Japanese researchers performed a database search of controlled clinical trials (CCTs) published in Japan, using ‘Igaku Chuo Zasshi (Japana Centra Revuo Medicina) CD-ROM version (between 1987 and 2000)’ and an independent search. Parallel or crossover designed trials which assessed the efficacy of needle acupuncture were included. They located 32 published papers (24 full papers and eight abstracts), which reported 34 trials. Only two of these were listed in Medline or the Cochrane Library. Conditions examined were musculoskeletal pain (20 trials, including 10 for low back pain and three for sciatica), neck and shoulder stiffness (four trials) and miscellaneous conditions (10 trials). In all, 33 trials were described as randomised, although seven employed a quasi-random method. Applying the 5-point Jadad quality assessment scoring system, the mean score was 1.85 ± 1.16 (Standard Deviation). A total of 18 (53%) of the reports were conducted to determine a more effective procedure of acupuncture; these compared a certain type of acupuncture with another type of acupuncture or specific additional points.