[Perspectives of research and publication by Japanese anesthesiologists: preface and comments].

Quality of Japanese research has risen and studies are now routinely published in international journals. Nevertheless, the number of studies reported by Japanese anesthesiologists is rapidly decreasing. Greater clinical workload, increased rules for carrying out clinical research and publication, and reported incidents of scientific fraud might have been the cause. In this issue, 6 authors from Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists and editors of anesthesia journals analyze the current state of research activity by Japanese anesthesiologists and indicate some practical solutions to increase research activity.