Masakuni SUZUKI · Proceedings of the Japan Academy Series B 2014 · narrative review · n=?

In vitro fertilization in Japan — Early days of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer and future prospects for assisted reproductive technology —

Cited 28 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review and historical overview without systematic methodology or primary trial data

OpenAlex W2084100338 · doi:10.2183/pjab.90.184 · record verified 2026-08-30

What was done

This narrative review summarizes the history of basic research leading to human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), the events surrounding the first successful IVF-ET birth in Japan, and the subsequent emergence of assisted reproductive technologies such as cryopreservation, gamete intrafallopian transfer, and microinsemination.

What was found

The abstract reports historical milestones rather than empirical trial numbers. It notes that the world's first IVF-ET birth occurred in 1978 and Japan's first IVF-ET birth occurred in 1983 at Tohoku University School of Medicine. No quantitative clinical efficacy data, rates, or statistical comparisons are reported in the abstract.

Why it matters

It provides a historical record of the introduction and clinical adoption of assisted reproductive technology in Japan.

Limits

The paper is a non-systematic narrative historical review. It does not report primary clinical trial data, quantitative effect estimates, or a defined sample size.

Cited by