ABSTRACT
[Objective] We analyzed the transition and state of Japanese 141 colleges, schools and training centers for anma-massage-shiatsu, acupuncture and moxibustion therapists in 2004.<BR>[Methods] We collected a basic data from Japanese 141 colleges, schools and training centers and several sources : a list published by the foundation for the Training and Licensure Examination in Anma-Massage-Shiatsu, Acupuncture and Moxibustion, an investigation of the state of Japanese schools for the visually impaired students, the 10th Anniversary report of Oriental Medicine Colleges Association and school guides of each school. We considered and analysed this basic data.<BR>[Result] Data was collected from 141 different sources : 5 universities and colleges, 61 schools for the visually impaired students, 66 vocational colleges and 9 training centers for the visually impaired students. Most of the schools and training centers for the visually impaired students are public. All colleges for the non-visually impaired students are private. We analysed and verified 3 periods in the history of these institutions of 141 colleges, schools and a training centers. The 1 st period concerns the establishment of schools for the visually impaired students the early 1900's. The 2nd period is concerns the establishment of older vocational colleges after World War II in the 50's. And the 3 rd period is a sudden increase of new vocational colleges following the 1998 Fukuoka district court judgement.<BR>[Conclusion] We analyzed the changes and the situations regarding 141 Japanese colleges, schools and training centers for anma-massage-shiatsu, acupuncture, moxibustion therapists from their foundation to the present. The rapid increase of vocational colleges for acupuncture and moxibustion represents a phenomenon we have never experienced. With this condition, acupuncture and moxibustion markets must expand. In the future Japanese anma-massage-shiatsu, acupuncture and moxibustion education should be researched and hopefully we will benefit from this new situation.