We are very pleased that we will be hosting ISNI 2025 in Japan next October. After COVID-19, our daily life as well as academic activities changed drastically: to prevent spreading of infection, virtual meetings have tended to be preferred so we lost many opportunities for building connections and scientific discourse through social interactions with wine and feasting. However, the trend has now clearly changed. In Japan, we are now seeing many more tourists than before COVID-19, and station platforms of the Shinkansen bullet train are crowded with foreign tourists. This seems to be like a rebound phenomenon after withdrawal of immunosuppressive treatments!

Historically, Japan was first “discovered” by the West in 1543, with the Portuguese bringing new technology to Japan, such as matchlock guns which greatly changed the form of war and fighting strategies. Now I feel that Japan is being rediscovered by tourists with great enthusiasm and joy. I am not working for a travel agency, but as if I am, I like to send you a message “We very much look forward to seeing you in ISNI 2025, Chiba”

Please visit Japan to attend the world-neuroimmunology event, and bring together new knowledge, ideas and academic weapons.