I am Takanori Goi of the First Department of Surgery at the University of Fukui, and I am honored to serve as President of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery Meeting at JDDW 2027. It is a great privilege for our university to host the meeting for the first time in 15 years, since Professor Akio Yamaguchi served in this role at JDDW 2012.

Gastrointestinal surgery is now at a major turning point. While the shortage of surgeons is becoming increasingly serious, improved evaluation and incentive systems for highly complex procedures are bringing renewed recognition to the expertise and vital societal role of gastrointestinal surgeons.

As robot-assisted surgery continues to expand, we must further enhance safety and precision across all approaches, including laparoscopic and open surgery. Further progress is also needed in multidisciplinary treatment integrating surgery with systemic therapy.

At JDDW 2027 in Kobe, we aim to bring together participants from Japan and abroad - from young professionals to leaders in the field - and create a forum for vigorous discussion bridging clinical practice and research.

Our entire department is preparing wholeheartedly to welcome you. In October 2027, let us set the future of gastrointestinal surgery in motion from Kobe and open a new era together.

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