99In Memoriam:

In Memory of Dr. Makoto Enomoto, Honorary Member
Dr. Makoto Enomoto, an honorary member of the Japanese Society of ToxicologicPathology, passed away on March 30th, 2024, at the age of 95. I still remember veryclearly the speech that he gave on January 23rd at this year’s reception for the annual
meeting of the Japanese Society of Toxicologic Pathology. Dr. Enomoto requested his
family to donate his body for research and not to tell anyone about his death—thissounds like what he would ask.
After completing a doctoral program at the University of Tokyo School of Medicine,Dr. Enomoto served as an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology at theUniversity of Tokyo School of Medicine, an assistant professor at the Institute of Medical
Science of the University of Tokyo, and a professor in the Department of Pathology at
St. Marianna University School of Medicine. His career shifted to toxicologic pathology
and he became a director of pathology at the Biosafety Reserch Center, Foods, Drugs
and Pesticides (Anpyo Center) as well as the Japan Bioassay Research Center. He worked with pioneering researchers—Drs.
Yasukazu Nishiyama, Nobuyuki Ito, Kousaku Fujiwara, Masayoshi Kanisawa, Chitoshi Itakura, Eisei Ishikawa, Yuzo Hayashi,and Yoichi Konishi to establish the Study Forum of Toxicologic Pathology in 1985. In 1988, they organized the JapaneseSociety of Toxicologic Pathology. He had numerous publications regarding the carcinogenicity of mycotoxins. Further, hepublished multiple books including The Histopathology of Laboratory Animals, A Color Atlas of Toxicologic Pathology,
Illustrated Toxicologic Pathology (in Chinese), Merits and Demerits of Chemical Substances, and Mutterings of a Showa
Restoration Man (autobiography). He also worked as a human pathologist and created a new association of pathologists in
Shizuoka Prefecture.
After graduating from veterinary school, I myself was fortunate enough to be able to study toxicologic pathology underDr. Enomoto’s guidance. I needed to learn the basics of toxicologic pathology; he never admonished me, but taught me ina calm and kind manner with the dignity of a mentor. Everyone respected him and he was an ideal boss who provided great
support not only at work, but also in academic activities. He always emphasized the importance of academic activities,
constantly encouraging young toxicologic pathologists to participate in scientific conferences. He also provided suggestions
for presentation topics from our daily discussion about microscopic examinations. Early on, he recognized the importance ofapplying molecular biology techniques to evaluations of carcinogenicity.
Dr. Enomoto loved drinking and socializing with colleagues. After work, he always asked if wewanted to go out for drinks. We would go to a beer garden in summer, and he often had a liqueur witha chaser in winter. Whenever the party was winding down, he would pretend to go to the restroom andquietly settle the bill. He was always reluctant to let others pay their share. At New Years, he would
invite staff members and their families to his home in Shizuoka City for celebrations. He also loved
smoking and did not believe there was a proven relationship between smoking and cancer.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Enomoto, who mentored many young toxicologic pathologists,
including me, with wonderful guidance. His leadership was essential for the development of the Japanese Society of
Toxicologic Pathology. I sincerely pray that his soul may rest in peace.

May 2024
Hijiri Iwata
Honorary Member of the Japanese Society of Toxicologic Pathology