Trends and Prospects of Studies of Medical History in Japan: the Diversification of Study Areas and Methodologies.

Abstract

This paper examines the trends and prospects of medical history in Japan. The study of medical history in Japan has developed in various periods and themes. In particular, many studies period have actively made full use of old documents and materials that have been well-preserved. This paper introduces the research trends of medical history in Japan, while discussing the issues surrounding the concept and designation of medical history in present day Japan. This can be seen as an inevitable phenomenon that emerged as methods of medical history research have become diversified, and there are many suggestions related to the future direction of this study. Based on this, this paper points out the characteristics of medical history research conducted in each period since the first half of the twentieth century. In particular, this investigation confirmed that the subjects and research methods of medical history became diversified under the influence of the nation state theory. Furthermore, this study also found that the major topics of medical history research are analysis of medical books, doctors and medical personnel, the starting point of modern medicine, the establishment and change of the medical system, the social impact of infectious diseases, and the discipline and management of the national body. In addition, studies are being conducted to compare how the regulations and operations of medicine and medical and hygiene systems are being developed in the context of "East Asia."