President's Message

I (Seiji Miyashita) am honored to continue serving as the President of the Physical Society of Japan following the 82nd term. I will dedicate my utmost efforts to fulfilling my responsibilities during this term, and I sincerely ask for your continued support and cooperation.

In 2025, designated by UNESCO as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the Physical Society of Japan undertook a wide range of related initiatives. In particular, the Quantum Festival held in June was an unprecedented event for the Society. It was meticulously prepared by the relevant committees and staff and proved to be a great success. Although the importance of expanding the reach of physics into society has long been emphasized, this event represents a groundbreaking direction.

All natural phenomena surrounding us (the entirety of nature) encompass fundamental particles, atomic nuclei, atoms, and molecules; the materials formed from them; their collective behaviors; and even phenomena on a cosmological scale. Furthermore, physics has expanded into interdisciplinary fields such as biological physics, socio-economic physics, and information physics. Physical thinking approaches and methodologies are expected to continue to develop in various disciplines. The idea that all methods of scientifical and logical analyses can be regarded as physics is referred to as "physics imperialism" in certain contexts. However, it may also be regarded as a source of pride for physicists. I sincerely hope for the continued success and achievements of all members. The Society strives to provide an environment that supports such activities.

The annual meetings of the JPS are the most important activities through which the Society directly engages with its members. We will actively address issues such as the format of meetings (on-site or online), the facilitation of participation by international researchers, and the development of career paths (job seeking as a new graduate, as well as doctoral-level and international career paths) that enable members who represent a diverse pool of talent to expand their activities into broader sectors of society. Another important topic that has recently received attention is the reconsideration of "RYOUIKI (divisions)" that have not been thoroughly examined for many years. Regarding publications, discussions are actively conducted to effectively maintain the Society's role as an autonomous channel for disseminating research in the context of increasing international consolidation. Additionally, we are proceeding to renew our website, which serves as a key medium for information dissemination.

Recently, various studies have indicated a decline in the international presence of academic research in Japan. In fact, the membership of the Society has been steadily decreasing since its peak in 2003, which is a concerning matter. Whereas this is not an issue limited to the Physical Society of Japan, it poses concerns about the potential decline in the future physics community. I believe that fundamental curiosity about the mystery of nature remains strong. However, one must ensure that individuals who engage seriously in physics and contribute to its advancement as professionals do not diminish. Therefore, fostering young researchers and stimulating interest in physics among the younger generations are critical challenges. A decrease in the number of researchers supporting science and technology will inevitably weaken Japan's international competitiveness.

In response, the fascination of nature and the sense of wonder it evokes, as well as the importance and excitement of pursuing natural science must be communicated broadly to uncover the underlying mechanisms. In this regard, physicists and scientists should engage sincerely with the mystery of nature with a sense of wonder and actively convey this excitement to society. Such efforts will inspire a wider appreciation of physics and science in general.

While supporting cutting-edge research through improvement to research environments remains the primary mission of the Society, we also intend to further expand activities that encourage young people, including high school and university students, and convey the appeal and significance of pursuing physics. Initiatives such as well-received Junior Sessions and online physics lectures will be further enhanced. Additionally, we will actively promote outreach activities, including raising awareness regarding "physics heritage," to stimulate broader interest in physics. We hope to contribute positively to the advancement and development of science and technology through this study.

In recent years, public interest in physics, particularly in quantum science, has been increasing; in parallel, support for basic science appears to be increasing. Thus, instead of emphasizing that physics is "not immediately useful," we should demonstrate the significance of physics by conveying its intrinsic excitement.

Additionally, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years has significantly affected research activities. Tasks requiring consultation of dictionaries have recently been accomplished through web searches; furthermore, AI has rendered this process even more efficient. While its use has been discussed widely, relying on AI to generate reports without independent thinking or to produce seemingly plausible papers is problematic. Measures to address such issues are being considered. However, from the perspective of advancing physics itself, AI can serve as an effective tool. Instead of merely asking for answers, one must consider what questions to ask and how to ask them, as well as evaluate the validity of responses generated by AI. AI should not be used to avoid thinking but to deepen thinking, and this may require even more robust education for physicists than before. If AI generates an unexpected result, then the result should be celebrated as an achievement of the researcher who posed the question.

The Physical Society of Japan will continue to uphold its public mission and strive to maintain a financially and institutionally robust and sustainable management. In terms of governance, many issues remain to be examined, including whether to adopt a formal public-interest corporate status in light of the Society's role. Although membership has been declining, the Society comprises approximately 15,000 members, and the opinions of the members on various matters are diverse. We shall carefully and sincerely consider how to best respond to our members' demands. We appreciate your continued feedback, understanding, and support.

Finally, the Society will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2026, followed by its 150th anniversary in 2027, since the founding of the Tokyo Mathematical and Physical Society in 1878. We are planning commemorative events and symposia to mark these milestones, and we warmly welcome the participation of many members.