Preface.

Abstract

Endoscopy Forum Japan (EFJ) has successfully played a key role in the development of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, in the spreading of these procedures and in the standardization of these new techniques. The first meeting of EFJ was held in 1999 at Kiroro. The EFJ Organizing Committee was chaired by Prof Masatsugu Nakajima in the first term (1999–2003), Prof Hisao Tajiri in the second term (2004–2008), Prof Kenjiro Yasuda in the third term (2009–2013), and I chaired in the fourth term (2014–2018). For 20 years, EFJ has been guided by three operational principles. The first is the internationalization of endoscopic medical care. The second is the standardization of endoscopic techniques. And the third is supporting the improvement and development of endoscopic equipment. We continually promote internationalization and standardization. And in the fourth term, we put emphasis on improving and developing endoscopic equipment. The last (20th) EFJ was held at Otaru. The meeting started at 7:50 a.m. with 44 Japanese endoscopists and six international endoscopists (Dr Shuo Zhang from China, Dr Mark Anthony De Lusong from the Philippines, Dr Stephen Tsao from Singapore, Dr Siew Chien Ng from Hong Kong, Dr Pradermchai Kongkam from Thailand and Dr Ho Dang Quy Dung from Vietnam). On the first day, three topic sessions were prepared. The topic sessions were ‘Management of adverse events related to endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal neoplasms’, ‘Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis-associated neoplasia’ and ‘Future perspective of interventional EUS’. All the topics were discussed actively after keynote lectures to reach outcomes and consensus. In the evening, the 20th Anniversary Ceremony of EFJ was held. We looked back at the 20-year history of EFJ by watching video clips from the old days. Two decades of experience have helped young endoscopists mature. A Rising Star session was held and three young endoscopists presented their dreams for the future. The second day featured discussions on innovative technology between endoscopists and engineers, which were aimed to improve current endoscopic diagnosis and treatments and to develop future new techniques. This year, we examined some new equipment and had hands-on experience with new machines. After the hands-on time, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages. We summarized the technology session after the discussions. These discussions should help us advance toward the future. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the members of the EFJ 2018 Organizing Committee, Dr Mitsuhiro Fujishiro (Secretary General of the Program Committee), Dr Ichiro Yasuda, Dr Noriya Uedo, Dr Shiro Oka, Dr Shomei Ryozawa, Dr Toshio Uraoka, Dr Yorimasa Yamamoto, Dr Masayuki Kitano and Dr Yutaka Saito, as well as all the participants, for the excellent presentations and active discussions. We appreciate the efforts of all members in taking time from their busy schedules to prepare manuscripts for this supplemental issue and for contributing to the high quality of the meeting and the supplement. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the Digestive Endoscopy Editorial Board for their support and the opportunity to publish the outcomes of EFJ2018 in this journal. I believe that, through passionate discussions and collaboration among the participants, EFJ brought major changes and further advances to the field of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, and provided valuable information to endoscopists worldwide. I hope this supplement will be a landmark for endoscopic examinations and will serve as a stepping stone for future research in the field of endoscopy. I believe that EFJ played a wonderful role in the history of digestive endoscopy. I very much appreciate your support and encouragement for these 20 wonderful years. With many thanks, The author declares no conflicts of interest for this article.