I have studied here as a member for 36 years since joining this Society in 1972, so it is not an exaggeration to say that I have been raised by this Society.

The Japan Society of Coloproctology was approved in December 2006 to establish itself as the Japan Society of Coloproctology (Limited Liability Intermediary Corporation), and at the same time advertising coloproctologists was also approved. Also, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reviewed medical departments that could be advertised, under the pretext of promoting easier understanding for national citizens and submitted ideas to simplify them, at the end of last year. In the first idea, many departments that can be advertised were eliminated. Proctology was also included in the departments that are to be eliminated, but this Society and many other related societies presented strong objections and this idea was withdrawn. In addition, it was decided that the intermediary corporation would be changed to a general aggregate corporation in December 2008. As such, the environment surrounding the Society is getting increasingly severe. Out of gratitude to the Society, which has served me greatly, I will do my best with heartfelt sincerity to outride this rapidly changing age together with other doctors who serve as members of the board of directors.