[Problems and future of radiation oncology in Japan]

The present status and various problems of radiation oncology practice and study in Japan are discussed compared with historical development of radiotherapy in the United States. Besides insufficient resources and personal staffing, traditional thinking and cultural habits have been adversely affecting scientific way of thinking, training of professionals, and daily operation as well as study of radiation oncology in Japan. In the current limited situation, palliative treatment and its systematic, original study should be more emphasized to further develop radiation oncology program and to increase credibility of radiotherapy among medical professions in general.