About Us
The Japanese Academy of Prosthetists and Orthotists (JAPO) was founded in May, 1993, as a professional organization consisted by national licensed prosthetists and orthotists. The mission of JAPO is to contribute to the welfare of handicapped, and towards medical and healthcare development. In addition, its aim is to fulfill our social responsibility by promoting scientific and educational attainments in the discipline of prosthetics and orthotics.
Background
In the 1970's when the rehabilitation medicine developed in Japan, related organizations such as The Association of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and Japanese Orthotic and Prosthetic Association started to work together on the establishment of the common license system for prosthetists and orhotists(P&O). Although there were a few national facilities which accepted a small number of P&O technicians for training, there were no systematic P&O education programs available in Japan. However, there were several P&O private companies and organizations, which facilitated workshops under their apprenticeship system.
On the other hand, the development of rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics and related health care fields had been conspicuous, and demand for P&O education was increasing. In 1983, the first Japanese P&O educational program started in The College of The National Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled. This 3-year program became the base of P&O education in Japan. However, it took another 6 years to establish the Law of Prosthetists and Orthotists.
About the Law of Prosthetists and Orthotists
Under the Law of Prosthetists and Orthotists, the national license is given once a year to the candidates who passed the examination and graduated from fully accredited colleges. Table 1 shows the number of approved facilities in Japan. This year, the 31st national examination was held in Tokyo. The total number of candidates who have passed the examination so far is 5,323.
| Name | Year of Approval | Capacity | Program |
| The College of National Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled | 1988 | 10 | 3 years (Diploma) |
| Japan College of Rehabilitation and Welfare Professionals | 1988 | 30 | 3 years (Diploma) |
| Kumamoto College of Medical Science and Social Welfare | 1989 | 25 | 3 years (Diploma) |
| Kobe College of Medical Welfare Sanda Campus | 1997 | 30 | 3 years (Diploma) |
| Seibu Gakuen Bunri College of Nutrition and Medical Technology | 2005 | 28 | 3 years (Diploma) |
| Hokkaido High-Technology College | 2006 | 30 | 3 years (Diploma) |
| Hokkaido Institute of Technology | 2006 | 30 | 4 years (Bachelor) |
| Niigata University of Health and Welfare | 2007 | 40 | 4 years (Bachelor) |
| Kobe College of Medical Welfare Sanda Campus | 2008 | 30 | 4 years (Advanced Diploma) |
| University of Human Arts and Sciences | 2011 | 30 | 4 years (Bachelor) |
| Hiroshima International University | 2013 | 30 | 4 years (Bachelor) |
Table 1 Approved Facilities in Japan
Structural diagram
6 regional chapters and 9 committees are organized to run the Academy. Fig. 1 shows its structure.
Fig.1 JAPO Structural Diagram
Activities
JAPO provides information and holds educational events to the members through scientific meetings, seminars, and journals.
Education Calendar
- May 10
- National seminar
Necessary evaluation studies for Prosthetist and Orthotist Part4
Studies and biomechanics of orthosis, for knee osteo arthritis.
- February 3
- Southern Chapter
Understand other occupations Part 5
Prosthetist and Orthotist in foot care.
- November 24
- Central Chapter
Orthosis therapy seminar for scoliosis.
〜from molding to fitting methods〜
- October 21
- Western Chapter
Basic knowledge of the sports artificial leg.
- October 6-8
- Eastern Chapter
Hand on seminar: Ischial Containment Socket Part 10 final
- September 29
- Hokkaido Chapter
Understand other occupations Part 5
Prosthetist and Orthotist in foot care.
- August 25
- Tohoku Chapter
Orthosis and Prosthesis supports life, purposes and
subjects of Orthotist and Prosthetist in the future Part 1.
～a stroke rehabilitation, in medical care and life period～
Publications
-The Journal of JAPO has been published quarterly.
-Cooperation with related organizations in the field of health care and medicine.
Membership Statistics
5,323 candidates have passed the national examination as of April 1, 2018. The Academy Membership Statistics is summarized in Table 2.
| Type of membership | Number |
| Regular | 2,386 |
| Subscribe | 91 |
| Supporting | 33 |
| Student | 932 |
| Honorary | 1 |
Table 2. Membership Statistics
Contact
Gishikaikan #202, 32-7 5-choume, Hongou, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
E-mail: hellopo@japo.jp
We accept E-mail only.
Related Bodies
- Japanese Orthotics and Prosthetics Association
- Japanese Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Japanese National Member Society of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics