New year's greetings

Abstract

The year 2012 is not just another new year for the Japanese Urological Association (JUA); it is the centenary year or the 100th year since its foundation in 1912. In the year of 1912, the Meiji era came to an end in Japan. The era had started in 1868, with the drastic political reform of governance from the military Tokugawa Samurai family back to the traditional authority of the Japanese Emperor. At the same time, Japan opened its door to foreign countries, pursuing rapid modernization of the whole society. Modern medical science in Japan evolved in such a revolutionary atmosphere, leading to the foundation of JUA. During the first half of the JUA's history, urology was learnt in the department of dermatology in most medical schools in Japan. During the latter half, or since the end of World War II, urology has been recognized as a medical specialty separate from dermatology. Along with public recognition, the JUA has continued to grow steadily to attain a large scientific body now holding approximately 8000 members. During the evolutional process, JUA naturally wished for an English journal to deliver its own ideas and achievements to the world. The wish bore the International Journal of Urology (IJU) in 1994. The journal published almost 3000 distinguished articles of scientific excellence in urology in the following 18 years, attaining an impact factor of 1.46 as of 2011. In addition, the journal became the official journal of the Urological Association of Asia (UAA) last year. It is now established as one of the prestigious international journals in the field of urology and nephrology. We are receiving more and more submissions from outside of Japan, which includes not only the Asian area, but also North and South America and Europe. The journal welcomes submissions from researchers worldwide on clinical and experimental investigation related to urology. The online system as well as efficient editorial process has enabled a shorter latency for publication of papers. Special articles from Asian countries, Urology in Asia, have been featured since last year. This year we start a new category “Perspectives in Urology”, an invited article to deliver the perspective of specialists on urological issues. Special issues focusing on a topic of high interest are to be published. Other categories include original articles, case reports, reviews, guidelines, procedures, skills and pitfalls, and letters to the editor. Short communications are a subclass of original articles with less data, but significant implications. We charge no extra fee for publication of color figures. I hope the journal will grow, with an increasing number of submissions with high scientific quality from around the world. Last, but not least, I thank everyone contributing to the journal; authors, reviewers, the editorial team and publisher. Special thanks should be given to reviewers for the quick, fair, and thorough feedback to the authors and editorial team. Peer review is essential to ensure the scientific quality of scientific journals. I also appreciate the support from the International Advisory Board of distinguished members including those from our neighboring Asian countries. None declared.