On November 4, 2025, Ms. Renée Pompen, a descendant of the Pompe(n) family that has brought forth J. L. C. Pompe van Meerdervoort (1829–1908), known as the “Father of Western Medical Education in Japan,” visited Nagasaki University School of Medicine. The purpose of her visit was to learn about the impressive achievements of Dr. Pompe in Nagasaki.

Ms. Pompen, who resides in Valkenswaard, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, graduated from the Department of Japanese Studies at Leiden University and currently runs a business importing Japanese green tea to Europe. Through her green tea-related connections, she became acquainted with Associate Professor Kazunori Yamashita, Director of the Disaster Medical Support Office at Nagasaki University Hospital, who facilitated this visit.

Ms. Pompen and her companion were warmly welcomed by Dean Ikematsu of the School of Medicine and Associate Professor Yamashita. They received explanations about the exhibits and achievements related to Dr. Pompe. During the visit, Ms. Pompen learned that Dr. Pompe provided medical care regardless of patients’ social status and that Japan’s first modern Western-style hospital, “Nagasaki (Kojima) Yōjōsho,” was established at his request.

At the Medical Library of Nagasaki University, Ms. Pompen had the opportunity to view valuable historical materials, including the anatomical model “Kunstlijk” and lecture notes brought from Europe and used by Dr. Pompe in his teachings.

Interestingly, Ms. Pompen first learned about Dr. Pompe’s presence in Japan during her studies at Leiden University, when Japanese exchange students told her about the Dutch military physician who introduced Western medicine in Nagasaki during the late Edo period. After consulting her grandmother, she discovered that Dr. Pompe appeared in a book about their family history.

During this visit, the explanation given by Dean Ikematsu – that Dr. Pompe’s words, “A physician no longer belongs to himself, but to those who suffer” form the foundation of Nagasaki University School of Medicine – left a deep impression.

Ms. Pompen also expressed her desire to serve as a bridge between Japan and the Netherlands, not only through her professional work but also by generously supporting the development and exchange of young students. Furthermore, she shared her hope that this visit will lead to new and meaningful connections.

By Dr. Pompe’s Memorial Relief
From left: Ms. Nagata (friend), Associate Professor Kazunori Yamashita, Ms. Renée Pompen, Dean Ikematsu of the School of Medicine, Ms. Otsuka (friend)

At Dr. Pompe’s Monument, Erected in 1934

The visit to the Ryōjun Museum

in front of the Medical Library