An overview of the history of psychology in Japan and the background to the development of the Japanese Psychological Association 1

  This paper discusses five topics. They are as follows:1 A brief chronological record of the Japanese Psychological Association (JPA) and its annual meetings highlighting the following events: (a) its official establishment on the April 7, 1927, and the long and arduous preparations that preceded this event; (b) the 66th annual meeting of the JPA held in September 2002 in Hiroshima City; and (c) the 75th anniversary celebrations held simultaneously from the September 25–27, 2002. 2 The background of modern Japanese psychology at its inception and the origin of the Japanese term “shinrigaku.” 3 The introduction of modern scientific psychology to Japan, its early proponents and their mentors. 4 The spread of modern Japanese psychology through the work of scholars in imperial and private universities. The influence of Dr G. S. Hall on Japanese scholars, such as Dr Yokoyama of Keio‐gijiku, who attended Clark University for their PhD. 5 The organizational background of the JPA and the growth in its membership through the participation of additional imperial and private universities.