Chinese ideas and medicines were a vital part of medical knowledge exchange with Japan, which resulted in the passing of ‘Ishitsu-rei’, the first medical law of Japan in 701.

Following the Edo period (1600-1868) Japanese physicians were exposed to both Dutch and German medicine. In the latter part of this period, interactions with Dutch traders and physicians occurred initially through the port of Nagasaki. The influence of Western medicine quickly spread throughout Japan. One of the most significant developments of this exchange was the translation of the Dutch anatomy text ‘Ontleedkundige Tafelen’ into Japanese in 1774. Published in Japan as ‘Kaitai Shinsho’ (‘New Text on Anatomy’), this marked a turning point in Japanese medicine, moving it from traditional models towards western scientific methods, particularly in relation to surgical education.

Translations of major western anatomy textbooks became standard in Japanese medical schools and Japanese medical education began to be based on western models. This is reflected in many of the kyusho charts published in Japanese martial arts texts throughout this period.

In 1869, Japan adopted the German system of medical education, and a law was passed mandating that all doctors study Western medicine. This led to the establishment of Western-style medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions, throughout Japan, leading to significant achievements in modern Japanese medicine. 

By the late 19th century, western medicine had become the primary medical system in Japan, a process that was largely complete within a few decades due to the government’s strong push for modernisation.