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

　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.