I am Atsushi Irisawa, professor and chairman of the Department of Gastroenterology at Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine. I will serve as President of the 107th Congress of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society, held from May 30 (Thursday) to June 1 (Saturday), 2024, at the International Pamir, Shintakanawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo.

The theme of this congress is “Gastrointestinal endoscopy for opening the way to a new future. -inheritance, inspiration, and innovation-” based on the concept of “Learning from the Past” and “Continuity and Innovation,” which is also my motto. We want to hold a congress where we can discuss the future of gastrointestinal endoscopy while looking back at the development of gastrointestinal endoscopy that has been built up by our seniors and showing a new path for the next generation. We would also like to focus on “education” and have a wide-ranging discussion with the next generation, involving trainers and trainees.

At this congress, we are planning 43 sessions (symposiums, panel discussions, workshops, etc.) covering all areas related to gastrointestinal endoscopy and lectures by special guests, including overseas. Of these, 12 symposiums and eight lectures will be international sessions, and we are looking forward to an international flavor of this congress. In addition, as a challenging project for the next generation, we are planning to hold a case study session using a metaverse (a virtual space on the Internet) and a company exhibition using a metaverse.　Residents and medical students who will lead the next generation are also welcome to attend. We are sincerely looking forward to your participation.