Welcome Message

It is with great pleasure to inform you that the 37th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology will be held from November 21 to November 23, 2024 in Yokohama.

Thanks to the efforts of many great predecessors and associated firms, the field of radiotherapy today has made remarkable progress, both in terms of academics as well as irradiation technology. In recent years, highly accurate irradiation has become possible due to the advances of computer technology and the introduction of AI. However, at the same time, I feel that the way each of us should engage with patients as a human being is another significant theme that should be introduced in the field of radiotherapy. When providing high-precision radiotherapy, we believe the pivotal factor is to identify what is essentially correct, and to construct a treatment that is high in precision, not only in the field of technology, but in the realm of compassion and sincerity, by standing close to the patients’ emotional needs. It is from this angle that I have chosen this year’s conference main theme to be 「至誠慧眼」”Shiseikeigan”, 「至誠」”Shisei” meaning “to exert one's utmost sincerity” and 「慧眼」”keigan” meaning “having a keen insight.” “Shisekeigan” is a fusion of these two words, expressing the relevance of having a sharp mind to find the ultimate truth, while maintaining a sincere and heartfelt action when we respond to our patients. We have therefore, also chosen “Reexamining Our Concept of Common Sense and Introducing a New Dimension for PGRT-patient-guided radiotherapy” as the sub-theme, to further emphasize what we feel is substantial in the field of radiotherapy. We hope to have a fervent discussion about what commonly goes on in our mind, and how our demeanor should be when we come face to face with our patients.

We are ready to ardently prepare a venue that will have every participant feel content that they have participated, while sprinkling the spirit of our conference theme in various forms throughout the event. In addition to update sessions on new evidence and new radiotherapy planning guidelines, we are considering new sessions such as debates, discussions on the reexamination of our common sense, areas where we can manifest cases of self-praise, and talks that are sure to attract attention. We are striving to build this conference into something that everyone can enjoy and actively participate. Furthermore, we are making arrangements to invite many overseas speakers, including ESTRO/JASTRO joint symposiums, to provide opportunities for the guests to speak directly with international experts. Refreshment areas as well as sports programs are also being put into consideration, so that you can relax and unwind between studies and discussions. We will also be adding some creative touches to the equipment display area so that it will feel fresh and new, no matter how many times you come to visit us.

The conference will be held at Pacifico Yokohama North. Although it is the same venue as the 36th Annual Meeting, we are now in the progress of preparing an event that will captivate your hearts in high hopes of showing you a difference in style. We look forward to your participation, and hope that you will join us for an avid face to face discussion. We very much look forward to seeing you there.