Dear Members of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery,

I am honored to announce that I have been entrusted with the role of the President for the 79th General Meeting of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery which will take place in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on July 17th (Wednesday), 18th (Thursday), and 19th (Friday) in 2024. The hosting responsibility has been given to Yamaguchi University, marking our third time as the main organizer after the 23rd Meeting in 1984 (Ube City, Yamaguchi) under the leadership of the late Prof. Koichi Ishigami and the 65th Meeting in 2010 (Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi) led by Prof. Masaaki Oka. It is a great honor for Yamaguchi University to undertake the responsibility for this historical and traditional academic meeting, and we are deeply aware of the significance of this responsibility.

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Japan Gastroenterological Surgery Society for providing us with this valuable opportunity.

The theme for this year’s meeting is “Meet up and Gather” (“つどい,つむぐ”). The global changes brought about by the dramatic shift in societal dynamics due to COVID-19 have made it challenging for us to meet at academic conferences and share our thoughts with one another. As we gradually return to a semblance of normalcy before COVID-19, we anticipate that the 79th Annual Meeting in 2024 will provide an opportunity for our members to “meet up” in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Once we have the chance to “meet,” our goal is to “gather” the future development of gastroenterological surgery. We aim to articulate the “words” for the future, “gather” the passionate hearts for dreams, and “weave” the collective aspirations of the over 20,000 members of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery who continue to collaborate and challenge themselves. We have imbued these resolutions, determination, and wishes into this theme.

Shimonoseki City, located in the western part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, faces the Kanmon Straits. It is renowned for being the site of the final moments of Shinsaku Takasugi and historical landmarks such as “Ganryujima” and “Dannoura,” as well as its connection to the Meiji Restoration “ISHIN”. The “Tsunoshima Ohashi,” boasting one of the longest spans in Japan at 1,780 meters, is a popular photography spot, and the cobalt blue sea offers breathtaking scenic views. The “Shimonoseki Aquarium KAIKYOKAN” – the largest aquarium in the Chugoku region – and the “Karato Market,” where fresh seafood can be enjoyed at reasonable prices, are located right next to the conference venue.

Shimonoseki, a city blessed with both nature and culture, awaits the 79th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society Gastroenterological Surgery in 2024. We, the faculty and members, are devotedly preparing to ensure that this meeting becomes a memorable academic event.

We sincerely look forward to the participation of as many members as possible.
Thank you so much for your kind attention and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Hiroaki Nagano, MD, PhD.
President,
79th General Meeting of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery
Professor and Chair,
Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery,
Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine.