The beginning of Western medicine in Japan is shown as a result of structural conditions, political strategies, individual ambitions and occasional events.
In contrast to previous research on these matters, Michel demonstrates that this change was supported by the Tokugawa shogunate and began soon after the ‘closure’ of Japan (Sakoku) in mid-17th century.
[3] Furthermore, Michel brought to light the biographical background and historical influence of numerous personalities involved in early modern exchange between Japan and the West.
Especially his writings on Caspar Schamberger, father of the first Japanese school of Western-style surgery, and Engelbert Kaempfer, author of the famous “History of Japan”, are regarded as pioneering contributions.
[5] From 2008 to 2021 Michel was a member of the permanent executive board of the Japanese Society for the History of Medicine (Nihon Ishi Gakkai).