Greetings

　I am deeply honored to be appointed as the President of the 18th Annual Congress of the Japan Robotic Surgery Society. This esteemed meeting will occur over two days, from Friday, April 10th to Saturday, April 11th, 2026, at Nagaragawa International Conference Hall and Miyako Hotel Gifu Nagaragawa.

　The theme for this year's congress is "Integration - Moving Beyond Diversity," which reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the field of robotic surgery. We anticipate engaging discussions and groundbreaking insights that will shape the future of this discipline.

　With the increasing availability of various surgical robots, surgical techniques have become more diverse and tailored to specific robotic systems. Concurrently, the landscape for surgeons is evolving, driven by reforms in working styles and broader societal changes. This transformation necessitates a multifaceted approach to surgical practice. As we contemplate the future trajectory of surgery, we believe it is essential to assess our current position, aiming for practices that are not only efficient but also artistically refined. This conference will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions on the present state of robot-assisted surgical techniques and the major directions for the future of surgical practice.

We propose the following three themes for discussion at the conference:

１．The current state of various surgical techniques tailored to different types of robotic equipment.

２．The practice of efficient surgery through the sharing of unique surgical techniques employed across various departments.

３．The integration of robot-assisted surgery into a more refined and aesthetically pleasing surgical treatment and education system.

We envision this conference as a vital forum for interdisciplinary dialogue among all departments utilizing robotic technology in their surgical practices. In alignment with this vision, the accompanying poster features a black-out image of the statue of Oda Nobunaga, the historical figure who named the region “Gifu.” Nobunaga, who sought to unify the nation, embodies the essence of this year’s theme, “Integration - Moving Beyond Diversity.” We encourage you to connect with the image of Nobunaga and join us in spirited and meaningful discourse on this important theme.

　April is a delightful time in Gifu, where attendees can enjoy the picturesque Nagara River visible from the conference venue. We invite you to visit Gifu Castle to experience the spirit of Oda Nobunaga and explore the vibrant food and drink streets around Gifu Station, including the popular Yanase area. We hope you fully enjoy your time in Gifu, and that the conference proves to be a rewarding experience for all participants.