Prehistory of the Japanese Teratology Society: The pioneers of teratology in Japan and the founders of the Society

Abstract

ABSTRACT The significant achievements of teratological research in Japan were traced from the beginning of the 20th century to the foundation of Japanese Teratology Society (JTS) in 1961 as a bird's‐eye view of the prehistory of JTS. The activities of the leaders of foresight who contributed to establish the JTS and to consolidate its basis for future growth were introduced in chronological order; Japanese pioneers before 1945, early developing stage of research (1948–1954), study groups furnishing the basis of JTS (1955–1961), and the final step for JTS establishment (1960–1961).Teratological research in Japan was initiated independent of foreign studies and had obtained original findings before World War II. The studies in Japan progressed with their main target the prevention of exogeneous malformations as a feasible approach from the standpoint of practical medicine. Accordingly, a close collaboration between experimental and clinical teratologists, one of the grand traditions of JTS, was in place even before the early stages of JTS foundation.