Institute of Science and Technology for Society launched an R&D Project: Identification of Factors Affecting Cognitive and Behavioral Development of Children in Japan Based on a Cohort Study (FY2004 to 2008) (the Japan Children's Study). By taking the cohort study approach and targeting infants and small children, the study aims to determine the influence of social and living environments on mental, physical, and language development as well as their mechanisms, in particular, the neural base and the development of sociability during different developmental phases. The interim evaluation conducted in July 2006 recognized its significance as a prospective longitudinal study. However,.
