The Tokyo International Forum, which is located in Tokyo’s central Marunouchi district,
is a convention and arts center equipped with a range of facilities including 8
small-to-large-size halls, 34 conference rooms, a symbolic glass atrium, a refreshing and
plant-filled ground-level plaza, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The Forum is
visited by around 23 million people each year, and it serves as a center for promoting
and communicating comprehensive culture and information.
The Forum hosts a diverse program of events throughout the year at its distinctive and
varied halls and conference rooms, including international conferences, ceremonies,
academic meetings, exhibitions, concerts, musicals, and fashion shows. People of all
ages from various backgrounds gather here to interact and enjoy the vast array of
culture and information on offer.
The Tokyo International Forum is also highly rated for its architecture, and it’s known as
one of Tokyo’s leading landmarks. Boasting many attractive features in its construction
and facilities, the Forum provides plenty of aesthetically-pleasing points and enjoyable
attractions and ways to pass time for all visitors, from event participants to those just
dropping by to have a look.
In April 2026, the World Veterinary Association Congress will be held in Tokyo, Japan, for the first time in 31 years since the last event in Yokohama in 1995.
The theme of the congress will be "Advancing One Health: The Future of Global Veterinary Medicine" (tentative). The goal is to focus on the concept of One Health, which views the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected. Through this approach, we aim to tackle challenging global issues, such as infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, more effectively and efficiently.
In today’s world, problems are getting more complicated. Veterinarians need to collaborate closely with doctors, environmental specialists, and other professionals to create a better future. At the global level, the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Medical Association (WMA) have formed a partnership. Under my leadership, similar agreements have been established in Asia between the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) and the Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO). In Japan, the Japan Veterinary Medical Association has partnered with the Japan Medical Association, as well as local veterinary and medical associations at the prefectural and city levels. We are proud to say that no other country has built such a strong network of collaborations.
Moving forward, we aim to expand these partnerships further. However, for this to succeed, it’s important for not just professionals but also the general public to understand the concept of One Health. The 2026 World Veterinary Association Congress is a unique opportunity to achieve this.
We are planning content that will be open to the public, as well as programs for veterinary nurses, other veterinary professionals, and students who represent the next generation.
Additionally, starting in April 2026, I will assume the presidency of the World Veterinary Association. This will be a chance for the world, improve the social standing of veterinarians, and address challenges facing the veterinary industry. Together with all stakeholders, we are determined to make the 2026 Tokyo Congress an event that will be remembered for generations to come.
Dr. Kurauchi, President of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association, has been serving as the WVA’s President-Elect since April 2024 and will assume the role of WVA President in April 2026.