Defining Death: Organ Transplants, Tradition, and High Technology in Japan

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Abstract

This article explores Japanese attitudes about brain death and organ transplantation. First, ancient burial customs and death-related rituals associated with Shinto and Buddhism are examined. Next, contemporary attitudes towards the dead are discussed in the context of current controversies surrounding brain death and organ transplantation. Finally, an attempt is made to link the traditional Japanese views of death with modern medical dilemmas.

Publication Title

Social Science and Medicine

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