I am delighted to invite you all to the 26th Japanese-Korean Combined Orthopaedic Symposium (JKCOS), to be held from May 26 – May 27, 2016 at Kurashiki Ivy Square in Okayama, Japan. Back in 1997, our emeritus professor Hajime Inoue hosted this symposium here in Okayama. 19 years later, it is my great pleasure and honor to serve as a president of this mutually beneficial conference. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all the members for their ongoing dedication and contribution.

　　Okayama is situated in the mid-western region of Japan and faces Seto Inland Sea, known as “the Land of Sunshine.” Excellent weather, a mild climate and hardly any natural disasters make it ideal for growing the best kinds of fruit in Japan, such as peaches and grapes, as well as a popular destination for visitors. Okayama plays a key role as a transportation hub in the surrounding region. The Great Seto Bridge, called the Seto Ohashi, for instance, is the inclusive term for six consecutive bridges in the Seto Inland Sea, providing access between the main island and Shikoku island. Completed in 1988 after 10 years of construction, this architectural feat still holds the world record as the longest two-tier bridge, accommodating both cars and trains.

　　The conference venue, Kurashiki Ivy Square, is located in the heart of Kurashiki City, which is also home to a well-known historical area, Bikan District. One of many notable popular sightseeing spots in Okayama prefecture, Bikan District is a national preserved area which remains the townscape of most parts from Edo Period (1603-1867). Features such as beautifully kept warehouses, an old willow-edged canal and the Ohara Museum, Japan’s first museum of Western art, provide one with peaceful moments as well as an idea of what old Japan was like.

　　Since the 1990s, this two neighboring countries’ scientific symposium has been evolving in a remarkable way. Cooperation and friendship between Korean and Japanese orthopaedic surgeons are of great importance to not only Asia, but the world. Exchanging advanced science, I believe, enhances mutual knowledge and understanding, widens common ground, develops global cooperation and contributes to a prosperous future. I sincerely hope that JKCOS 2016 will continue to improve the relationship between our two countries. I am confident that you will find the conference informative and gratifying, and that you will have a wonderful stay in Japan.

　　On behalf of all the members of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Okayama University, I look forward to seeing you all at Kurashiki Ivy Square in Okayama.