Welcome Message

Shigeki YAMAGUCHI
Congress President of WCES-JSES 2026
Tokyo Women’s Medical University

It is our great honor and pleasure to announce that the 22nd World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (WCES), held in conjunction with the 39th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES), will take place from September 2 to 5, 2026, at PACIFICO Yokohama, Japan.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to host this prestigious congress. Following the successful 11th Congress in 2008, hosted by Professor Seigo Kitano, this marks a significant return of WCES to Japan. JSES, one of the largest endoscopic surgical societies in the world, is proud to welcome surgeons and medical professionals from across the globe for this international academic gathering. We hope it will serve not only as a valuable forum for scientific exchange and learning, but also as a platform for international friendship and collaboration.

The theme of the congress is “Challenge and Growth: Pioneering New Horizons.”
Endoscopic surgery has revolutionized the field of surgery. The progress we see today is the result of relentless challenges, creativity, and innovation—often in the face of resistance—toward the realization of minimally invasive surgery. In recent years, the increasing adoption of robotic-assisted procedures has ushered in a new era of surgical precision and refinement. Through this congress, we aim to reflect on past achievements and challenges, while also sharing and exploring new technologies and methodologies that will shape the future of endoscopic surgery.

Japan is also a country rich in culture, tourism, and culinary delights. From Yokohama, you can easily visit Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and the hot springs of Atami. Even the historic city of Kyoto is just under two hours away by bullet train. We sincerely hope you will enjoy not only the congress but also your stay in Japan.

We look forward to welcoming you to Yokohama in early September, at the close of summer, for what promises to be a memorable and inspiring event.

Masafumi INOMATA
Congress Vice-President of WCES-JSES2026
Oita University Faculty of Medicine

It is a great honor to serve as Vice-President for the 39th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) and the 22nd World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (WCES 2026), to be held in September 2026 at PACIFICO Yokohama. I am committed to fully supporting, Professor Shigeki Yamaguchi, Congress President. I intend to draw upon my experience as Executive Secretary during the previous WCES held in Japan in 2008 (President Seigo Kitano), and I am determined to contribute to the success of this 3rd WCES hosted in Japan.

This congress is distinguished by its international scope, hosted by JSES and welcoming participants from IFSES member societies around the world-including surgeons, medical professionals, researchers, and industry representatives. Under the theme “Challenge and Growth: Pioneering New Horizons in Endoscopic Surgery,” I am confident that this congress will serve as a valuable opportunity to explore the future of endoscopic surgery together with our global colleagues.

I sincerely look forward to welcoming you all to Yokohama in September 2026.