Abstract
1. Kyozo Koketsu (1922-): Dr. K. Koketsu first suggested the role of Ca ions in the cell membrane excitation and founded the general concepts of slow synaptic transmission and modulation in the nervous system. He guided and influenced many scholars all over the world and was the first among many students of Sir J.C. Eccles, who later established neurophysiology in Japan. 2. Hiroshi Irisawa (1922-1991):The outstanding achievement of Dr Irisawa is that he opened up the way to elucidating the mechanism of cardiac automaticity by applying the voltage clamp technique to sinoatrial node cells. Since then, through his tireless effort, he provided not only a vast amount of information on S-A node automaticity but also on that of other ion channels and transporters in the cardiac cells. He devoted himself until the last day of his life to cardiac cell physiology by carrying out experiments as well as encouraging young people and setting up places for the international exchange of scientific opinions. [J Physiol Sci. 2007;57 Suppl:S12]
