We acknowledge the constraints and pressure the medical field experts experience due to the continuing fluctuations in COVID-19 infection rates.

　For this reason, we have an announcement pertaining to the meeting format of the 85th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Circulation Society, scheduled to take place on March 26-28, 2021. As you all know, due to the influence of COVID-19 that suddenly broke out at the beginning of 2020, we had to carefully consider the ways to safely go forward with the meeting including possible counter-corona measures. As a result, the Secretariat has decided for the first time to change the format of the 85th Annual Scientific Meeting to hybrid (partially online, partially onsite). By taking the best of both worlds and combining discussion sessions at the actual venue, Pacifico Yokohama with lecture sessions streamed online, we hope this meeting will strive in its new form.

　In these difficult times, we at the Secretariat are doing our best to prepare for the meeting and lead it to new heights, thus we sincerely hope for your understanding and cooperation.