Although I was appointed as president of the 45^th Annual Meeting 3 years ago, we were forced to cancel the meeting due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. I am very grateful to the Society and the members for re-electing me as president in 2023.

In the world today, there is no clear end to the pandemic in sight due to the emergence of vaccine-resistant viruses, while the international geopolitical situation remains tense. Nevertheless, we will hold the meeting in a hybrid style, from May 26 (Fri.) to May 28 (Sun.). I have chosen the same theme as that for the 45^th Annual Meeting: “Breakthrough of myeloma treatment from new perspectives of pathophysiology.”

During the last three years remarkable progress has been made in myeloma therapy such as the combination of newly developed drugs and immune cell therapy, which are shifting from the bench to real-world clinical practice. To overcome the problems in conducting these novel therapies, we propose a new approach from the viewpoints of cell biology, genomic analysis and immunological intervention. I have also heard that a new guideline and therapy guide are being drawn up. At the meeting, we would like to share the latest information on myeloma management and discuss optimum therapies. We would also like to propose novel biomarkers and drug development.

I cordially welcome specialists in hematology as well as many others who are involved in myeloma therapy including young physicians, researchers, pharmacists, nurses, other medical staffs, industry workers and postgraduates. I look forward to seeing many of you soon in Tokyo.