06-08-2025

SFMS Opens Its Doors to Japanese Forensic Experts: Sharing Experience at a Conference and Fostering International Dialogue

From July 26th to August 1st, the State Forensic Medicine Service (SFMS) hosted a nine-member delegation from Japan. The purpose of the visit was an academic exchange and a conference aimed at sharing current topics in forensic medicine and strengthening international cooperation. The Japanese experts represented the International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, and Chiba University in Chiba Prefecture.

Introduction to SFMS Laboratories and Expert Activities

The official reception took place on July 28th, during which the guests were introduced to the Service’s activities and the expert services it provides. The delegation was familiarized with the main SFMS laboratories – Serology and DNA, Toxicology, Forensic Science (Criminalistics) and Histology – as well as the equipment used, ongoing research, and expert capabilities.

International Conference: Knowledge, Experience, and Shared Insights

The highlight of the visit was the international conference, “Current Issues on Forensic Medicine Practice,” held on July 29th. Approximately one hundred people participated, both in person and remotely. The guests, along with conference participants and speakers from Lithuania, engaged in joint discussions, sharing experiences from both scientific and practical perspectives in forensic medicine. At the end of the event, all presenters were awarded certificates.

Members of the Japanese delegation delivered presentations on the specifics of forensic medicine in their country. Forensic expert Prof. Daisuke Yajima from IUHW introduced his country’s forensic medicine structure and scientific research, while Assoc. Prof. Ayumi Motomura provided a detailed presentation on current disaster victim identification (DVI) activities in Japan. Junior medical students, residents, and technologists shared their experiences, discussed the peculiarities of autopsy statistics in Japan, and presented toxicological research methods and the forensic medicine training system.

Lithuanian representatives were equally active – experts and residents from the State Forensic Medicine Service presented eight reports at the conference, covering topics in forensic toxicology, forensic science (criminalistics), anthropological investigations, cases of sudden death and sexual assault.

Practical Observations of Expert Activities

During the delegation’s visit, practical observations of autopsies and patient examinations were also organized, along with a visit to the Kaunas division. Guests became acquainted with the medical forensic, osteological, age determination of living persons, and biochemical and biological (plankton) examinations. These activities provided the specialists from Japan with the opportunity to gain empirical knowledge, insights, and a deeper understanding of Lithuanian forensic medicine methodology, while also sharing practices applied in Japan.

Cultural Program and Exploration of Lithuanian Cities

In addition to professional activities, the guests were given the opportunity to get to know Lithuania’s culture and landscape. During their visit to the SFMS, the guests also visited famous tourist sites – the Old Town of Vilnius, Alytus, and the cultural, historical, and natural attractions of Trakai and Druskininkai.

Expansion of Professional Dialogue Between Experts from Both Countries

The visit of the Japanese delegation is an important step in international partnership, encouraging further international scientific exchanges and the development of professional competencies between the Lithuanian and Japanese forensic medicine communities.