The current state of neurosurgery in Japan

JAPAN HAS TWO large neurosurgical societies, the Japan Neurosurgical Society (JNS) and the Japanese Congress of Neurological Surgeons (Japanese CNS). The JNS was founded in 1948, and the Japanese CNS in 1981. The total number of neurosurgeons in Japan exceeds 7500, with 5432 board certified. There are 1340 training centers for neurosurgery in Japan; they are classified into two categories: Category A centers and Category C centers (training subcenters). For a neurosurgeon to be eligible to take the specialty board examination, he or she is required to have finished at least 6 years of training at a designated training center. A characteristic of Japanese neurosurgery is that neurosurgeons are engaged not only in surgical operations but also in various related activities, including performing radiological diagnostic procedures, such as angiography and endovascular surgery; working in the emergency room; and sometimes participating in neurorehabilitation and gamma knife treatment. In addition, a large number of neurosurgeons are engaged in research in various related fields. The JNS began to publish its official journal in 1948, initially in the Japanese language. Since 1990, the journal has been published exclusively in English (Neurologia Medico-chirurgica), whereas the official journal of the Japanese CNS is published in Japanese (Japanese Journal of Neurosurgery). Japan is blessed with advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies and instruments. They are available as needed throughout the country. Medical insurance is fully covered by the government or public insurance system; there is basically no private insurance in Japan. This article mentions socioeconomic problems relating to neurosurgical practice.