Policies of the Yokohama Pharmaceutical Association
◾️ Measures against pre-symptomatic state and the Aging Society in Japan In Japan, where the birthrate has been declining and the population aging in recent years, awareness-raising and countermeasures for pre-symptomatic state（mi-byo / 未病） are being promoted at the initiative of the government. Kanagawa Prefecture defines “mi-byo” as “a state of change between health and illness,” and has shown a […]
History of the Pharmaceutical Association in Japan
In Japan, there is an organization called the Pharmaceutical Association, which is a professional organization composed of pharmacists. In addition, there are industry associations whose core members are corporations and associations composed of hospital pharmacists, but here we will introduce the so-called pharmacists' associations composed mainly of pharmacy pharmacists. The modern organization of pharmacists in […]