I have been nominated as the chairman of the 90th Congress of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. It is a great honor, and at the same time, I anticipate serving as the chairman of this congress, which has continued since 1959, will be a challenging task. This society is the first academic society that I joined, and it is close to my heart because my foundation as a doctor was built through repeated participation and presentations at this society. Since the 3rd Autumn Meeting of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society, which was held in Sapporo in 1965, under the chairmanship of my fellow alumnus Dr. Toshio Takasugi, the Congress of the Society has been held in Hokkaido under Dr. Masayoshi Namiki and Dr. Yoshio Murashima. This time, it will be held in Tokyo from October 8 to 10 during JDDW 2015. Although it will not be held in Sapporo, I will strive to ensure that the contents and running of the meeting will bring many benefits to many members and live up to the illustrious example set by my predecessors.

The environment surrounding the medical workplace, including gastroenterological endoscopy, presents many issues, but advancements in gastroenterological endoscopy have continued through innovation in medical equipment and endoscope technology. The topics of this congress are based on the concept of "The endless potential of gastroenterological endoscopy". I would also like to present an image of the future of gastroenterological endoscopy under the title of "Medical Revolutions Brought about by Gastroenterological Endoscopy - The Past and the Future" to commemorate the 90th congress. Recently, the expansion of application of H. pylori eradication for gastritis has brought diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract to a turning point. I would like to review the Kyoto classification of gastritis proposed at the 85th Congress (chaired by Dr. Ken Haruma), and engage in further discussions on gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, in addition to the diagnosis of gastritis and assessment of gastric cancer risk after eradication. Furthermore, we plan to set up a section for ESD hands-on seminars for the three days of the Congress to provide an opportunity for the participants to burnish their endoscopy skills as well as to promote international exchanges.
I am sure that participating in the Congress to gain knowledge and skills will be in the best interest of your patients and lead to the advancement of the society. I look forward to seeing many of you there.