You are widely regarded as the world’s leading embryologist. Having spent your formative years in Japan, and your entire post-secondary education
in the United States, what can you tell us about various cultures attitudes toward the discipline?
I am not rightfully equipped to discuss culture. I am a scientist, not a philosopher.

Granted. However, twelve years ago you left a successful career in America, with a full professorship at Harvard Medical School because of laws prohibiting you
from certain aspects of your research.
This is true. However, I am not the proper person to discuss cultural differences on embryology. When I returned to Japan, it was for many reasons, including a strong
desire to further my research in ways that were forbidden at the time in the United States.
You are credited with inventing extended cryo-preservation, a controversial technique that freezes and removes embryos from pregnant women.
The procedure remains illegal in the United States. Did you expect that outcome?
No I did not. I remain very disappointed with that decision. I invented the procedure to preserve life, so I find it disturbing and disheartening that political
forces in the United States have sought to prevent its adoption here. I honestly did not expect as strong a backlash against it as has transpired
At the same time, your native country, Japan, has recently awarded you as the first civilian recipient of its Order of the Chrysanthemum, in part because of your
invention of extended cryo-preservation. How do you reconcile the two approaches?
What makes you think I do reconcile them? I am honored to receive the award, but it was primarily for my early advocacy against Japanese xenophobia along with my
scientific achievements, which also include major breakthroughs in ductus arteriosus anatomy.
You have stated that you fear for your safety when you travel and speak in the United States. Have you been threatened?
Yes, I have been. I now request security details when I travel here. It is very sad for me, as I loved my time in America and wish to visit more often, but I am afraid.
I invented the technique because my sister was diagnosed with cancer within days of discovering she was pregnant. She required chemotherapy to survive, and required
an abortion as a result. Extended cryo-preservation saves two lives, so I do not understand the violent reactions against it. Thankfully my sister survived but she is unable
to have children. Now, because of the technique, women have another option.
What about the current case in London, where a doctor admitted to using the technique to transfer a fetus from one woman into another undertaking treatment for infertility?
Clearly, this is unethical and an abuse of the procedure. I do not accept responsibility for this, nor do I think that justifies making it illegal. As with many other
scientific discoveries we as individuals and societies have a choice in how to use them.
So, you have no regrets?
A man of my age will always have regrets. Most of those are personal, rather than professional. Often I regret not spending more time with my wife, my family. I am
getting older, nearing retirement, and at these times you reflect on that. Do I have regrets about my scientiific discoveries that have caused so much controversy? I do not.
Do you ascribe to any religion? As you get older, what are your thoughts of the afterlife?
I do not think much on this. I am a huge fan of the Beatles, and I wholeheartedly believe that 'in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.' I
have tried to give as much as I can back to the world.
Other than attending conferences do you have any plans while you are here?
My youngest child is completing her residency in pediatric oncology, so I hope to spend as much time with her as she will allow me.