Interprofessional education (IPE) is becoming a recognized discipline among health care professionals and medical training institutions worldwide. Its significance is especially felt in Japan, where little has been written on the subject although the need is great. Recent initiatives among several institutions have helped to create the Japan Interprofessional Working and Education Network (JIPWEN), comprising ten universities. Through consultation and cooperation with the World Health Organization, other international networks, and local health policy planners, JIPWEN focuses on critical...