I am delighted to announce that the 14th International Symposium on Endoscopic Ultrasonography will be held on November 12-13, 2004, in Japan at Tokyo Big Sight. As Chairman of this important scientific meeting, I am pleased to host this symposium in Japan. The International EUS meeting is held once every two years with rotating locations in Europe, the United States and Asia. A quarter century will have passed since the development of the first model of the ultrasound endoscope. During these years, endoscopic ultrasound systems have been improved, and clinical applications of the endoscopes have been widely accepted. In addition, new systems such as ultrasound thin probe and a convex model of the ultrasound endoscope have been developed, increasing the clinical indication while recognizing its significance.  This symposium was started in 1982 in Stockholm, Sweden to discuss and evaluate the clinical uses of EUS. Our early visions have now become realities. Over the past 20 years of this meeting, technological advances and global physician input has been invaluable in increasing the scope and application of EUS. As these procedures have become more mainstreamed, it is apparent that gathering for education, discussion and standardization of EUS is necessary and must continue. EUS 2004 is designed for participants at all levels of EUS experience. We are preparing the sessions to discuss and recognize the present status of EUS which will be reported by experts from around the world. We will also offer an important session on interventional EUS with FNA (fine needle aspiration) techniques as well as the inclusion of Free Paper sessions. You are invited to submit Scientific Abstracts electronically via our website at www.EUS2004.org. The most well designed, interesting and/or innovative papers will be selected for oral presentation during the plenary session. One of the most attractive and interesting sessions will depict new technologies and instruments. Future aspects of EUS study will be discussed under the symbol and key note of EUS 2004, Focus on the Future. I hope you will be able to participate in EUS 2004 in Daiba, Tokyo. It is a unique opportunity to meet experts from all over the world as you are introduced to the latest technology and instruments in the field. Kenjiro Yasuda  Chairman