It is my great honor to serve as the organizing committee chair for the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthodontic Society, Japan’s leading association of orthodontists. At the same time, I feel the tremendous weight of responsibility for the historic meeting, especially considering that the Department of Maxillofacial Orthognathics at Tokyo Medical and Dental University will be organizing the meeting for the first time in its history. Our team is committed to delivering a successful event by making our utmost efforts and overcoming the kinds of challenges facing the novice organizer. We would appreciate your support and understanding.

The 83rd meeting will take place from October 29 to 31, 2024, at PACIFICO Yokohama, under the theme of “Aiming for harmony in form and function through orthodontic treatment.”

Orthodontics constitutes a field of clinical dentistry engaged in the development, maintenance, and recovery of oral form and function related to mastication, deglutition, respiration, articulation, and others that are essential to basic human activities. I hope that this meeting will facilitate the effective utilization of the knowledge of many members in service of the progress of clinical orthodontics, with a view to meeting public expectations for holistic health promotion based on oral care.

We are preparing to provide substantial programs, inviting a number of prominent researchers from inside and outside of Japan. Invited lecturers from abroad will be Dr. James A. McNamara (USA), Dr. David Rice (Finland), Dr. Greg J. Huang (USA), Dr. Flavia Artese (Brazil), Dr. Ute Schneider-Moser (Italy), and Dr. Won Moon (South Korea). For the educational lecture, we will have Dr. Hiroshi Egusa (Tohoku University). Other programs planned include a symposium, clinical seminar, and staff and doctor seminar. In addition, we will host the open symposium sponsored by the Science Council of Japan. It will be held online for public view under the title of “Female Scientists Unlock a New Future and Dentistry Opens up a New Possibility.”

Yokohama is a major port city known for its international townscape and exotic atmosphere. The city also boasts many famous tourist spots, such as Japan’s largest Chinatown, Yamashita Park, and Minatomirai, the futuristic waterfront area that draws countless visitors keen to enjoy the beautiful night view.

I look forward to seeing you at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthodontic Society.