January 24th, 2026

The Japanese Society for Photomedicine and Photobiology
Chief director, Daisuke Tsuruta

My name is Daisuke Tsuruta, who has been appointed as the new President of the Japanese Society for Photomedicine and Photobiology, succeeding former President Professor Tadami Shimizu. I will shoulder this significant responsibility. I intend to carry forward the long history and traditions of this society and dedicate myself to its development, however modest my contribution may be.
This Society was founded in 1978 by Professor Nobuyuki Mizuno of the Department of Dermatology at Nagoya City University as the Photomedicine and Photobiology Research Group. It has evolved into a forum where researchers from diverse fields related to "light" gather to deepen mutual discussions from an interdisciplinary perspective. It is a source of pride for this society that new ideas and innovative research have emerged from exchanges that transcend disciplinary boundaries, encompassing medicine, biology, chemistry, engineering, pharmacy, physics, and more.
My own research in photomedicine has been a journey exploring the potential of light-based diagnostic, therapeutic, and visualization techniques from the perspective of dermatology. Notably, from our department, fundamental and clinical research on photodynamic therapy for skin infections, studies analyzing hemidesmosome dynamics using live cell imaging with GFP technology, and the elucidation of the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid also using GFP have demonstrated how optical technology provides new perspectives for understanding life phenomena and diseases. Through these experiences, we have strongly realized that photomedicine and photobiology are critically important interdisciplinary fields bridging basic science and clinical practice.
The greatest strength of this society lies in its free and open academic exchange that transcends single disciplines. The academic conference is a valuable venue where young researchers present novel ideas and gain inspiration from diverse perspectives, making it extremely important from a talent development standpoint. We aspire for this society to support the development of researchers and clinicians who will lead the next generation and to produce research outcomes that can be returned to society.
Furthermore, the integration of knowledge across disciplines is essential for building a sustainable society and for innovation in medicine and life sciences. We hope this society will serve as a hub connecting researchers, engineers, and clinicians, creating new contributions to medicine, industry, and society based on optical science.
With the support of our Vice President, Directors, Executive Officers, Council Members, various committee members, and all our members, I am committed to dedicating my utmost efforts to the further development of this society. I sincerely request your continued guidance and encouragement.