In the 1980s, active magnetic bearings attracted attention because of their benefits that include contact-free support, no lubrication and low energy consumption, and their industrial applications were extensively studied. In the 1990s, the latest control theories were applied to magnetic bearings, and bearingless drive technologies were established. Magnetic bearings were increasingly applied to industrial machinery and started to find use in artificial hearts. The number of researchers engaged in research on magnetic bearings rapidly increased in Japan, and many achievements were reported. Currently, however, less research is being carried out. In this article, Japan's contribution to the research and development of magnetic bearings is reviewed, particularly key works in the early days of magnetic bearings, from various aspects such as control, rotordynamics, self-sensing, bearingless drives, bearing loss, touchdown bearings, industrial applications, and standardization.