2009 Volume 26 Issue 4 Pages 269-
This paper introduces the current status of space medicine research in Japan, especially the activities of the JAXA Space Biomedical Research Office (J-SBRO). This includes ongoing medical research on the International Space Station and joint research with the Antarctic Expedition Team. It also explains J-SBRO's goals, philosophy, highly prioritized research themes, and process for conducting research, as well as some topics on space medicine research targeting astronauts. Finally, we express our opinion for establishing the fundamentals of space biomedical research in Japan, based on the financial and social frameworks.