The 83rd Congress of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincerest condolences to those who lost loved ones during the unprecedented events of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and also to express my heartfelt sympathy to the disaster survivors and evacuees.

I trust that doctors have been busy ever since the day of the earthquake, providing the necessary support and assistance to those affected by this disaster. We anticipate that medical staff in the affected areas will face a prolonged battle with endogenous and infectious diseases, whilst providing the necessary psychological support to those that need it.
Furthermore, the Fukushima nuclear power plant is still in an unstable condition. We still do not know the full extent of the damage, but thankfully, relief missions both from home and abroad are working as hard as they possibly can. We must all work together for the disaster victims and the affected areas to restore and revitalize Japanese society.

In regards to the 83rd Congress of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society, scheduled to be held in Tokyo in March 2012, we are currently proceeding with preparations for this event despite the fact that much time will be needed to complete relief efforts in the affected areas and to solve all the issues at the nuclear power plant.
It is in times like these, I believe that it is our duty to play an important and positive role in society. And I feel that through this congress, and by continuing to work hard to improve the field of gastroenterological endoscopy, we can contribute positively to society, and honor all the victims of the recent earthquake.

Finally, I would like to once again call upon all members and relevant parties to unite and work together in the spirit of cooperation in preparation for the 83rd Congress of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.

Katsutoshi Obara, M.D., Ph.D.
President of 83rd JGES congress