Yoshikazu IKUTA, MD Congress President, 5th APFSSH President, JSSH With the SARS epidemic that raged many countries in Asia and effecting the hosting of the 5th Congress of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand, it has been decided to hold the meeting on November 12th to the 15th, 2004, almost a year postponed from the first schedule. Knowing that postponing an International Meeting will cause influences in many ways, we asked Prof. Michael Tonkin, President of APFSSH, delegates of each contry and the board of directors of JSSH for their opinions on postponing the meeting and discussions were held. After careful consideration, this new date had been decided. We cannot tell whether or not the SARS epidemic will spread again in November 2004. At present, we are sure that our decision of postponing the meeting was correct rather than holding the meeting in 2003. It would have caused many worries and afflictions with the members who could not attend although wanting to. One thing that will support our decision on postponing the meeting to 2004 is with having many participants.　There will not be many changes with the Site and the planned Main Topics and the Free Papers already submitted will be held for consideration of presentation. With the deadline for submission being May 10, 2004, we would like to have new papers submitted from many doctors interpreting that the preparation time has been made long. Osaka is well known to the Japanese as the liveliest town. It is a fascinating town with different culture and tradition compared to the capital Tokyo. This is because before the capital was moved to Tokyo, Osaka was the center of Japan's government and culture along with Kyoto. The recent opening of Kansai International Airport has made Osaka the international gate and is now the most convenient city to reach from overseas than any other city in Japan. Traveling west from Osaka will make your trip a memorable one with the autumnal beauty it offers. We not only invite all of you but your family and are looking forward to seeing you in Osaka in the autumn of 2004. Michael A. TONKIN, MD President, APFSSH The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand will host the 5th APFSSH Meeting in the ancient old capital city of Osaka from November 12 to 15, 2004. This meeting provides an opportunity for all member societies to visit the beautiful and historic Kansai region which incorporates the cities of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto. We will have the chance to visit the impressive Osaka Castle and I would encourage all to spend a little time before or after the meeting in Kyoto where the richness of Japanese culture, its Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines, its Geisha district and Kyoto style cuisine will complement the many attractions of the conference venue in Osaka. Osaka has prospered as Japan's oldest city, its capital in the mid 7th century, its development as a temple town and its growth into a modern industrial city which maintains its historical sites and the traditional culture of Japanese theatre - Bunraku (traditional marionette theatre), Bugaku and Kabuki, which represents the foundation of the modern Japanese play. Osaka also houses the first Asian version of Universal Studios which was opened in 2001. Our APFSSH meetings have grown in sophistication since the inaugural meeting in Perth in 1997 with successful meetings in Singapore, Chenai and Seoul. The Japanese Society promises an exciting Scientific programme of a standard equivalent to any available, for both the experienced hand surgeon and the trainee. Our hosts will provide us with the gentle elegance of Japanese traditions and culture in combination with the organisational precision for which they are known. Our Federation combines peoples from countries of diverse background. It is our strength. I invite and encourage all to make every effort to join us in Osaka to share our scientific thoughts and to continue the development of our very successful Federation. I look forward to seeing you in Japan in November, 2004.. 　 　 Moroe BEPPU, MD Chairman, Organizing Committee, 5th APFSSH Secretary General, APFSSH Dear Colleagues: It was with great regret that we had to postpone The 5th Congress of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand from November 2003 to November 2004. Of course, in light of the SARS epidemic in Asia we believed it necessary to be as cautions as possible. Now that the SARS epidemic is no longer a major concern we are happy to once again be able to schedule The 5th Congress for November 12th to 15th, 2004 in Osaka, Japan We still plan to combine the tradition and beauty of Osaka, and the latest in technology and techniques in the field of hand surgery. Osaka, the original capital of Japan, is a perfect place to blend traditions and technology. The Kansai International Airport will make your trip to Japan convenient as it is only one hour from the center of the city. In addition, Universal Studios is a possible stop for you and your family during your stay in Osaka The Congress Banquet will be held at Taiko-en, which encompasses Baron Fujita's "Yodogawa-tei" built 90 years ago in the traditional Japanese style all in the midst of more than 5 acres of magnificent Japanese gardens. This will be a Congress Banquet eveyone will remember for many years to come. Osaka is also well-known for its night life and famous for its food lovers. Whether you decide to come alone or travel with your family, we are sure that Osaka will have something to offer all of you. See you in Osaka in 2004!