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Masatsune Ichinoi: Japanese Dentist |
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the first Japanese dental practitioner in the
United States, Dr. Masatsune Ichinoi, was born in Kumamoto, Japan, in 1862. He crossed
the Pacific to pursue his higher education. After arriving in San Francisco,
Ichinoi was inspired by the work of local dentists, and he decided to study at
Philadelphia Dental College at the age of 27. In Philadelphia, he graduated with the top honors and became
an assistant lecturer. In 1891, Ichinoi
opened a private practice here in Philadelphia, becoming the first Japanese
dental practitioner in the United States.
Ichinoi’s eagerness to learn and contribute to the medical
world never faded. He practiced in Portland, Oregon before returning to Japan
in 1894, and he continued his work as a professor, doctor, and researched until
his death in 1929. Now, many Japanese students come to the Philadelphia
area to pursue professional studies, following the path built by Ichinoi more
than 100 years ago.
In 2004, the JASGP hosted a group of visitors to Philadelphia from
Tokyo and Kumamoto, Japan. The group included Hiroo Ichinoi, grandson
of Masatsune Ichinoi, and Dr. Shinichi Matsumoto, a dentist from Kumamoto
researching Dr. Ichinoi’s connection to Philadelphia.
Interested in learning more about Philadelphia's unique relationship with Japan? Phila-Nipponica: An Historic Guide to Philadelphia & Japan, a bilingual collection of articles on the Japan-Philly connection published by the JASGP, is available for purchase in our online store!
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