Nobuhiko Sugano, M.D., Ph.D.
President, The 56th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Replacement Arthroplasty
Director of the Joint Replacement Center, Kawanishi City Medical Center
Invited Professor, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine

It is my great honor and pleasure to announce that the 56th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Replacement Arthroplasty will be held over two days, from Thursday, February 26 to Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Osaka International Convention Center and the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection, in collaboration with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.

My name is Nobuhiko Sugano, and I serve as Director of the Joint Replacement Center and Invited Professor, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. I am truly honored to be appointed as President of this distinguished academic meeting.

Joint replacement has become an established standard treatment for restoring function to diseased joints, not only in the hip and knee but also in the shoulder, ankle, elbow, and even small joints of the hands and feet. These advancements have dramatically improved patients’ quality of life. However, when we look at the field as a whole, we must acknowledge that full standardization has yet to be achieved. Surgical approaches, techniques, implant materials and design, fixation methods, and the integration of 3D imaging and computer-assisted technology still vary widely. Additionally, there is significant room for improvement in the education and skill development of young surgeons and allied healthcare professionals.

The theme of this meeting is:
"破邪顕正 – The truth will set you free –"

In the field of joint replacement, it is evidence-based practice and innovation rooted in truth that will lead us to truly enhance the quality of life for our patients. Ideas long considered “common knowledge” or conclusions drawn from personal experience or intuition may, in fact, be misconceptions. It is through scientific inquiry and discussion grounded in objective facts that we must reveal the true path forward.

Therefore, I have chosen "破邪顕正" (Haja-kenshō) as the main theme of this congress. This traditional Japanese concept consists of four characters: 破 (Ha) meaning to defeat or eliminate, 邪 (Ja) referring to false teachings or incorrect principles, 顕 (Ken) meaning to bring to light or make clear, and 正 (Shō) representing truth or righteousness. Together, they express the idea of defeating falsehood to reveal truth.
This concept resonates with the Western philosophy expressed in the biblical phrase "The truth will set you free" from the Gospel of John (8:32). While this verse originally referred to religious truth within Christian teachings, it has evolved in modern academic contexts to represent the broader pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Many U.S. academic institutions have adopted this principle to emphasize how the pursuit of truth can liberate us from misconceptions and biases.

This ability to discern truth is all the more critical in an era where artificial intelligence may present us with plausible but incorrect conclusions. Developing a scientific mindset that values truth will be essential for the next generation of researchers. I hope this conference will become a platform where new knowledge inspires innovation and allows all participants to think freely in pursuit of better musculoskeletal care for our patients.

The parallel between these Eastern and Western concepts reflects our universal aspiration to discover and uphold truth in academic endeavors, making it a fitting theme for our congress.

The Japanese Society for Replacement Arthroplasty is committed to promoting research, educating and inspiring the next generation of orthopedic surgeons, and advancing international collaboration. At this meeting, we are planning a joint symposium with the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), welcoming presentations and lectures from distinguished international experts to foster dialogue from diverse perspectives.

With the generous support of our corporate partners, we hope to create a forum where members can come together, share cutting-edge knowledge and technologies, and engage in lively, productive discussion.

We sincerely look forward to your participation and support.