Dear colleagues:

　On behalf of the International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) and the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society (JPS), as well as Congress Organizing Committee co-chairs Prof. Manabu Ikeda (Secretary General) and Prof. Hiroaki Kazui (the Chair of the JPS Meeting), I am excited to welcome you to the Joint Congress of the Regional IPA/JPS Meeting and the 36th JPS Annual Meeting in Kyoto, scheduled to be held on September 16-18, 2021.
　In line with its theme, Smart Aging with MATES (Medicine, Arts, Technology, Engineering, and Science in COVID-19 pandemic), the Congress intends to explore and envision an ideal and reasonable state of care for people with dementia and other old age-related mental disorders, with world-renowned professionals to share their knowledge and expertise in workshops, plenaries, symposia, free/oral communication, posters, etc. The Scientific Committee, under the leadership of co-chairs Prof. Masahiro Shigeta and Prof. Masaru Mimura, is in the process of developing a strong and interdisciplinary scientific program.
　The city of Kyoto, needless to say, is the most beautiful, attractive, and historical place in Japan. The month of September is pleasant and one of the best times to visit Japan. I am sure that all of the attendees will experience the spirit of Japan.
　I look forward to meeting you at the many educational and networking events to be held throughout the Regional IPA/JPS Meeting, scheduled for September 16-18, 2021.

Best regards,

Heii Arai M.D., Ph.D.
Chair of Regional IPA/JPS Meeting
ALZCLINIC TOKYO