President

I am honored to have been appointed as the President of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research (JSSR) starting in April 2024. As I assume this role, I would like to share my aspirations regarding the management of JSSR.

Our society originated in 1974 as the Society for Research on Spine Surgery, with Professor Torai Iwahara of Keio University hosting the first general meeting in April of that year. It evolved into the Japan Spine Research Society in 1990, with Professor Toshinobu Onomura of Osaka Medical University hosting the 19th annual meeting. In 2000, Dr. Kiyoshi Hirabayashi became the first president. Subsequently, in 2001, it transitioned to the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research, with Professor Hiroshi Yamamoto of Kochi Medical University presiding over the 30th annual meeting. In 2010, the society was incorporated as a general incorporated association. Being nominated as the president of this prestigious society, which has been built by the dedicated efforts of many esteemed colleagues, is an immense honor and a profound responsibility.

The purpose of the JSSR is to promote basic and clinical research on spine and spinal cord diseases, to facilitate the presentation and exchange of research findings among members through annual meetings, and ultimately to contribute to the maintenance and improvement of human health. As Japan faces a super-aging society, extending healthy life expectancy is a pressing issue. I firmly believe that the role of our society, particularly in addressing spine and spinal cord diseases, will become increasingly significant.

Regarding the future management of the JSSR, I intend to uphold the policies advanced by past presidents. Our action plan includes: 1) ensuring our society's continued stable growth, 2) building evidence for the safe and secure treatment of spine and spinal cord diseases, 3) nurturing the next generation of professionals, and 4) strengthening collaboration with international related societies in pursuit of globalization. To accomplish these goals, we will establish 23 committees and 11 working groups. These will be led by responsible directors and chairpersons, whose active discussions will be crucially reflected in the management of the JSSR.

The social environment surrounding medical care is rapidly changing, presenting numerous challenges that the JSSR must address. To overcome these challenges, we aim to move forward step by step, together with our members, under the motto "Passion, Vision, Action."

I sincerely appreciate your continued support and cooperation.

Vice President

Katsushi Takeshita(Department of Orthopaedics, Jichi Medical University)

I will do my best for JSSR as the vice president and the director of Training and Development Committee and Spinal Cord Monitoring Committee.

Executive Director

Tokumi Kanemura, MD, PhD (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital)

I have been appointed as Executive Director. I am in charge of the operation of the registry. Establishing real-world data on spinal disease in Japan is an important project that will shape the future of our society and its members. As Executive Director, I will strive to further develop not only the registry but also the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research.

Hideki Nagashima, MD, PhD (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University)

I have been appointed as the Director of the Rules Committee and the Historian Committee. The primary task of the Historian Committee will be to edit the 50th Anniversary book, scheduled for publication in 2025. Additionally, this committee will collect and preserve the Society's historical materials.

Managing Director

Masahiko Watanabe（Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine）

I will be in charge of general affairs. I hope to support the academic activities of all members of the society, and ultimately lead to progress that will ease the burden on patients suffering from spine and spinal cord diseases.

Hiroshi Yamada (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,Wakayama Medical University)

I will do my best for JSSR as a director of managing, the finance and the new technology evaluation and verification committee of spinal endoscopic surgery.

Director

Toshimi Aizawa, MD, PhD. (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine)

Japanese Medical Specialty Board will start a new board certified doctor system for spine and spinal cord disorders in 2025. During this time of transition, we will do our best to ensure that our members are not confused.

Yasuo Ito, MD, PhD (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Kobe Hospital)

I have been appointed as the director of the Diagnosis Evaluation and Standard Committee. I will do my best for the further development of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research.

Shiro Imagama, MD, PhD (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine)

I will serve as the director of the international affairs of JSSR. I am happy to make any efforts to bridge JSSR and other international organizations.

Yoshiharu Kawaguchi (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toyama)

I am appointed as a responsible chairman for Journal of Spine Research (JSR), which is the official journal of JSSR. I am also Editor-in-Chief of Spine Surgery and Related Research (SSRR), which is the official English journal of JSSR. I will support Director Masaya Nakamura and try to do my best for all the members of JSSR.

Masao Koda (Department of Orthopedic Surgery,University of Tsukuba)

I am honored to have been appointed as an Executive Board Member of the Editorial Committee for the journal SSRR. I am committed to dedicating my utmost efforts to elevate SSRR to an even higher level as an international journal.
I am honored to have been appointed as an Executive Board Member of the Terminology Committee. Updating the glossary is a crucial task that forms the foundation of spinal and spinal cord medicine, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility. I look forward to your guidance and support.

Kota Suda (Hokkaido Spinal Cord Injury Center)

I have been appointed as the responsible director for the Safety Medical Promotion Committee.
I will do my best to contribute to JSSR and its members through safety measures in spinal surgery.

Hiroshi Takahashi (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine)

I am appointed as a managing director of Ethics Committee. Ethical review is the important missions of the society. I will do my best to contribute to the development of JSSR.

Katsumi Harimaya MD, PhD (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital)

As a director of the Membership and Compliance Committee, I would like to do my best to contribute to the development of the Society.

Yasushi Fujiwara , MD, PhD (Orthopaedics and Microscopic Spine and Spial Cord Surgery Center, Hiroshima City North Medical Center Asa Citizens Hospital)

I have been appointed as the director of the Public Relations Committee. Our committee will do its best to provide information about JSSR and spine and spinal cord diseases both domestically and internationally.

Naobumi Hosogane MD, PhD (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyorin University)

As a director of New Technology Evaluation and Verification Committee and Social Insurance and System Review Committee, I will do my best to facilitate the introduction and evaluation of the new spinal technologies.

Naohisa Miyakoshi, MD, PhD (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine)

I am in charge of the COI Committee. I will do my best to further develop the traditional JSSR. Thank you for your support.

Toshitaka Yoshii (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University)

I am assigned to the project committee. I will dedicate myself to further advancement of JSSR.

Auditor Director

Motoki Iwasaki MD (Osaka Rosai Hospital)

As an audit and board member of JSSR, I will do my best to contribute to the health of the people.

Takeshi Maeda (Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety, Spinal Injuries Center)

AS an auditor, I am committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research.