In 2026, the Japanese Orthodontic Society will mark its 100th anniversary since its establishment in 1926. Celebrating this historic milestone, we will hold “The 85th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthodontic Society and the 6th International Conference, Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of its Foundation” on a grand scale under the theme of “A Century of Sparkle, Fly High to the Future.” This special meeting will take place from October 13 (Tue.) to 16 (Fri.), 2026 at PACIFICO Yokohama (National Convention Hall, Conference Center, Exhibition Hall, etc.).

It is my great honor to have been appointed Chairperson of this commemorative event and I am fully committed to the task.

Back in 1926, the Japanese Orthodontic Society was launched in Tokyo by only a small number of highly motivated and ambitious orthodontic researchers, and it has since achieved steady progress with the remarkable development of healthcare and academic research. Today, it has become Japan’s largest dental professional society with a membership of about 7,300. The Society’s proud 100-year history was created with our predecessors’ dedicated efforts and commitment to and deep passion for orthodontic care, the traditions of which have been passed down to today.

Reaching this significant milestone, the 100th anniversary of the Society’s founding, we would like to look back over its 100-year history, reflect on the development of orthodontic care today that has been achieved through the Society’s long history, and paint a vision of the future, together with you all, with an eye toward the next 100 years. The term “Sparkle” in the theme represents our respect for the fact that the traditions cultivated by the Japanese Orthodontic Society throughout its history—including research results, educational development, clinical contribution, and deeper international exchanges—still continue to shine. The term “Fly High” describes the orthodontic community powerfully flying high into the future with its shining traditions as a new driving force.

In this special annual meeting, we are planning to hold various programs, ranging from a commemorative special lecture that will provide a glimpse of the Society’s 100-year history, to special lectures devoted to cutting-edge research and clinical practice by prominent researchers from Japan and abroad, a lecture on education, an invited lecture on the future of orthodontic treatment, and a symposium. We are also working on projects marking the 100th anniversary, such as those focusing on clinical topics as well as research, and reporting on the results of research for the 100th anniversary. In addition, we are preparing attractive events in collaboration with academia, clinicians, and the corporate sector, including an open symposium given by the Science Council of Japan, a forum by the Japanese Orthodontic Society, a staff-and-doctor seminar, presentations by companies, and an exhibition by trading companies.

I believe that this annual meeting will serve as an excellent opportunity to celebrate the Japanese Orthodontic Society’s 100th anniversary and share our vision for flying high toward the next 100 years. We sincerely look forward to the participation of many people.