Since our founding in 1944, Igaku-Shoin has been consistently committed to publishing an extensive range of publications in the areas of medical and life sciences useful to physicians, dentists, medical researchers, nurses, pharmacologists, clinical laboratory technicians, physical and occupational therapists and X-ray technicians, as well as textbooks and references essential to students aiming to work in these professions.

In recent years, research in the areas of life sciences, medicine and clinical care has been making extraordinary progress thanks to the efforts of physicians, medical researchers, nurses and other researchers in related areas, coupled with the development of medical equipment, image analysis and information processing technologies. The causes of various diseases are increasingly being analyzed and new innovative treatments developed, saving the lives of more and more patients suffering from difficult-to-treat diseases, as well as prolonging precious, irreplaceable human lives. On the other hand, changes in our environment and lifestyles have created new health threats and diseases that could easily destroy life, and research on medicine and clinical care must continue incessantly. To contribute to the further progress of medicine and clinical care, Igaku-Shoin aims to convey up-to-date information indispensable to such research endeavors swiftly and accurately to medical professionals. We see our mission as “In recognition of its role and responsibilities as a professional medical publisher, IGAKU-SHOIN dedicates itself toward the advancement of medical and health science research as well as contributing to social welfare by accurately disseminating academic information essential to achieve these objectives”. This mission is inscribed clearly on the first floor monument in our building.

We provide professional information both through conventional print media such as books and journals and electronic delivery of the contents over the Internet as a means of information transmission. We also provide information to our readers through portable electronic dictionaries and information terminals. Igaku-Shoin believes it important to study the various ways of sending complex and sophisticated medical information to those seeking it by making use of the respective characteristics and functions of print and electronic media, and delivery to our readers in accessible forms. Editorial planning, information processing and production and distribution and sales are three major pillars supporting the publication of professional books. With decades of history and experience as such a publisher, we will continue to expand our publication activities while maintaining the balance of these three pillars.

Based on this mission and management philosophy, Igaku-Shoin aspires to fulfill the expectations of researchers while fulfilling our responsibility, working together with authors and readers to contribute to the progress of life sciences and clinical medicine.