A Century of Pride, Challenge, and Innovation

Yoshihiro Ogawa
Department of Pathophysiology and Internal Medicine (Third Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

I have been appointed Representative Director of the Japan Society of Endocrinology. I am Yoshihiro Ogawa from the Department of Pathophysiology and Internal Medicine (Third Internal Medicine) at Kyushu University. I respectfully report this to all members and share my aspirations as Representative Director.

The Japan Society of Endocrinology will mark its 100th anniversary in fiscal year 2026 (Reiwa 8). I feel the weight of responsibility in welcoming this historic moment as Representative Director, while also being grateful for this opportunity. Under the theme “Pride, Challenge, and Creation Over 100 Years,” I aim to build a sustainable foundation for the Society's activities, looking ahead to the next century while reflecting on the brilliant trajectory of endocrinology in Japan. Together with all members, I will dedicate my full efforts to making this special time a memorable part of our history and to firmly passing the baton to the younger generation who will lead the future.

In recent years, remarkable advances in science and technology have led to the specialization and maturation of many research fields. Simultaneously, society faces unprecedented challenges: super-aging and declining birth rates, diminishing research capacity, increasingly complex medical ethics, and emerging infectious disease pandemics. On the other hand, groundbreaking innovations like cutting-edge omics analysis, big data, mathematical analysis, and artificial intelligence are profoundly transforming clinical practice and research. The Japan Society of Endocrinology includes not only specialists from diverse clinical fields such as internal medicine, pediatrics, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and urology, but also numerous basic researchers engaged in cutting-edge studies. We have always valued the free and open discussions fostered by members with diverse backgrounds. This diversity is the Society's greatest strength. Through the creation of new knowledge via interdisciplinary integration, we aim to forge the endocrinology required for the next era.

Expanding the base of endocrinology in Japan requires invigorating the activities of each regional and branch society. While we hear news of various natural disasters occurring somewhere in the country almost every year, the role of branch societies in disaster medical response is becoming increasingly important. With the launch of the subspecialty “Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes” under the new specialist physician system, the number of young members is increasing nationwide. Through close collaboration between the Society headquarters and branch chapters, we aim to further expand opportunities for young professionals aspiring to pursue endocrinology. We strive to realize endocrinology literally “in every corner of Japan,” valuing dialogue with local communities and the general public while contributing to the health of the nation and the improvement of healthcare quality.

In today's increasingly globalized world, internationalization is a crucial challenge for the Japanese Society of Endocrinology. We intend to deepen collaboration with related societies in Europe, America, and Asia, including the International Society of Endocrinology, striving for Japan to be recognized as a “leading nation in endocrinology” driving global endocrinology. Fortunately, the joint hosting of the 22nd International Congress of Endocrinology and the 99th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Endocrinology (ICE2026/JES2026) in 2026 has been confirmed. This will provide our members with an excellent opportunity to experience an international conference firsthand. Internationalization remains a means to an end; we intend to channel its outcomes back into domestic research and clinical practice while also contributing to the advancement of endocrinology worldwide.

As Representative Director, I will dedicate myself fully to the advancement of the Japanese Society of Endocrinology. I sincerely request the continued support and cooperation of all members.

(May 27, 2025)