Contribution of research in basic and clinical sciences in Japan

Objective. To investigate the degree of Japan's contribution in basic and clinical research in the last decade. Methods. Original articles published in 1990-2000 in highly reputed basic and clinical journals were accessed through MEDLINE database. The number of articles having affiliation with a Japanese institution was counted separately for basic and clinical journals. Results. Of total articles, Japan's contributions in basic and clinical research were 3.1% and 0.7%, respectively (p=0.0001). The recent increase in the contribution was significant for basic research (p=0.01), but not for clinical research (p=0.91). Conclusion. The barriers to boosting high quality clinical research in Japan should be determined and accordingly appropriate measures should be taken forthwith.