The Japan Shoulder Society was founded in 1974 as the “Shoulder Research Society,” and this year, we proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary. Society history and background were documented on a 40-year history website, which was made public in 2014 through the efforts of senior members. As one of the projects to commemorate our 50th anniversary, we have compiled a 50-year history by adding developments from the past decade. Starting in 2021, the project was led by Director Kikugawa, Chairman Takeshi Kokubu, Advisor Yozo Shibata, and eight committee members, totaling eleven members in all.

New additions for the 50-year history includes the incorporation of the Japan Shoulder Society as a general incorporated association, the introduction of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in Japan, and the establishment and evolution of the Japanese Society of Shoulder Function Research. We have also updated and revised the sections on international exchange and the Asian Shoulder and Elbow Association to reflect the changes over the past decade. We invited the most deeply involved experts to contribute to each of these sections and some committee members helped draft the manuscript.

A particularly noteworthy achievement in this 50-year history was the creation of an English version of the key sections. Committee members divided their responsibilities and worked diligently on translations. We believe that sharing the long history and initiatives of the Japan Shoulder Society in English will significantly contribute to the worldwide development of shoulder surgery.

In compiling this 50-year history, we have received numerous contributions, materials, and information from honorary members, senior councilors, councilors, and regular members. Thank you for your consideration. Throughout the editorial process, I was again able to glimpse into the history of the Japan Shoulder Society and the hard work of our esteemed predecessors, which left us with a deep impression. I believe that Chairman Kokubu, the other committee members who dedicated themselves to organizing and editing materials despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ms. Kawamura from the Secretariat, who managed all administrative tasks, are grateful for this opportunity.

With this note, I would like to conclude by expressing my hope that the Japan Shoulder Society will continue to thrive and make great strides in the future.

Kazuhiko Kikugawa