Hematology covers physiology and pathology of the blood cells and blood forming tissues. It represents an integral part of life sciences with reference to host defense systems. As a part of clinical medicine, it is aimed at studies of a variety of blood diseases. The Japanese Society of Hematology was founded in 1937. The Society takes pride in being the second oldest hematological society in the world, next to the French Society of Hematology. The Society was approved as an incorporated association in 1990 by the Ministry of Education of Japan, with an official English language journal; International Journal of Hematology.