Greetings

 
　　
It is a great honor for me to assume the position of President of the Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine. I would like to extend my sincere greetings to all members of the Society.

Our Society is unique in bringing together physicians from obstetrics, neonatology, pediatrics, pediatric surgery, anesthesiology, and many other specialties, together with nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals. United by a common mission, we support mothers, fetuses, and newborn infants through every stage of perinatal care.

As a neonatologist, I have devoted my career to caring for vulnerable newborns in the NICU. However, neonatal medicine does not begin at birth. A child's health depends on a continuum of care that starts before conception and extends through pregnancy, delivery, neonatal intensive care, nutrition, developmental support, and family care after discharge. Every stage is interconnected.

I believe the greatest strength of our Society lies in close collaboration across specialties and professions. By sharing expertise and working toward common goals, we can provide the highest standard of care for mothers and babies.

Japan faces major challenges, including a declining birth rate, increasing maternal age, more high-risk pregnancies, growing needs for long-term follow-up of preterm infants, and shortages of perinatal healthcare professionals. These challenges make it more important than ever to ensure that every baby receives the best possible start in life.

Our Society has a responsibility to improve the quality and safety of perinatal care, promote evidence-based practice, and contribute new scientific knowledge both nationally and internationally. We must also foster an environment in which young healthcare professionals are inspired to pursue careers in perinatal medicine and continue to develop their expertise.

During my presidency, I will focus on strengthening specialist training, expanding educational opportunities, encouraging greater participation of early-career members, and creating an inclusive environment where all healthcare professionals can contribute fully. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen our international collaborations and share Japan's experience with the global community.
Perinatal medicine has progressed beyond ensuring survival alone. Today, our goal is to support healthy growth and development, family-centered care, and seamless support from pregnancy through childhood, including developmental follow-up and care for families experiencing perinatal loss.

I hope our Society will continue to be a forum where members can exchange ideas openly and work together to advance perinatal medicine.

Every baby—whether born prematurely, with illness, or in good health—deserves the best possible start in life. I am committed to ensuring that our Society remains a leading force in achieving this goal, and I sincerely ask for your continued support and collaboration.