What is required of forensic toxicology and toxicology in investigating the cause of death: In response to the enactment of the Basic Law for Promoting Cause of Death Investigation

<p>Drug toxicology analysis, which is handled in forensic toxicology, has so far focused on the analysis of drugs of abuse, the analysis of drug abusers' urine, etc., and the analysis for diagnosing poisoning deaths in judicial autopsies. Under the Basic Law for Promotion of Investigation of Causes of Death, which came into force in April 2020, drug and toxicology analysis was positioned as a scientific investigation of cadavers for the purpose of investigating causes of death. The Cause of Death Investigation Promotion Plan is divided into (1) development of human resources, (2) development of education and research bases, (3) nationwide development of specialized institutions, and (4) improvement of the implementation system. (1) Regarding the development of human resources, it is necessary to provide education and research on the cause of death in the education of forensic toxicology and toxicology in the Faculty of Pharmacy (pharmaceutical university) in the undergraduate education. (2) Regarding the development of education and research bases, the national government will allocate a budget to universities that are making progressive efforts in education and research related to the investigation of the cause of death. (3) Nationwide development of specialized institutions and (4) Enhancement of the implementation system will involve the construction and enhancement of a drug and toxicology analysis system for investigating the cause of death at universities and other institutions that analyze and research drugs and toxins. With the enactment of the Basic Law, forensic toxicology, toxicology education and research, and drug analysis related to the investigation of causes of death at universities (graduate schools) will likely change significantly.</p>