By resolution at the 2011 ordinary general assembly, I was appointed as the 2012 President of the Gas Turbine Society of Japan (GTSJ). I am especially humbled and deeply honored to serve such a prestigious society with 40 years of history.

The Tohoku Earthquake on March 11, 2011 caused unprecedented damage, claiming the lives of many and severely affecting those who survived. I would like to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims and their families and to those who continue to suffer hardship as a result of this disaster. In addition to the impact on humans, the earthquake and subsequent serious accidents at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Facility have also prompted an in-depth examination of energy supply and security in Japan.

Gas turbine technology is still relatively young, with the first prototype produced only about 100 years ago. But during this period, it has contributed to society by constantly developing and evolving using the latest technologies at the time from various fields including aerodynamics, thermodynamics, combustion, materials, structure, vibration, control, mechanical elements, and production techniques. In particular, numerical analysis technology in aerodynamics has made significant contributions.

In the field of energy supply, research and development of natural gas high-efficiency combined-cycle gas turbines has made great progress, achieving thermal efficiency surpassing 60%. Currently, efforts to increase efficiency to exceed 70%, through the combined use of fuel cells, are underway. Gas turbines are anticipated to play a more significant role in this field.

Meanwhile, in aero engine technology, development and practical application of geared-fan engine technology is underway, with keen interest seen in the fuel efficiency gains in this area. As part of the new approach to improved fuel performance, the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), a passenger aircraft being developed and produced domestically, also employs a geared-fan engine.

The gas turbine is a mechanical system for further growth and has tremendous potential to deliver higher energy efficiency by incorporating various advanced technologies from a wide-range of fields.

The development trends of wind-power generation technology are presented as a special feature in the March issue of this publication. A variety of gas-turbine related technologies, such as aerodynamics, materials, structure and vibration, are expected to make contributions in this field as well. Furthermore, as production of gas turbines requires advanced engineering capabilities and a broad industrial infrastructure, it can also bring significant trickle-down benefits to Japan's industrial development through the demand for such related technologies. To realize such benefits, building a strong coalition between the academic and industrial institutions is essential. Our role as a cooperative and synchronizing bridge between these parties will become increasingly important.

With the cooperation of all those involved, the International Gas Turbine Congress (IGTC) 2011 was held last November in Osaka. Participants gathered from all over the world, including 115 members from 16 countries overseas and 366 members from Japan, making the symposium a truly global event. This was the 10th congress, marking the 40th year anniversary of IGTC with special events such as a lecture by Prof. Eisuke Outa on the progress of gas turbines over the last 40 years and a photographic exhibition organized by Prof. Osamu Kawaguchi. Looking back over our history has helped renew our determination and commitment to the advancement of gas turbine technology. Furthermore, GTSJ added sessions on steam turbines and turbocharger technologies to the program from this year, offering more diverse perspectives.

Asia's remarkable economic progress in recent years has increased its interest in high-efficiency gas turbine technology as an effective tool to address issues such as the rapid rise of energy prices, securement of resources, and environmental protection occurring on the global scale. Against this backdrop, the 3rd Asian Congress on Gas Turbines (ACGT) is scheduled to be held in Shanghai in August 2012, hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutes. ACGT will be held biennially, with China, Korea, and Japan rotating as host country. It is our hope that this congress will serve as a forum for participants to share and discuss their views and findings on gas turbines and energy issues in Asia.

In March 2011, GTSJ was reorganized as a public interest incorporated association, and thanks to the tremendous work by those involved, a review process of our bylaw provisions is now underway. While the scope of our activities has broadened significantly, membership fees have not increased since 1990, causing the Society to face financial difficulties, especially with recent economic developments. This year, we would like to explore how best to address this issue with our members and ask for your understanding and support.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Yasukata Tsutsui, the 2011 President of GTSJ, the members of the board and committees, and the administrative officers for their remarkable contribution to GTSJ, and also to extend my best wishes for the good health and prosperity of all members of GTSJ.