Japan's Kampo Traditional Medicine Traced to 8th Century

Author: Okayama University
Published: 2022/11/11 - Updated: 2025/08/21
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Research, Study, Analysis
Category Topic: Alternative Medicine - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This peer-reviewed research publication presents groundbreaking findings about Kampo, Japan's traditional herbal medicine system, tracing its origins to an 8th-century Chinese Buddhist monk named Jianzhen. The scholarly study, conducted by researchers from Okayama University in collaboration with Chinese colleagues and published in the journal Compounds, provides authoritative evidence through extensive literature review that Jianzhen brought 36 specific herbal medicines to Japan in 753 CE, forming the foundation of what became Kampo medicine.

This information proves particularly valuable for understanding how traditional medicine systems can be successfully integrated into modern healthcare frameworks, as Kampo medicines are now prescribed alongside Western treatments and covered by Japan's national health insurance system. The research offers crucial insights for patients with various health conditions, including those with disabilities and seniors, who may benefit from understanding how complementary medicine approaches have evolved into evidence-based therapeutic options within established healthcare systems - Disabled World (DW).

Defining Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine

Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine: Kanpo medicine is the study of traditional Chinese medicine in Japan following its introduction, beginning in the 7th century. Then adapted and modified to suit Japanese culture and traditions. Traditional Japanese medicine (TJM) uses most Chinese therapies, including acupuncture, moxibustion, traditional Chinese herbology, and traditional food therapy. Today in Japan, Kampo is integrated into the Japanese national health care system. In 1967, the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare approved four Kampo medicines for reimbursement under the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. In 1976, 82 Kampo medicines were approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. This number has increased to 148 Kampo formulation extracts, 241 crude drugs, and five crude drug preparations.

Introduction

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been around for centuries. With a history of almost 3000 years dating back to the early Zhou Dynasty, it has been incorporated into China's present medical system. The traditional practice involves the use of plants, animals, and minerals. It works on the principle of maintaining the delicate balance between 'yin' and 'yang' - the opposite but interconnected forces said to be at the core of all creation - to prevent diseases and maintain health. Originating in China, TCM is practiced widely today, including in Japan.

Main Content

It has long been considered that TCM was introduced in Japan by the monk, Jianzhen or Ganjin, who visited Japan in the 8th century to promote the teachings of Buddhism on the invitation of two Japanese clerics. Born in Yangzhou, the monk Jianzhen was well-versed in TCM and was proficient in Buddhism. When he arrived in Japan in 753 CE, it is said that he had with him 36 kinds of herbal medicines, each with different pharmacological effects and recipes for different combinations to treat a variety of diseases. Along with his Buddhist teachings, whether Jianzhen imparted his pharmacological and medical knowledge, thereby influencing existing traditional Japanese medicine, remains debated.

Now, researchers from Japan and China, led by Professor Toshihiko Matsuo of the Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, have conducted an extensive review of available Chinese, Japanese, and English literature to shed light on this longstanding mystery. The team comprised of Shihui Liu, former assistant professor in Okayama University, visiting research fellow Chie Matsuo, and senior assistant professor Takumi Abe, both from Okayama University. Their article, published on 18 October 2022 in the journal Compounds, offers interesting insights on the life of Jianzhen as seen through the lens of his ethnopharmacological knowledge.

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On his trip to Japan, Jianzhen gathered and brought with him things he found on his way, things as insignificant as stalactites and Zixue (a TCM component), while also bringing traditional ingredients from China, including musk, agarwood, snail, rosin, dipterocarp, fragrant gall, benzoin, incense, dutchman's pipe root, Pistacia lentiscus, Piper longum, Terminalia chebula/haritaki, asafetida, sugar, sucrose, 10 bushels of honey, and 80 bunches of sugar cane.

Continued below image.

Kampo can trace its origins to an 8th-century Chinese monk, Jianzhen, who brought to Japan wisdom on Buddhism and Traditional Chinese Medicine - Image Credit: Toshihiko Matsuo from Okayama University.

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In their article, the researchers have reviewed the 36 herbal medicines and their therapeutic effects that were brought to Japan. Local lore suggests Jianzhen also had with him a book called Jianshangren (Holy Priest Jianzhen)'s Secret Prescription, which has been lost for centuries. The team also reports being successful in tracking down a copy of another book that holds the same prescriptions.

Most interestingly, their findings show that the prescriptions by Jianzhen form the basis of herbal medicinal practice in Japan, popular under the name of Kampo. The herbal medicinal practice is very much integrated into the fabric of Japan's current healthcare system. Kampo medicines are prescribed alongside Western medicine and modern drugs and is covered by the reimbursement of the national health insurance.

"People in Japan can buy Kampo medicines as over-the-counter drugs at pharmacies. This unique system in Japan has derived from a long history of systematic prescription of Kampo medicines and would have an origin in Jianzhen's prescription in the 8th century," observes Prof. Matsuo with much excitement.

He hopes for the spread of the use of Kampo medicine beyond Japan.

"People in other countries also have a chance to use Kampo medicines in combination with Western medicines."

His inspiration in saying so is possibly, Jianzhen, again.

"Jianzhen is one of the first people to bring Chinese traditional medicine to Japan. He is considered an ancestor of Kampo medicine, who molded Chinese traditional medicine to suit the needs of Japanese people," reflects Prof. Matsuo.

In the age of globalization, the journey of traditional medical knowledge that took 11 years to reach Japan from China may be accomplished in less than 11 seconds with the click of a button.

We live in that hope.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The remarkable journey of Kampo medicine from its 8th-century origins to its current integration within Japan's modern healthcare system demonstrates how traditional healing practices can evolve while maintaining their therapeutic value. This research not only illuminates a significant chapter in medical history but also provides a compelling model for how other nations might thoughtfully incorporate traditional medicine approaches into contemporary healthcare delivery, potentially expanding treatment options for diverse patient populations seeking holistic care solutions - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Okayama University and published on 2022/11/11, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.