Japan

Masatoshi Suzuki

STEM CELL RESEARCH in Japan has lagged behind other countries, such as the United States. Because the government did not approve the establishment of embryonic stem cells in Japan for a long time, Japanese researchers imported stem cells from other countries. From bioethi—cal points of view, derivation and use of human embryonic stem cells have been limited to basic research for the present. Therefore, carrying out clinical research applying human embryonic stem cells or cells originated from these stem cells to the human body has been prohibited, as has utilization of these cells in medicine and in related fields. However, the government recently decided to formulate a strategic, prioritized science and technology budget that is in line with resource—allocation policies focused on innovation creation, including stem cell research. In 2002 two major initiatives were taken in Japan to create centers that will work with and advance the stem cell research ...

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