It was a truly great innovation in the field of gastroenterology. Taishotoyama Symposiums contributed greatly to this era of sea-change. The Symposiums consisted of a wide-spectrum study groups covering gastrointestinal cancer, esophageal diseases, diseases of the small and large intestines as well as peptic

ulcers. The number of participants to the Symposiums also increased. At each Symposium, around seven to ten distinguished professionals are invited from overseas, and the Symposiums have GS1101 become internationally known as the forum for lectures, academic presentations and lively discussions. The magnitude of the schedule that we now see is impressive. The outcomes of these Symposiums were initially featured in the APT (Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics) and latterly in the JGH

(Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology)—they now form global information releases from Japan. Regrettably, this 15th Taishotoyama Symposium shall be the final one, and it has attracted major attention as an international Symposium in the overall medical field in Japan. Particularly, Japan ranks as a country that has made a highly significant contribution to gastroenterology. For young gastroenterologists, these Symposiums have been invaluable as a forum for discussion in English on a level with professionals from other countries. It is no exaggeration to state that it is these Symposiums that have now enabled them to proudly give presentations and hold discussions at the DDW conferences in the United States and Europe. Their presentations are also viewed as global cutting-edge in content, which alone is evidence of the major role the Symposiums have played in the field of selleck screening library gastroenterology. The good memories I have are truly too numerous to mention. The main

Symposiums I enjoyed were those held in a hotel in Shimoda, and also in Hakone and Yokohama. I also recall as if only yesterday the splendid Mirabegron meeting in Washington DC. The Taisho Night event was also wonderful. The tradition of these excellent Symposiums was inaugurated by Professor Tadayoshi Takemoto, Professor Kenzo Kobayashi, Professor Eastwood and Professor Tarnawski. The Symposiums have subsequently been organized by Professor Masaki Kitajima and myself, and run by several promoters and secretaries. We always had around 150 attendees at each Symposium in the past. The constructive discussions in English and subsequent friendly exchanges have resulted in the creation of many professors. It is very sad that this shall be the last Symposium, but the march of the times has made it unavoidable. I thank Akira Uehara, the Chairman, and Akira Ohira, the President, and the other members of Taishotoyama Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for making these Symposiums so successful and for your worldwide contribution to gastroenterology. Lastly, I wish to express my appreciation to Asatsu-DK Inc. for arranging to feature the Symposiums in excellent international journals. “
“Harrington et al.