Welcome Message from the Chairperson

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is my great pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the 68th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists (JSPP).

The Annual Meeting stands as a cornerstone of our society’s activities, alongside the publication of our flagship journal, Plant and Cell Physiology (PCP). While many academic societies hold annual conferences, the JSPP meeting is unique in its remarkably high member participation rate. In fact, for many of us, attending this meeting is the very highlight of belonging to the society.

What drives this incredible enthusiasm? The answer is simple: it is genuinely enjoyable! This sense of enjoyment stems from meaningful interactions with colleagues, the sparking of intellectual curiosity, and the acquisition of new knowledge. These annual meetings are undoubtedly the primary engine behind the world-class achievements of the plant sciences community in Japan. As we organize the 68th Annual Meeting, our foremost mission is to uphold and carry forward this esteemed tradition. While I feel the weight of this responsibility, I am highly optimistic. I am confident that as long as our members participate with passion and engage in vibrant discussions, the meeting will naturally be a resounding success.

Returning to Kyoto after 15 Years

This marks the first time in 15 years that the meeting will be held in Kyoto, since the 53rd Annual Meeting in 2012, which was chaired by Professor Akira Nagatani at Kyoto Sangyo University. This time, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Professor Tsuyoshi Furumoto of the Faculty of Agriculture at Ryukoku University, we are pleased to convene at Ryukoku University’s Fukakusa Campus.

Although the Faculty of Agriculture is located at the Seta Campus in Shiga Prefecture, we have been graciously granted the use of the Fukakusa Campus in the historical Fushimi district of southern Kyoto. Today, the area is famous for the iconic gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine—a major global destination—and its traditional sake breweries. It is a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood that appeals to all generations and nationalities. Furthermore, the Fukakusa Campus is highly accessible from Kyoto Station (via the JR Nara Line or Karasuma Subway Line) and from downtown areas like Sanjo and Gion (via the Keihan Railways).

Venue, Layout, and Internationalization

The Fukakusa Campus offers exceptional facilities, including numerous large lecture halls and excellent cafeterias, allowing us to comfortably accommodate a large number of participants. The meeting will take place across two adjacent buildings, featuring:

• Symposia
• Oral and poster presentations
• Award ceremonies and lectures
• Luncheon Seminars
• High school student poster sessions

The banquet will be held at a hotel in central Kyoto, easily accessible by train from the campus.

The meeting will be held from March 6–8, 2027. Due to the university’s academic calendar, these dates are slightly earlier than usual. While we appreciate your understanding regarding this shift, we hope it offers practical advantages, such as making it easier for graduating students to participate before the new fiscal year begins in April.

While we are excited for a primarily in-person experience, we will also adopt a hybrid format, allowing members who cannot travel to join us online. However, regarding poster presentations, we will not adopt advance uploading and online publication, as they would restrict the poster preparation period and leave unresolved concerns regarding data confidentiality. Therefore, poster presentations are scheduled to be held on-site only.

In line with JSPP's internationalization policy, symposia will be conducted in English, and we encourage English for all presentation materials. Notably, as has been the case since the Kobe meeting, members of the Taiwan Society of Plant Biologists (TSPB) and the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) will be granted the same privileges as members of the Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists (JSPP). This will allow them to participate and present at the meeting at member rates. As Ryukoku University is a Buddhist institution with a global outlook, the campus is equipped with facilities such as Muslim prayer rooms. We aim to host an inclusive meeting that is welcoming and fulfilling for international students and researchers alike. We warmly encourage Japanese members to invite their colleagues from abroad.

Accommodation Note: As the meeting does not coincide with the peak cherry blossom season, accommodation should be relatively easier to find. However, since Kyoto remains a premier global tourist destination year-round, we strongly recommend booking your accommodations as early as possible.

See You in Kyoto!

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the members of the Annual Meeting Committee—especially those from Ryukoku University, who bear a significant logistical burden. On behalf of the committee, I sincerely hope that many of you, from senior scientists to enthusiastic graduate students, will join us in Kyoto to share your passion and enjoy this wonderful event.

Hona, okoshiyasu to the JSPP meeting! Kitemiyoshi to the JSPP meeting!
(A warm, Kyoto-style welcome to you all—we look forward to seeing you there!)