At this time of fresh greenery, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all members for your continued understanding and generous support of the activities of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES).

Gastroenterological endoscopy in Japan began with the development of the gastrocamera in 1950, followed by the establishment of the Gastrocamera Research Meeting in 1955 and the Japan Gastrocamera Society in 1959. Subsequently, the Society evolved into the Japan Endoscopy Society in 1961, and later into the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society in 1973. Since then, JGES has played a central role in advancing endoscopic medicine originating in Japan and disseminating it both domestically and internationally, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our distinguished predecessors and many members.

This distinguished history demonstrates that JGES has consistently placed importance not only on “technological innovation” and “the academic systematization of knowledge,” but also on “education and implementation” that translate these achievements into everyday clinical practice. In other words, our foundation lies in linking research outcomes to reliable clinical practice and broadly disseminating their quality through education.

Today, as the healthcare environment undergoes significant changes and we face an increasingly uncertain global landscape, JGES is called upon to exercise clear leadership. As we move toward the next era, we stand at a juncture where, grounded in the harmonious development of education, clinical practice, and research, we must define our direction, share it collectively, and steadily translate it into action.

Looking ahead, under the banner of One Team JGES, I aim to promote the sustainable and international advancement of our Society by focusing on three key pillars, all grounded in the enhancement of quality in education, clinical practice, and research.

First Pillar: Globalization
— Strengthening JGES International and Joint Symposia —

JGES has long been committed to sharing Japan-originated endoscopic medicine with the world. To further develop this tradition, we will position JGES International as the core of our global engagement and further enhance Joint Symposia with international societies such as European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).

Beyond simple exchanges, we will promote bidirectional and continuous academic collaboration, including the sharing of educational programs and the mutual advancement of clinical standards. Through these efforts, we aim to foster the next generation of physicians, facilitate the circulation of knowledge, and further strengthen JGES’s presence as a trusted partner in the global community.

Second Pillar: Evolution of Certification and Specialist Systems (Education and Clinical Practice)
— Toward a Multi-Layered Certification System Open to Society and the World —

The credibility of an academic society depends greatly on the quality of its specialist certification systems, which underpin both education and clinical standards.

At JGES, while maintaining the board-certified specialist system as a foundation, we will further develop a multi-layered certification framework tailored to clinical realities and societal needs. This includes consideration of roles such as screening-certified physicians and advanced technical specialists.

These initiatives are not intended to fragment qualifications but to establish a structured, stepwise educational framework that supports high-quality clinical practice. By emphasizing transparency in assessment, visualization of clinical competencies, patient safety, and contributions to regional healthcare, we aim to build a system trusted by society.

Furthermore, through integration with the Japan Endoscopy Database (JED), enhancement of continuing education, and transparent evaluation processes, we will advance our certification systems to achieve international recognition. We will also explore pathways for overseas physicians to obtain certification as international members, thereby promoting global exchange in both education and clinical practice.

Third Pillar: Promotion of Society-Driven Research (Research)
— Generating Evidence Based on JED —

The JED, developed by JGES, has grown into an extremely valuable data platform that reflects real-world clinical practice in endoscopy in Japan.

We will further leverage JED to promote society-driven clinical research, outcomes research, and quality assessment research.

These research activities are intended not only to contribute academically but also to directly improve the quality of daily clinical practice and enhance educational content. By translating these findings into clinical guidelines and educational frameworks, we aim to elevate our research capability from the mere accumulation of data to the generation of high-quality evidence that supports superior healthcare and education.

 

Finally, the long-standing tradition of JGES since the development of the gastrocamera in 1950 lies in its unwavering commitment to integrating research, education, and clinical practice while continuously embracing change and looking toward the future.
As One Team JGES, we will unite the strength of our members and steadily guide endoscopic medicine and healthcare toward a new stage.
As President, I am fully committed to fulfilling this responsibility to the best of my ability, and I sincerely ask for your continued understanding and support.

May 12, 2026