Trend-Setting Women Scientists of Biomedical Research in Japan

Objective: In the aftermath of Haruko Obokata's flawed research on the so-called Stimulus Triggered Acquisition of Pluripotency (STAP) cells in 2014, we highlight the need for trend-setting women scientists of biomedical research in Japan. Methods: Our focus was on identifying trend-setting women scientists of biomedical research in Japan, who did establish solid reputation, prior to Dr. Obokata. The names of such pioneer scientists were identified by tracking their landmark publications in biomedical journals. Results: We could identify five women scientists whose contributions were trend-setting. These include, Kimiko Anno (19102009), Teruko Ishizaka (b. 1926), Tsuneko Okazaki (b. 1933), Tomoko Ohta (b. 1933) and Reiko Kuroda (b. 1947). Flawed research of Dr. Obokata and her medically-trained mentors (Niwa, Sasai and Vacanti) also emphasizes the need for inter-disciplinary education among biomedical graduates. Conclusion: The lack of women biomedical scientists in Japan who had received international reputation is pitiable. Many causes (such as cultural 'stereotypes' of women in Asian countries, discriminatory education policies adopted by the past governmental authorities, unassertiveness among women politicians, and lack of ideal role models) can be attributed to this lack.