[Background for governmental accreditation of "anesthesiology" as a specially approved medical specialty].

In 1960, "Anesthesiology" was accredited as a "specially approved medical specialty" for approving registered anesthesiologists. Exclusive training for more than two years of anesthesia under an adequate mentor is required for candidates to be qualified as registered anesthesiologists. In 1963, the Japan Society of Anesthesiology (JSA) established the system to qualify board certificated anesthesiologists as proper mentors responsible for the training of the candidates. This ranks as one of the most significant events in the JSA history and the society launched the first qualification system in the history of medical practice in Japan. Every member of the present society should fully understand the hidden background of the qualification system of the specialty for achieving greater social recognition of anesthesiologists in this country.