It is my great honor to announce that the 98th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association (JGCA) will be held over three days, from Wednesday, March 4 to Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan City, Okinawa.

It is a privilege for the Aichi Cancer Center, where I serve, to host this esteemed and historically significant meeting. Looking back to the era of the Gastric Cancer Research Association, several of our distinguished predecessors from the Aichi Cancer Center have served as presidents, including Dr. Takeo Nagayo (13th, Pathology), Dr. Eikichi Yamada (41st, Surgery), Dr. Tatsuzo Kasugai (48th, Internal Medicine), and Dr. Hiroaki Nakazato (58th, Surgery). Within the framework of the JGCA, it has been 19 years since Dr. Yoshitaka Yamamura (79th, Surgery) took on this important role in 2007. I am deeply honored and humbled to follow in the footsteps of these pioneers who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the advancement of gastric cancer care in Japan.

The Annual Meeting of the JGCA brings together a wide range of experts including surgeons, gastroenterologists, endoscopists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and basic scientists, all of whom are engaged in the field of gastric cancer. It serves as a dynamic forum where researchers share their findings, engage in lively discussions, and learn from each other’s work.

The theme of this year’s meeting is: “Evidence, Practice, and Beyond.”

We are witnessing remarkable progress in the pharmacological treatment of gastric cancer. This evolution has been driven by innovative clinical development, robust clinical trials, and dedicated efforts in real-world practice—embodying the very spirit of this year’s theme. As a medical oncologist, this theme encapsulates the essence of my own career. Furthermore, I believe this approach—building evidence, putting it into practice, and striving for continuous improvement—is a shared vision that transcends disciplines, be it surgery, endoscopy, or pathology. It reflects the ideal path of cancer care.

We are also pleased to announce that this congress will be held in conjunction with The 11th Asia-Pacific Gastroesophageal Cancer Congress (APGCC 2026). We look forward to welcoming leading experts from across Asia and around the world to engage in interdisciplinary discussions. It is our sincere hope that a wide range of participants—physicians, healthcare professionals, and most importantly, patients and their supporters—will be able to join us on-site in Okinawa.

On a personal note, I have the pleasure of co-hosting this congress with Dr. Takuji Gotoda, President of the 11th APGCC, who is not only a renowned expert in the field but also a dear friend since our junior high and high school days. We later worked together at the National Cancer Center Hospital, and I look forward to collaborating with him to make this joint conference a tremendous success.

Although I have no personal or professional ties to Okinawa, I have chosen this location for several meaningful reasons, which I will touch on during my Presidential Address. Early March remains cold in most parts of Japan, but Okinawa offers a warm climate, unique culture and history, stunning ocean views, and rich natural beauty—making it a true treasure trove for visitors. We hope that while enjoying stimulating academic discussions, you will also take this opportunity to deepen exchanges across disciplines, across generations, and across borders. Most of all, we hope you will enjoy your stay in Okinawa to the fullest.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming you in Okinawa. Thank you very much for your continued support and participation.

Sincerely,