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Background to the Institutionalization of Midwifery in Japan During the Meiji Era,
around 1899

E. Yoshikawa and K. Shimazawa 2
1

1 2
Faculty of Global Nursing, Otemae University, Japan, and Faculty of Global Nursing / Institute of Global
Nursing, Otemae University, Japan

Background: In 1899, regulations that established midwifery as a profession were instituted in Japan,
and the government considered midwives to be professionals. “What do midwives do?” was left
undefined. At that time, midwives worked in various areas, using the skills and wisdom that had been
passed down to them. An obstetrician named Kenzo KUSUDA (1861– 1909), who was passionate about
midwifery education, consolidated and recorded midwives’ activities in a journal he made public.
However, modern midwifery textbooks or childbirth history books do not mention this.

Objective: This study aims to elucidate Kenzo KUSUDA’s educational philosophy for midwives at a time
when they were considered professionals. By uncovering previously unexplored aspects of midwifery
education philosophy at that time, valuable recommendations for future midwifery education can be
obtained.

Methods: This study employs qualitative methods for historical document analysis. From journals
published by KUSUDA between 1900 and 1905. We extracted descriptions of his educational philosophy
for midwives. We conducted thorough interpretation and discussion, considering historical context
and input from multiple researchers.

Results: KUSUDA pointed out that childbirth is an important event for both the family and the nation, but
society does not recognize the importance of the midwife’s role in this process. KUSUDA’s educational
philosophy emphasizes the vital role of midwives in childbirth. Japanese women’s post-marriage health
suffers due to inadequate care, highlighting the need for midwives to provide detailed body care
information. Midwives must acquire knowledge, dedicate themselves to their work, and pursue ongoing
self-improvement after graduation.

Conclusion: Through midwifery education, Kenzo KUSUDA hoped to give midwives an important role
in society as professionals who protected women’s health by promoting safe childbirth and the skills
needed, as well as lifelong education. From the time the midwifery regulations were promulgated in
1899, there has been an educational philosophy that informs midwifery education today.

Keywords: midwife, institutionalization, midwifery education philosophy, Kenzo KUSUDA

Poster Presentation Abstracts
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Correspondence: Eri Yoshikawa, Faculty of Global Nursing, Otemae University, Japan
E-mail: yoshikawa@otemae.ac.jp

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