Japan
The Japanese government has an essentially permissive position on various forms of stem cell research. Japan typically enjoys a high level of public support for scientific research.
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The Japanese government has an essentially permissive position on various forms of stem cell research, allowing, for example, the derivation of human embryonic stem cell lines, the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer in human cells, and the creation of animal-human hybrid embryos for research purposes. (Reproductive cloning and the implantation of blastocysts created for research purposes are banned.) There have been problems, however, with the implementation of some of these policies, as highlighted by Norio Nakatsuji in a 2007 commentary. The Japanese government is currently deliberating its regulatory stance in regard to human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, but indications are that it will take a broadly permissive position.
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MEXT
Basic research in Japan is primarily coordinated and funded under the Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture, Science and Technology (MEXT), which also funds infrastructure projects such as the Japanese Stem Cell Resource Bank consortium, and Center of Excellence and World Premier Institute programs.
JSPS
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) is the main source of competitive grants to academic and government research labs, and supports international scientific exchange through programs such as its Postdoctoral Fellowships for Foreign Researchers, the JSPS Summer Program for students and various cooperative programs in Asia.
JST
The Japan Science and Technology Agency JST focuses on program grants and support for specified areas of research (including induced pluripotency and regenerative medicine), as well as the promotion of public understanding of science and support for researcher exchange.
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Leading Project in Realising Regenerative Medicine
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Japan typically enjoys a high level of public support for scientific research, and the prospects of embryonic stem cells, somatic cell nuclear transfer and regenerative medicine have been greeted in a generally positive manner.
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