MESSAGE
Welcome to the Crossroads of Knowledge, Forging the Future.
It is our distinct honor to welcome the world's leading minds in equine science to Tokyo, a city where vibrant energy and rich tradition converge. On behalf of the organizers, I extend my heartfelt welcome to all participants of the 12th International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology (ICEEP 12).
Held once every four years, ICEEP is the premier academic conference in equine exercise science, bringing together the world's top researchers. A quarter of a century has passed since we co-hosted the 5th conference in Utsunomiya in 1998. This long-standing, deep, and unwavering bond with ICEEP is a source of great pride for us.
The hosting of this conference in Japan has been made possible through a strong partnership between the Japanese Society of Equine Science (JSES), a leader in the pursuit of knowledge in equine science in Japan, and the Japan Racing Association (JRA), which spearheads the development of the horse racing industry and its contribution to society.
With the remarkable success of Japanese horses in international races in recent years and the thrilling competitions of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games still fresh in our memories, Japanese horsemanship and science are now under a brighter spotlight than ever before. It is our greatest pleasure to meet all of you in Tokyo at this opportune moment.
We are confident that this conference will be more than just a forum for research presentations; it will become a "crossroads of knowledge" where new ideas intersect, and a "catalyst" for creating international collaborations that will shape the future. Furthermore, it is our sincere hope that it will serve as a springboard for the next generation of young researchers to make remarkable leaps forward.
We look forward to your active discussions opening new horizons in equine science. In addition, in the moments between satisfying your intellectual curiosity, we hope you will experience the profound charm this city of Tokyo has to offer and create unforgettable memories.
We sincerely wish you all a fruitful and stimulating conference.
Sammy Aoki, DVM Ph.D.: President of Japanese Society of Equine Science
Chair of National Committee of ICEEP 12
