[Introduction: development and prospective of regenerative medicine]

The goal of regenerative medicine is the reconstruction of tissues and organs using various cells, the ideal of which is the ex vivo reconstruction of both form and function. The technique and development are different in each organ. As to details, each subject would be referred. Although basic investigations in Japan compare favorably with those in USA and Europe especially in the field of growth factors, Japan is obviously behind these countries in the research of connecting the basic results to industrialization. Moreover, ethical problems, safety and stability of cells, and obtaining social consensus are essential to be resolved.