I am Eiichi Morii, and I have been appointed as the President of the Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology (JSCC) for the 2025–2026 term. On the occasion of assuming this role, I would like to extend my sincere greetings to all members.
Since my student days, I had the opportunity to spend time in the Department of Pathology, where I gained experience in cytological and pathological diagnosis as well as autopsy. Thanks to this early exposure, I proceeded directly to graduate studies in pathology after medical school, where I have conducted research on cell differentiation, tumor heterogeneity, and mechanisms of therapeutic resistance—always with the fundamental question in mind: why must a cell take on a certain form or function? Throughout this journey, I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of cytology, a minimally invasive diagnostic tool critical for determining treatment strategies. I have learned that accurate and timely cytological diagnosis is only possible through close collaboration between cytotechnologists and physicians across disciplines. I owe much to my mentors, colleagues, and juniors, from whom I have learned not only about cytology but also about how to help guide our society.
Our society became a Public Interest Incorporated Association in 2013, a milestone that affirmed our responsibility to serve the public good. Since then, we have grown into a highly respected academic organization. It is now our duty to sustain and further this development, continuing to contribute to society. To propel the JSCC forward, we must articulate a clear vision for the future and take active steps to realize it.
Since the incorporation to Public Interest Incorporated Association, Professors Hiroshi Sasaki, Daisuke Aoki, Yukitoshi Satoh, and Aiko Okamoto have served as successive Presidents. I am committed to upholding the three guiding principles they pursued:
1.Supporting the clinical field,
2.Actively promoting research, and
3.Disseminating information on cytology.
First, regarding clinical support: Following the release of the “Revised Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Based on Efficacy Evaluation” by the National Cancer Center of Japan, then-President Dr. Yukitoshi Satoh issued a statement to our members regarding the contents of the revision. As the introduction of HPV testing progresses, we as a society will continue to monitor developments in medicine and society, and will issue statements as necessary. The “Japan-LBC Declaration” by Immediate Past President Dr. Aiko Okamoto was a timely and important response to evolving medical and societal contexts. To establish quality assurance in cervical cancer screening using high-precision methods, we must further promote qualification systems for quality control programs involving HPV testing and cytology. At the same time, we must be agile and precise in responding to the digital transformation in cytological diagnosis. As the field of cytology undergoes change, now is the time to leverage the expertise of cytotechnologists and cytology specialists to build a patient-centered and robust diagnostic framework.
Second, in regard to promoting research: We have provided various research grants in the field of cytology, all of which have produced meaningful results. Notable efforts include the development and publication of the “Guidelines for Handling Cytological Specimens in Cancer Genomic Medicine” and the support for scholarly research through our Special Academic Research Program. These achievements are shared via our official website and serve as essential resources in the genomic era. Going forward, research into digitalization and AI applications in cytology will also be necessary to clarify our role and advance the field in Japan. These academic and investigative activities form the foundation and assets of our society and its future, and we will continue to support them vigorously.
Third, regarding information dissemination: We are currently reviewing the content and digital format of the Journal of the Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology, as well as reconsidering submission guidelines and article categories. These efforts aim to increase submissions and improve the quality of published work. Through digital transformation of our society’s operations, we hope to promote awareness of cytology among younger generations. On the international front, the Asian Federation Cytology Society has been established to foster collaborative cytological research throughout Asia, with Dr. Yoshiyuki Osamura appointed as President. We are committed to furthering the globalization of our society.
The environment surrounding healthcare is undergoing rapid changes, making it increasingly difficult to envision the future. Nevertheless, even in such uncertain times, we will work together to ensure that the JSCC continues to contribute to public health through cytology and remains a vital force in the pursuit of medical and scientific advancement. Our society is composed of a diverse membership, including clinicians from various specialties, physicians, and cytotechnologists. By uniting our strengths and fully embracing this diversity, we aim to lead JSCC to even greater progress.
I sincerely ask for your continued understanding and support.
Eiichi Morii, MD, PhD
President, The Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology (JSCC)
Professor and Chair, Department of Pathology
Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka, Osaka, Japan