Featured “International Section” in ANS 48:2!

The current issue ANS features the article titled “Nursing Philosophy and Theory in Japan: Current Trends and Challenges.” This article is authored by Reiko Sakashita, PhD, RN, PHN, FAAN; Kenji Awamura, MSN, RN, PHN; and Hiroshi Ono, PhD, RN, PHN from the University of Hyogo, Akashi City, Japan. The “Statements of Signifcance” for this article give clues to why this information is important for all of us!

Statements of Significance

What is known or assumed to be true about this topic?

After World War II, under the guidance of the GHQ (General Headquarters of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers), American nursing education was introduced in Japan. Theories developed in the United States began to be actively translated and incorporated into basic nursing education in the 1960s. From 1990 onward, the number of nursing universities in Japan has increased, but since 2000, interest in nursing theories has declined significantly.

What this article adds?

Here, we reveal the current state of nursing philosophy and theories in Japan. Specifically, we explored how nursing philosophy and theories are taught in doctoral programs, the topics covered in the literature on nursingphilosophy and theories, and any theories developed by Japanese researchers. We also propose future directions for exploring nursing philosophy and theories, and hope to spark a conversation among readers with respect to how these insights could shape the future of nursing education and practice in Japan.