On behalf of the IPBA 2011 Host Committee, I would like to express my most sincere condolences to the people who suffered in the recent earthquake in northern Japan and are grieving for the loss of their dear and near ones.

For those of you planning to visit Japan in April for the IPBA Annual Conference, please be assured that, we will proceed with the conference as scheduled. Kyoto/Osaka area is not at all affected by the earthquake and tsunami, and all business is going as usual. The power shutdown in Tokyo area is not applied to the central part of Tokyo　(including Tokyo station, area for governmental agencies, business and office area and hotels). The power is supplied in Tokyo by Tokyo Electric Power, however, the power in Kyoto/Osaka area is supplied by Kansai Electric Power which has its own power plants, including nuclear power plants. We are very sure that the Conference in Kyoto can be operated normally (Kyoto is far from the area damaged by the earthquake and tsunami.)

We will watch the situation and let you know if any change becomes necessary.
We look forward to seeing you soon in Kyoto.

Best regards,


Shiro Kuniya
IPBA 21st Annual Meeting and Conference, Kyoto/Osaka
Host Committee Chair