About

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the 38th Pan-Pacific Surgical Association - Japan Chapter Annual Congress. It will be held from Wednesday, February 26 to Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Prince Waikiki Resorts Hotel in Honolulu Hawaii. I had nominated to be President of the 38th PPSA-JC at the June 2019 PPSA-JC Board meeting, but due to COVID-19, I have been forced to delay the date of the congress. Currently, COVID-19 has been moved to category 5 infection and the disease has calmed down. Itabashi Chuo Medical Center to which I belong is making concerted efforts to prepare for the event. This Society was established in 1984 by the late Professor Juro Wada as a foothold to let the world know the level of Japanese medical science, especially to encourage young doctors to actively participate and look to the world. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Naoyuki Kohno, President, Professor Mitsuo Kusano, Honorary President, Professor Akira Kakita, Advisor, and all the directors, officers, and board members for giving me the opportunity to serve as a president of such a traditional and prestigious academic congress.

The theme of this congress is "Let's reveal the unnoticed truth and discover the new fact”. I have chosen this theme in the hope that simple questions such as "why and why not?" will lead to new discoveries in the clinical experience of young doctors. The introduction of robots and AI has become commonplace in this era, however, I hope that the "casual occurrence" in the course of daily clinical work will trigger something, without forgetting to go back to the basics. Furthermore, since discussions will take place across specialties, I hope that they will lead to new insights from many different perspectives.

On February 26th, the first day of the congress, Professor Mikami of the University of Hawaii and Professor Yusuke Watanabe of Hokkaido University will hold a hands-on-course for junior and senior residents after lunch in the facilities of the University of Hawaii. Afterwards, a welcome party will be held in the Makiki Room on the 2nd floor of Prince Waikiki Resorts Hotel in the evening.

On February 27, the second day of the congress, the Board Meeting will be held in the morning on the 2nd floor of Prince Waikiki, followed by the opening of the congress. In addition to the usual abstract presentations, mini lectures and keynote lectures will be given, and I look forward to lively discussions. In the evening, a Farewell Party will be held at the Muliwai Hole, adjacent to the Prince Waikiki outdoor area, with several entertainment options for all attendees.

On February 28, the third day of the congress, usual abstract presentations will be held in the morning, and the congress will conclude with the presentation of the Wada Award. The most important reason for holding this congress is to provide young doctors with an opportunity to give presentations in English and to familiarize themselves with the English language. I hope that as many doctors and their families as possible will attend and enjoy the everlasting summer in Hawaii. This time of the year, Waikiki also offers weekend fireworks.

Last but not least, the warming of the earth is steadily advancing, and we do not know when we will be struck by an earthquake, but we look forward to the days when we can enjoy the space we can share with you, and sincerely hope to see you there.