It is a great honor to serve as President of the Japanese Society of Tribologists (JAST) for its 71st term. I accept this responsibility with deep appreciation for the Society's distinguished history and with a strong commitment to its continued development. I sincerely thank our members for their trust and support, and I look forward to working together to advance tribology for the benefit of science, industry, and society.

Last year, JAST celebrated its 70th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1956 as the Japan Society of Lubrication Engineers, JAST has contributed significantly to the advancement of tribology through research, education, industrial collaboration, and international exchange. This achievement reflects the dedication of our past presidents, officers, committee members, and generations of researchers and engineers who have built JAST into one of the world's leading tribology societies. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this remarkable legacy.

Today, tribology plays an increasingly important role in addressing global challenges. As an interdisciplinary field integrating physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, and data science, tribology underpins technological progress in transportation, energy, manufacturing, electronics, biomedical engineering, and many other fields. Recent advances in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and digital engineering are creating exciting new opportunities for innovation.

The transition toward carbon neutrality and a sustainable society further emphasizes the importance of our discipline. Improving energy efficiency through friction reduction, extending the lifetime of mechanical systems, and developing new materials and lubrication technologies for electrified mobility and hydrogen energy systems are among the many contributions that tribology can make to society.

At the same time, academic societies worldwide face common challenges, including attracting young researchers and engineers, strengthening member engagement, and adapting to a rapidly changing digital environment. During the 71st term, JAST will continue to enhance its services through digital transformation, strengthen the international impact of its publications and conferences, promote collaboration among academia, industry, and government, and provide greater opportunities for early-career researchers and students.

International cooperation has always been one of JAST's greatest strengths. We highly value our longstanding partnerships with organizations including the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), the German Society for Tribology (GfT), the Korean Tribology Society (KTS), the Tribology Society of Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society (CMES), the Czech Tribology Society (CTS), the Taiwan Tribology Society (TTS), the Malaysian Tribology Society (MYTRIBOS), and many other tribology organizations around the world. By strengthening these partnerships and encouraging the exchange of knowledge, people, and ideas, we can together address the increasingly complex technological challenges facing our global community.

As the leading tribology society in Asia, JAST will continue to serve as a bridge connecting researchers, engineers, and industries across the Asia-Pacific region while strengthening cooperation with our partners throughout the global tribology community.

As we begin this new chapter following our 70th anniversary, JAST remains committed to scientific excellence, technological innovation, professional development, and international collaboration. Together with our members and partners around the world, we will continue to advance tribology and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

I sincerely appreciate your continued support and look forward to working with you in the years ahead.

Shinya Sasaki
President, 71st Term
Japanese Society of Tribologists (JAST)　

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