Kyoto University of Medical Science Approaches its Centennial Anniversary
Developing Talent and Technology to Support Safe and Advanced Medical Care

Entrance examinations for Kyoto University of Medical Science were held in February at Shimadzu Corporation’s Kyoto Head Office, Tokyo Office, and other locations.

 

Engineering Education that Develops both Character and Expertise

Kyoto University of Medical Science traces its origins to the Shimadzu X-Ray Technology Training Center, established in 1927 by Genzo Shimadzu Jr., the first president of Shimadzu Corporation. The center later evolved from a vocational school into a junior college and, in 2007, became a four-year university. Today, it operates as a single-faculty university offering a Radiological Technology program within the Faculty of Medical Science, admitting 90 students per year. Preparations are also underway to establish a graduate school in time for its 100th anniversary in 2027.

Kyoto University of Medical Science

Around 1910, when Shimadzu began manufacturing X-ray systems, knowledge of radiation safety was not yet widespread. To ensure safety in medical settings and the proper use of Shimadzu’s products, it was essential to develop personnel with solid knowledge of radiation principles. 

The First X-Ray Technology Training Seminar Held by Shimadzu (1921) 

The founding philosophy—“to cultivate character and train capable engineers”—reflects both the professional standards expected in healthcare and a commitment to contributing to society through technology. This spirit continues to this day, a century later.

A training session at Kyoto University of Medical Science

 

The Kyoto University of Medical Science Centennial Anniversary Logo 

Radiological Technologists Supporting Medical Safety

Radiological technologists are specialists who, under a physician’s direction, perform a wide range of radiation-based imaging procedures, including X-ray and CT scans. They play an indispensable role in early disease detection and in determining treatment strategies. Each February, approximately 3,500 candidates nationwide sit for the national certification examination, with a pass rate of 70 to 80%. This qualification requires a high level of specialized knowledge and technical skills.

Kyoto University of Medical Science has produced more than 5,000 graduates to date, many of whom support medical care as radiological technologists in clinical settings. Shimadzu Corporation supports the university’s educational environment in several ways, including:
 

• Providing the Shimadzu Scholarship, a non-repayable scholarship
• Donating practical training equipment, including X-ray imaging systems
• Making facilities available as exam venues

A card game, “Rajitore,” short for “radiation training,” created by students as part of their seminar work, won the Grand Prize at the Radiation Education Materials Contest, highlighting the tangible outcomes of their learning. The game is used to spark interest in radiation and medicine among university students as well as junior and senior high school students. Such initiatives are also supported by the Shimadzu Scholarship program. 

The “Rajitore” card game and its student developers

Initiatives by Overseas Group Companies

In the United States, Shimadzu Medical Systems USA (SMS), which handles the sales and service of medical diagnostic imaging systems, has partnered with Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) since 2019 to establish The Shimadzu School of Radiologic Sciences.

MSU Texas is one of the leading centers for radiologic science education in the U.S., and through this collaboration, a practical training environment equipped with the latest X-ray and other diagnostic imaging systems has been developed. Students are able to train in an environment that closely resembles actual clinical settings.

X-Ray Technology Supporting the Medical Systems Business

Shimadzu’s medical systems business has focused on X-ray technology since its founding. Today, it concentrates on general radiography systems, fluoroscopy systems, angiography systems, and mobile X-ray systems.

In particular, the X-ray tube—the “heart” of these systems—requires a high level of technical expertise. Shimadzu is one of the few manufacturers capable of producing medical X-ray tubes in-house, a strength that underpins the quality of its systems.