On 12th November, nearly 200 people attended an 88th birthday celebration for Dr. Seiichi Matsumoto, President, Japan Family Planning Association, Professor Emeritus, Jichi Medical School, and Gunma University, and co-currently a member of the JOICFP Board of Directors. The 88th birthday is traditionally recognized in Japan as being an especially joyous occasion.

Medical and co-medical staff, government and NGO representatives, academicians, students, and friends and colleagues attended to pay tribute to Dr. Matsumoto's outstanding achievements in the field of reproductive health and rights, including those for adolescents.

Dr. Matsumoto's distinguished career has been characterized not only by research, such as into 'war amenorrhea' and pre-menstrual syndrome, but also by pioneering contributions to the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, such as education for doctors, nurses and midwives. He has held many important positions throughout the country and internationally, and his efforts have been recognized both in Japan and overseas.

Even at the age of 88, Dr. Matsumoto is still very active in the field, giving the benefit of his considerable experience to health professionals from around the world.

Dr. Matsumoto makes a speech at his birthday celebrations