Welcome to ISOTT 2008 Welcome On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we cordially welcome you to Sapporo, Japan for the ISOTT2008, which will be held during August 3-7, 2008. Oxygen has played the substantial role in the evolution process of biological systems, including human, as the key molecule for energy production and genetic adaptation to the environment. Considering that physiological function of oxygen is extremely diverse, multidisciplinary researches involving basic medical scientists, clinicians, biomedical engineers should be pushed forward. This is the very “raison d’etre” of the International Society on Oxygen Transport to Tissue, ISOTT. Sapporo, a relatively young city in Japan, was founded in 1875. It is the Capital of Hokkaido Prefecture and has grown rapidly to become the fifth biggest city in Japan, with a current population of 2 millions. You will enjoy both the urban atmosphere in the city and the rich nature in the surrounding area. The warm hospitality and beautiful landscape of Sapporo will refresh and empower ISOTT participants for future excellence-in-science. With wonderful memories of ISOTT-1987, organized by Professor Masaji Mochizuki, we are honored to host the ISOTT2008 in Sapporo. We can hardly wait to say “Welcome back!” to All of You. President, ISOTT2008 Eiji Takahashi, Ph.D. Honorary President, ISOTT2008 Mamoru Tamura, Ph. D.