Addresses by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino(2022)

　It is a great pleasure for me to attend this opening ceremony of the 29th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension being held here in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, under the theme of “the wisdom for conquering hypertension” with so many people from Japan and overseas, including those participating online.

　The International Society of Hypertension has made a series of recommendations for the provision of safe and high-quality medical care for hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. I have learned that your members are dedicated to providing medical care in their respective countries and regions, and committed to research activities to create next-generation medical care. I would like to extend my sincere respect and gratitude to you all for your tireless efforts.

　This meeting is being held for the first time in 16 years in Japan, where the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat, which has played such a significant role in hypertension research, was developed at Kyoto University here in Kyoto. Japan is also the place where human angiotensin II, which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, was discovered and applied to the development of new drugs. Accurate blood pressure monitors for home use are also among the numerous research results produced in this country. It is gratifying that researchers worldwide have cooperated in laying the foundations of the study of hypertension by promoting public awareness of research results.

　Speaking about the history of the evolution of living organisms, fishes are known to be low blood pressure organisms. When organisms emerged from the sea onto land during the evolutionary process, they are understood to have developed a mechanism for maintaining blood pressure by retaining salt in the body. This is crucial when we consider the evolutionary process. On the other hand, I have learned that the development of this mechanism can lead to excessive retention of salt in the body because modern-day humans can take as much salt as we wish. This is one of the causes of high blood pressure, and may also further induce various diseases. I think this is an interesting issue in studying the properties obtained through adaptation and their relationships to lifestyle.

　According to the WHO, at present more than one billion people worldwide have high blood pressure. Moreover, I have learned that many people with hypertension are not aware that they have high blood pressure, or are not being treated adequately, even if they have been diagnosed with hypertension. Hypertension is one of the leading noncommunicable diseases that is largely affected by lifestyle. Therefore, the WHO has set a global target of reducing its prevalence by 33% between 2010 and 2030. It is extremely meaningful that discussions towards this target will also take place at this meeting since it is essential to change behavior by improving the health awareness of individuals.

　In closing my address, I wish you all every success in building on discussions at this meeting focused on the 3 pillars Food, Move, and AI, as you contribute to the further development of the study of hypertension, and to the well-being of humanity.

　Distinguished guests and participants,

　It is a great pleasure for me to be with you today, in person and online, at the opening ceremony of the 22nd International Congress of Nutrition.

　I would like to extend my special welcome to participants from abroad. I very much hope you will enjoy your stay in Japan, including Japanese food, which will provide you with healthy nutrition and memorable experiences.

　The organizer of this congress, the International Union of Nutritional Science, has been playing a very important role in promoting research and development, enhancing international cooperation in the field of nutritional science since 1946. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who are devoted to the field of nutritional science and have worked hard to organize this congress. I also feel encouraged that many young people are actively participating in this conference.

　What we eat and how we eat have impacts on our physical and mental health, and we are facing numerous challenges. Malnutrition is stunting children’s growth, and even causing deaths from preventable and curable diseases in vulnerable populations. At the same time, overnutrition is damaging the health of many people, and increasing the incidence of various diseases. Micronutrient deficiencies and eating disorders can also cause serious health issues. And there are people suffering from poverty, natural disasters, conflicts and other difficult situations, who need better nutrition. I hope that nutritional science and practice, together with other disciplines, will help us find ways to support people both physically and mentally.

　Many nutrition professionals in Japan have been engaging in scientific research, practice and education. Through their efforts, basic knowledge about nutrition is shared in various places including households, schools and hospitals, which helps people lead healthy lives. But either malnutrition or overnutrition may cause fatal illnesses among the elderly, a section of our population which is increasing rapidly. False or confusing information about nutrition may also lead people to unfavorable dietary behaviors. In the face of these issues, professionals are working hard to promote healthy diets.

　I would like to express my deep appreciation to each of you for your contributions to improve people’s lives through nutritional science. I hope that your research outcomes and best practices will be shared and that there will be lively exchanges of views in this congress, with the aim of promoting health and preventing illnesses.

　In closing my address, I wish you all a successful and rewarding time in this congress, encouraging further action to achieve health and happiness in our world.

　Thank you very much.