This paper aims to consider the public policy and regulation system of genetic medicine in Japan from the viewpoint of the ethical and social implications of genetic information. This examination is conducted in line with the relation between genetic analysis as a research area and genetic testing and counseling as a clinical area, government and expert groups, and legislation and guidelines. We can find such problems as possible violation of genetic privacy by clinical genetic testing and non-medical business use of genetic information. On the basis of this consideration, we propose that it is necessary to establish a basic and comprehensive law and official guidelines that would regulate all areas of genetic technology including genetic research, clinical practice, and non-medical use of genetic information.
