The 123rd Annual Meeting
Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology
President: IWATA Nakao, M.D., Ph.D.
President of Fujita Health University

Greeting from the President of the 123rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology

It is my great honor to serve as the President of the 123rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology, scheduled to be held in Nagoya in June 2027. This meeting will take place during a significant turning point for both Japan and the world, as we navigate the post-COVID-19 era and the rapid rise of AI technology. In these turbulent times, we are preparing a forum to redefine the role of psychiatry and contribute to the further development of our society
Japan currently faces an unprecedented demographic challenge: by 2050, the total population is projected to shrink to 75% of its peak, with the aging rate exceeding 40%. Amid concerns over low economic growth and a widening global gap, there is an urgent need for improved labor productivity, digitalization, the implementation of AI, and "reskilling". Mental health serves as the vital foundation for all these social activities, and its importance as a foundational element of society is increasing at an accelerating pace. We, as medical professionals, must also adapt to this new social reality, including through reforms in doctors' working styles
Main Theme: "Creating a Compass for the Future" and the Five Pillars
The main theme of this annual meeting is "Toward Creating a Compass for the Future of Psychiatry and Medical Care". While maintaining the high standards of universal care that Japanese psychiatry is proud of, we will deepen our discussions around the following "Five Pillars" to envision activities that contribute to social development beyond the confines of medical treatment:

1. Advancement of psychiatric care based on psychiatric research: Pursuing the translation of cutting-edge, evidence-based research into clinical practice to continuously improve the quality of care.
2. Communication with society, including prevention in addition to diagnosis and treatment: Moving beyond merely overcoming illness to establishing a two-way dialogue with society, encompassing everything from prevention to social reintegration.
3. Health education and awareness: Promoting educational activities to deepen the understanding of mental illness and proactive social awareness programs to break down stigma.
4. Development of medical infrastructure to support these efforts: Envisioning a new medical delivery system that can sustainably provide high-quality care even in a depopulating and aging society.
5. Protection of medical ethics and patient rights: Maintaining the core of medical ethics and protecting the rights of our patients in an era where AI and advanced technologies are increasingly integrated.

By discussing these indispensable elements, we aim to create a reliable "compass" for the future

Sustainable Conference Management and a Forum for Learning
In the academic program, we will prioritize presenting the latest and most cutting-edge content in a concise manner so that our members can learn efficiently and in depth. Nagoya City, the host city, is steadily progressing with redevelopment in preparation for the 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games, and the main venue, the Nagoya International Conference Center, is scheduled to reopen in June 2027 following extensive renovations.We are very pleased to welcome our members to a revitalized Nagoya, including its accommodation facilities and transportation infrastructure.

On the operational side, we have established a strong collaborative framework with relevant organizations, including the Aichi Prefecture Psychiatric Hospitals Association, the Japan Association of Psychiatric and Neurological Clinics, and Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City.

 In closing
 We stand at a historic crossroads where we must draw the future of psychiatry with our own hands. In June 2027, in the newly renovated city of Nagoya, I am dedicated to working with all of you to create a compass for the future.
I sincerely look forward to your support and to seeing you in Nagoya.