Nippon Medical School

In 1876, a visionary doctor named Tai Hasegawa dared to challenge the status quo. He established a medical school in Tokyo, directly opposing the government’s decree that only the University of Tokyo could offer medical education. This bold act laid the foundation for what we now know as Nippon Medical School. Nippon Medical School, here in the heart of Tokyo, stands as a testament to Hasegawa’s audacious spirit and his unwavering commitment to training exceptional doctors. His school, initially called Saisei Gakusha, became a haven for aspiring physicians, a place where they could rigorously prepare for the medical licensing exams. Even luminaries like Hideyo Noguchi, whose groundbreaking research on yellow fever and syphilis later earned him a Nobel Prize nomination, honed their skills at Saisei Gakusha. Nippon Medical School officially recognizes Kenzo Isobe as its founder. However, the story is more nuanced. When Hasegawa closed Saisei Gakusha in 1903, the students and faculty, fueled by their passion for medicine, refused to give up. They rallied together and in 1904, established Nippon Medical School. Isobe became the first president, followed by Masatsugu Yamane, a member of the House of Representatives. The school’s motto, “Selfless devotion to patients and society,” encapsulates the spirit instilled in its students. During World War II, air raids ravaged Tokyo, and Nippon Medical School suffered significant damage. The grand main hall, a symbol of the Taisho era, was tragically burned down in 1945. Even the school’s first hospital, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, was later demolished. Despite these setbacks, Nippon Medical School persevered. Today, Nippon Medical School remains one of Japan’s most prestigious private medical schools. Its entrance exam is notoriously competitive, a testament to the school’s reputation for excellence. Its research continues to push the boundaries of medical science, from exploring cancer detection by dogs to studying the therapeutic effects of forest bathing. With four affiliated hospitals – the main hospital here in Sendagi, Chiba Hokuso Hospital, Tamanagayama Hospital, and Musashi Kosugi Hospital – Nippon Medical School continues to fulfill Hasegawa’s original vision of saving people far and wide.