This book sheds new light on assisted reproductive technology (ART), providing readers with the latest research and evidence-based practices in this dynamic field. At its core, it addresses critical questions about fertility treatments and their future prospects.

The chapters cover topics such as controlled ovarian stimulation, gamete development, fertilization mechanisms, embryo development, freezing and thawing techniques, implantation processes, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and advanced treatments like mitochondrial transfer and uterine transplantation. Readers will find contributions by renowned scholars who delve into these subjects with expert analysis and practical insights.

Designed for physicians involved in ART as well as embryologists, nurses, coordinators, and counselors closely engaged in reproductive medicine, this book offers a comprehensive overview of current evidence-based front-line ART topics. It is an essential resource for understanding both historical advancements and future directions in reproductive technology.

Hiroaki Shibahara, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor Shibahara graduated from Kochi Medical School in 1984. He started training at Hyogo College of Medicine at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
In 1990, he studied at Eastern Virginia Medical School, VA, USA. Under the guidance of Professor Nancy J. Alexander and Dr. Lani J. Burkman, he researched fertilization disorders caused by anti-sperm antibodies. After returning to Japan, he received a Doctor of Medicine degree. In addition to the study of the pathogenesis of female infertility by sperm-immobilizing antibodies, he elucidated the mechanism of anti-sperm antibody production using SCID mice.
From 1996 to 1997, he studied at the University of Virginia, VA, USA, and joined the immunological contraceptive vaccine development team. He received guidance from Professor John C. Herr and Dr. Soren Naaby-Hansen.
In 1998, he was awarded the American Society for Reproductive Immunology (ASRI) for his conference presentation.
In 1999, he was promoted to Jichi Medical School as Associate Professor. In 2007, he was promoted to Professor for the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Jichi Medical School, and in 2013 he returned as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hyogo College of Medicine. He held the 28th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Immunology of Reproduction (JSIR) in the same year.
Professor Shibahara was in charge of the Councilor of the International Society for Immunology of Reproduction (ISIR) and the Vice President of ASRI. He was appointed the President of JSIR from 2017 to 2020. He has been playing an essential.
He published “Gamete Immunology” by Springer in 2022; in 2023 he organized the 1st Asian Cogress for Reproductive Immunology (ACRI 2023) in Kobe; in April 2024 he became Professor Emeritus at Hyogo Medical University. He is currently active in the practice of infertility as a reproductive medicine specialist at Hanabusa Women’s Clinic.

Yoshiharu Morimoto, M.D., Ph.D.

CEO, IVF JAPAN GROUP
Yoshiharu Morimoto M.D., Ph.D. is the CEO of IVF JAPAN GROUP, comprises three premier fertility centers in Osaka, including HORAC Grand Front Osaka Clinic, IVF Osaka Clinic, and IVF Namba Clinic. 

Education and Career Foundations
Dr. Morimoto graduated from Kansai Medical University in 1977 and earned his Ph.D. in 1987. After beginning his career in obstetrics and gynecology at Kansai Medical University Hospital, he assumed the role of Chairman of Morimoto Women’s Hospital in 1983. Since then, he has held numerous leadership positions, culminating in his current role as head of the IVF JAPAN GROUP. 

Clinical Excellence and Innovation
Throughout his career, Dr. Morimoto has treated more than two million patients, consistently achieving high pregnancy success rates through a patient-centered approach. A pioneer in the field, he has championed integrated medical care and innovative treatments such as AUGMENT (Autologous Germline Mitochondrial Energy Transfer). His current research focuses on ASCENT (Adipose Stem Cell Energy Transfer), a cutting-edge technique aimed at improving outcomes for patients with refractory infertility. 

Academic and International Leadership
Dr. Morimoto is a Clinical Professor at Kansai Medical University and holds guest professorships at several prestigious institutions, including St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kindai University, Okayama University, Mie University, and CHA University. He has also contributed extensively to Japanese academic societies in various executive and editorial capacities.
On the global stage, Dr. Morimoto is a prominent leader in reproductive medicine, having served as the Immediate Past President of the International Society for In Vitro Fertilization (ISIVF), as well as the Past President of both the Pacific Society of Reproductive Medicine (PSRM) and the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE).

Masahide Shiotani, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Shiotani graduated from Shimane University, School of Medicine in 1985. He started training at Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and received practical reproductive medicine from Professors Takahide Mori and Yoichi Noda. His main clinical and research interests are the mechanism of implantation and also ovulation. He received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine in 1994.
He was working as a gynecologist and medical director at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital between 1994 and 2000.
In 2000, Dr. Shiotani opened a clinic, Hanabusa Women’s Clinic, specializing in  reproductive medicine. He is now a CEO at Medical Corporation Hanabusa Women’s Clinic. He also serves as a president of the Japan Society of Assisted Reproduction (JSAR).