Dear Colleagues

　On behalf of the Scientific Advisory and Organizing Committee, it is our greatest pleasure to invite you to the 53rd Annual Meeting of Japan Epilepsy Society (JES2019) from 31st October (Thursday) to 2nd November (Saturday), 2019 at the Kobe International Conference Center and adjacent Kobe Portopia Hotel . This congress has been organized by the Japan Epilepsy Society under the endorsement of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILA E).

　We advocate the theme of this congress as “Yorisou Tenkan Iryo –No One Alone”. This theme represents the epilepsy care which cuddles with every ones who are involved in epilepsy. And also the subtitle “No One Alone” is quoted from the famous book by Wilder Penfield entitled “No Man Alone: A Surgeons Life”.

　Scientific programs are allocated to make the congress a platform for exchanging ideas and cutting-edge knowledge from the result of the most recent research and clinical activities. We acknowledge distinguished guests who have accepted our invitation to contribute this congress including Prof. Samuel Wiebe (President, ILAE), Prof. Martin Brodie (President, IBE), Prof. Helen Cross (ILAE) and Prof. François Dubeau (MNI). We also thank to have received 411 submissions of free papers, second largest number in annual meetings. The Scientific Advisory and Organizing Committee with collaboration of JES Committees are currently in the process of finalizing the scientific programs which will be of great interest to all. The program detail will be appear soon on the website.

　Kobe is the cosmopolitan port city rich in nature commands a view of the calm blue Seto Inland Sea against a breathtaking Rokko Mountain range. For the visitors, Kobe offers many attractions including the city night view, cruising, and Arima Onsen, a historic hot spring. Kobe is also famous for its fine and diverse food culture, such as the world-famous Kobe Beef, Nada Sake (Japanese wine), and beautiful confectioneries.

　We will ensure that the scientific program appeals to each and every one of us for whom the understanding and management of epilepsy plays such an important role. We do also hope that the congress will represent an opportunity for you to explore this remarkable city and “Cool Japan”,

　We are looking forward very much to seeing you in Kobe and to your participation!

Amami Kato, MD, PhD
Chair of 53rd Annual Meeting of the Japan Epilepsy Society,
Professor and Chairman,
Department of Neurosurgery,
Kindai University Faculty of Medicine

Toshisaburo Nagai, MD, PhD
Vice-Chair of 53rd Annual Meeting of the Japan Epilepsy Society
Professor,
Department of Education,
St. Andrew’s University of Education

Haruhiko Kishima, MD, PhD
Vice-Chair of 53rd Annual Meeting of the Japan Epilepsy Society,
Professor and Chairman,
Department of Neurosurgery,
Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine