This article reviews and discusses several topics, mainly relating to the histology of the normal esophagus and of Barrett’s esophagus, in order to facilitate the understanding of Barrett’s esophagus. The border between the esophagus and stomach is considered in Japan to be the lower limit of longitudinal vessels which are visible in the lower segment of the esophagus at endoscopy. This definition has been authorized by the Japanese Society for Esophageal Diseases. The longitudinal vessels are also visible through the metaplastic columnar epithelium of Barrett’s esophagus. Identification of the esophageal glands proper in biopsy specimens can assist in the histologic diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus. The histologic diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus in biopsy specimens, in relation to the presence of esophageal glands proper, is discussed. Ciliated pseudostratified epithelium is discussed in detail, including the fact that it is thought to be an intermediate stage between squamous and columnar epithelium at the esophagogastric junction and at ectopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus. The differences in the histopathologic criteria for a diagnosis of Barrett’s adenocarcinoma between Western countries and Japan are also discussed. The four editions of the Comprehensive Registry of Esophageal Cancer in Japan, and the Long Term Results of Esophagectomy in Japan (1988–2000), published by the Japanese Society for Esophageal Diseases and available on its website (http://jsed.umin.ac.jp), are introduced. These editions give detailed information on the pathology, endoscopic features, radiation treatment, and surgery of esophageal cancer in Japan.