Tetsuya Goto, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Chairperson of the 72nd Annual Meeting of The Japanese Association for Dental Research
Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Kagoshima University
Professor and Chair, Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology,
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University

Dear Craniofacial and Dental Scientists,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I am pleased to welcome you to the 72nd Annual Meeting of The Japanese Association for Dental Research to be held in the historic city of Kagoshima on November 16 and 17. The main theme of this year's conference is "Progressive Spirits in Dental Research: Advancing Oral Health”.

”Progressive Spirits" ("Shinshu-no-Kifu" in Japanese) means to inherit the will of our predecessors who played an active role in the process of change and modernization of Japan and to take on new and difficult challenges willingly and boldly, without being bound by conventional practices. This progressive spirit is the very symbol of The Japanese Association for Dental Research, which has been leading dental research in Japan and around the world for about 70 years as a pioneer in dental research.

This year's Congress will be a celebration of the inauguration of Professor Satoshi Imazato of Osaka University as President of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR). The conference program will include a special lecture by IADR President, Professor Satoshi Imazato, a special lecture by Editor-in-Chief of JDR, Professor Nicholas Jakubovics, and a special lecture by Chief Executive Officer of IADR, Dr. Christopher H. Fox. There will also be symposiums on a wide range of topics by internationally recognized experts, as well as a Korea-Japan joint symposium. We hope that aspiring researchers will gain invaluable experience and knowledge through lively discussions, probing questions, and exchanges of ideas at this conference.

Kagoshima has an abundance of natural hot springs, so please relax after the conference. There are also historic sightseeing spots such as Senganen Garden and Kirishima Shrine. There are also many specialty products such as Kagoshima shochu (distilled spirits made from sweet potatoes) as well as Kagoshima's special beef and pork, and we hope that many doctors will attend the conference.

May your time at this prestigious gathering be filled with immense achievements and utmost delight.

Best regards,

Tetsuya Goto, D.D.S., Ph.D.
President of the 72nd Annual Meeting of The Japanese Association for Dental Research
Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Kagoshima University
Professor and Chair, Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University