Chairman’s Greeting

The 58th Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress & Expo is to be held in Hokkaido. Unlike previous years, the 8th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress (APOTC), gathering occupational therapists from Asian countries, will be held at the same venue immediately before this Congress. Thus, APOTC participants will be able to participate in the Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress & Expo to make it a forum of international exchange for both Japanese occupational therapists and their colleagues from Asia and provide an opportunity to disseminate information about Japan’s healthcare features and initiatives in occupational therapy.
Presently, healthcare in Japan is faced with a number of issues, such as the declining birthrate and aging society, as well as sustainability undermined by lack of funding for medical and welfare services. In this context, the healthcare system is reviewed with various keywords in mind, including “regions,” “self-help and public help,” “streamlining,” “prevention,” “automation,” and “AI utilization.” Occupational therapists involved in this discussion as professionals are expected to provide valid medical technologies based on their expertise and, at the same time, support local activities and participation in collaboration with specialists from various fields. It is particularly important to support continuous activities underlying daily living, and to reach out to both individuals and local communities.
The 58th Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress & Expo is themed “Seeking knowledge, technology, and environment to maximize the effects of occupational therapy.” I would like this Congress to sum up the knowledge and techniques accumulated over more than half a century, and to encourage the members to think about the proper directions in which Japan’s occupational therapy should move.
Despite the warming trend, the late autumn in Hokkaido may feel chilly to participants from other regions. As autumn turns to winter in Hokkaido, first snow may fall, and the temperature may drop below freezing in some areas, but it is also a season when local foods like capelin, king crab, and salmon taste especially good. After participating in lively discussions and obtaining information at the Congress, please fully enjoy Hokkaido and deepen exchanges with other members. We look forward to your participation in the Congress.