Greeting Message

It is my great honor to welcome you to the 38th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, held in the historic city of Nara. I extend my sincere gratitude to all members and colleagues for their unwavering support and guidance in making this congress a reality.

The theme of this year’s congress is “Brightening the Future of HBP Surgery: Pride and Compassion.” This theme reflects two core values that every hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgeon should embody: the pride in confronting the challenges of complex surgical procedures, and the compassion required to provide patient-centered care and foster collaboration among medical professionals. We aim to emphasize not only the pursuit of technical excellence but also the importance of delivering the best care from the patient's perspective and supporting one another as a unified medical team.

In recent years, hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery has seen remarkable advancements with the adoption of innovations such as robotic-assisted procedures and the development of sophisticated surgical instruments. These innovations have enabled us to tackle cases once deemed inoperable. However, we must continually assess whether our interventions truly represent the best treatment for our patients. To this end, this congress will feature a wide range of sessions dedicated to long-term outcomes and late complications. We believe that true surgical success lies not only in technical achievement, but also in the improvement of long-term prognosis and quality of life. We look forward to deep and meaningful discussions on these critical topics.

Fostering the next generation of surgeons is another vital mission for the continued advancement of our society. This congress offers numerous opportunities for young professionals to present their work, engage in dialogue, and deepen their expertise. By creating such a platform, we hope to nurture their growth and contribute to the future of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery in Japan and beyond.

We are also committed to enhancing international collaboration, taking full advantage of Nara’s accessibility and cultural richness. The program includes multiple opportunities for dialogue with leading specialists from around the world, aiming to share knowledge and insights from a truly global perspective. We have also implemented presenter tools and AI translation services to ease the preparation burden for our participants as much as possible.

Nara, our host city, is an ancient capital with over 1,300 years of history and home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the majestic Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine to the serene beauty of Nara Park, the city offers an inspiring backdrop where visitors can refresh their minds and gain new perspectives. During your stay, we encourage you to explore its cultural treasures and natural beauty, making your congress experience all the more memorable.

Finally, I hope this congress will be a vibrant forum for passionate discussions, international exchange, and the forging of lasting friendships. Together, let us strive toward our shared goal of advancing hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery and delivering the highest standard of care for our patients.

All of us at the organizing committee are working wholeheartedly to make this congress a meaningful and unforgettable event. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to Nara.