History of Solution Chemistry of Japan

An historical view of solution chemistry of Japan is described for a wide range of fields of solution chemistry, which relates to physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry and bioinorganic chemistry, and colloid and polymer chemistry. The works by pioneers of Japanese solution chemistry are introduced, some of which are not well recognized internationally. The influences of Japanese solution chemistry on the world and vice versa are discussed on the basis of a rather personal viewpoint. Recent activities of Japanese solution chemists at the national and international levels are also reviewed.