As one of the Associate Editors of the International Wound Journal, and also as one of the Committee members for the 4th Congress of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS 2012), I am very delighted to introduce WUWHS 2012 in the journal. For the upcoming WUWHS 2012, it will be the fourth time to hold the event and will bring together those involved in wound care from around the world. Isn't this a wonderful opportunity to meet people directly face to face who we only know by their names in papers? There must be some people who are looking forward to meeting their old friends once every four years. Besides, compared with how much knowledge that we are able to absorb from journals, lectures programmed for WUWHS 2012 are able to provide much more new findings from direct hearings. Unlike the post‐lectures Q & A session that usually happen in a tense mode at the venue, people may find the relaxed reception as an opportunity to gain a better insight through conversations.
The theme of the Congress is Better Care, Better Life. As advances in medicine occur, developed countries are rapidly aging. With the situation, the number of chronic wounds complicated by intractable diseases is growing. The improved wellbeing by Better Care can bring evangelical Better Life for people with chronic wounds. The reality is, in advancing countries, they are still struggling to access the most advanced wound dressing. They aim for “Best Care” and continue improving Better Care gradually. In the Congress, Better Care adjusted according to the individual country will be provided; therefore you may become doubtful about what you had believed as Better Care after hearing what it is and it may be a strong shock. In fact, I was never skeptical about the weight bearing orthosis that professional shoe makers produce for diabetic patients, however, I was very impressed with a presentation done by an Indian team who talked about how it is possible for them to make the weight‐bearing orthosis without using special materials. This is what the International congress can provide to you. It is the benefit to understanding Better Care, Better Life in the national character.
WUWHS 2012 will be held in the wonderful city of Yokohama. I myself live in Yokohama, so there is no question about this!! It has been considered as the suitable place to hold this International conference. Until approximately 150 years ago, Japan was completely sealed off to the outside world. When the country decided to open up, three ports were opened, and Yokohama was one of them. Since then, it has developed as an international city, and the finals game of FIFA World Cup Soccer was held in 2002. APEC (Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation) which required a high level of security was also held in the previous year. From these facts, it is understandable why Yokohama was selected as the venue for WUWHS 2012. It is known as a safe and internationalized city, and Yokohama is peripheral to some traditional tourist spots. I am waiting for you all in this attractive city.
Kyoichi Matsuzaki 1