It is our great honor to host the 55th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Neuroradiology. Together with Vice President Dr. Toshiaki Taoka, we are preparing this event to be intellectually meaningful and enjoyable for all participants.
Our theme, "Beyond the Mystical Barrier," embodies several layers of meaning.
First, it challenges us to transcend the conceptual boundaries we have built around ourselves—be they technological, scientific, or even psychological. In neuroimaging, we often rely on standardized sequences such as T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and FLAIR. While these allow comparability across institutions and scanners, they are but points in the vast universe of MRI possibilities. We encourage exploring new dimensions beyond these norms.
Second, the "Mystical Barrier" also refers to anatomical and physiological boundaries such as the blood-brain barrier, the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and others. Recent discoveries, such as the SLYM (subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane) as the "fourth meningeal layer," remind us that even the most basic anatomical knowledge is evolving. This underscores the ever-expanding potential of neuroradiological science.
Finally, we hope to break the barriers between people. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for face-to-face communication have decreased. However, it is often the spontaneous conversations—over coffee or dinner—that lead to groundbreaking ideas. This meeting will be a place to reconnect, share ideas, and foster new collaborations.
We look forward to welcoming you to Nagoya, a city with excellent accessibility and vibrant academic energy. Join us in expanding the future of neuroradiology.
Shinji Naganawa, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University