HISTORY OF JAPANESE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EDUCATION, 1963-1981

The study records the history of Japanese occcupational therapy education. It compares concepts of rehabilitation from representative Western countries and Japan. Occupational therapy education in Japan and the United States was examined. The study identifies therapy models and frames of references.;Successful pioneering activities were undertaken by the Kashiwakura's with handicapped children (1921) and by Dr. F. Kato with the mentally ill (1919). Post World War II Japanese politics and economics under American leadership led to the establishment of the new profession. In 1965, a National Credentialing Law for Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists was enacted.;The Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists was established in 1966. Seventeen schools, public and private, have been established.;While Japanese rehabilitation was essentially founded on the American concepts of occupational therapy, Japan's unique culture created severe problems for the full assimilation of these concepts. Japanese occupational therapy is fully controlled, including service fees, by the National Government whereas in the United States the American Occupational Therapy Association has a dominant role.;A comprehensive study was made of relevant literature in Japan and America. Interviews were held with 12 Japanese government and academic persons who had significant roles in initiating and developing occupational therapy in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted with the 17 Japanese Occupational Therapy schools to determine their philosophies and contributions to the profession.;Japanese occupational therapy is based principally on the "Kinesiological Model" while in the United States occupational therapy employs a variety of models.;Japanese occupational therapy education is fixed at the three-year college level, whereas the United States has bachelor, master and doctoral degree programs.;Japanese occupational therapy with its unique history is a developing, sound profession except in the field of psychiatric treatment. Opposing ethics of "Tatemae" and "Honne" have channeled its development.