2021 Volume 56 Issue 1 Pages 13-24
Modern western chemistry was introduced into Japan (Nagasaki) from end of the Edo era to the beginning of the Meiji era. After that, a number of excellent students were selected to study abroad at European universities, where they learned full-scale organic chemistry. After returning to Japan, they laid the foundation for original organic chemistry in Japan, not simply imitating Western-style practices. It can be said that they were the builders of organic chemistry in Japan. At the same time, the Japanese government established university systems in stages and developed modern organic chemistry. The efforts of those prominent pioneers in organic chemistry made the foundation for Japan's internationally competitive pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. This paper describes the historical achievements of the builders and successors born before 1900.
