@Membership Committee It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Tatsuo Kuroda, who served with great distinction as Professor of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Professor Kuroda passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on October 4, 2025, at the age of 68.

In accordance with the wishes of Professor Kuroda and the bereaved family, the funeral service was conducted privately.

Professor Kuroda devoted his life to advancing the field of Pediatric Surgery, leaving an enduring legacy through his outstanding scholarship, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Professor Kuroda was deeply respected and admired for his warm personality, unfailing kindness, and sincere courtesy toward everyone he encountered. These qualities, combined with his intellectual leadership, left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Biography:

Professor Kuroda, born in Tokyo in 1957, graduated from Keio Senior High School in 1976. He then pursued his medical education at Keio University School of Medicine, graduating in 1982 with the highest academic honors, earning his Doctor of Medicine.

Following his graduation, Professor Kuroda embarked on his surgical career at the Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine. He later joined the Pediatric Surgery team led by Dr. Keizo Katsumata, which became his primary focus throughout his career.

In 1988, he assumed the position of Research Fellow at the Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, where he conducted research in developmental biology under the mentorship of Dr. Patricia K. Donahoe. This work contributed to his earning a Ph.D. in 1991.

Upon his return to Japan, Professor Kuroda was appointed as a lecturer at the Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine. In 1992, he moved to the National Children’s Hospital, the first children's hospital in Japan, where he worked under the guidance of Dr. Morihiro Saeki.

The hospital later became the National Center for Child Health and Development in 2002, and Professor Kuroda played a pivotal role in establishing its surgery team and served as its leader until 2011.

In recognition of his significant contributions, he was appointed Full Professor of Pediatric Surgery at Keio University School of Medicine in 2011. His dedication extended beyond clinical practice, as he actively engaged in teaching hundreds of medical students and tens of residents.

Professor Kuroda’s leadership extended beyond the operating room. He conducted multiple scientific and clinical research studies, especially about pediatric oncology, supported by grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development.

He also served as the President of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Surgeons (JSPS), providing visionary guidance that shaped the discipline’s trajectory from 2015 to 2017. His contribution to academia extended beyond the field of pediatric surgery to include, but is not limited to, pediatric oncology, neonatal surgery, and emergency medicine. One of his largest contributions was serving as the chairman of multiple academic congresses: the Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons in 2018 and the Japanese Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology in 2016, the Japanese Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine in 2021, and the JSPS in 2021.

Following his retirement from Keio University, he was appointed President of Kanagawa Prefectural Children’s Hospital, where he played a vital role in advancing pediatric healthcare in Kanagawa Prefecture.

His contributions have shaped generations of clinicians and researchers and will continue to inspire our community for years to come. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and join them in honoring the memory of a remarkable scholar, teacher, and colleague whose contributions and character will be remembered with the most profound respect and affection.