JIRA New Year's Message for 2026

  At the beginning of the New Year 2026, I would like to extend my sincere New Year’s greetings.

  Looking back on 2025 from a global perspective, it was a year marked by a wide range of events, including global disruption stemming from the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariff policies, the continued stagnation of the Chinese economy, the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, and the partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government. Meanwhile, protracted conflicts such as those involving Russia and Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East remain unresolved, with no clear end in sight.

  Domestically, Japan experienced significant political changes, including the House of Councillors election, the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, followed by a change in Prime Minister, and the formation of a new ruling coalition. Within the coalition agreement, measures were announced to address the deterioration of hospital management caused by rising prices and labor costs—issues that had been widely discussed throughout the previous year. While we hope this will bring a ray of hope to those involved in hospital management, it remains essential to closely monitor future developments.

  As illustrated above, the external environment surrounding us is changing at an accelerating pace and has grown increasingly complex. The global spread of conservatism and the economic impact of rising prices are expected to have a significant influence on the diagnostic imaging systems industry, which is the focus of our association. JIRA will continue to respond swiftly to changes in the external environment and support our member companies so that they may thrive both domestically and globally.

  In addition to our ongoing regular activities, JIRA engaged in a wide range of initiatives last year, including efforts toward the realization of the “Medical Imaging Systems Industry Vision 2030,” which was set forth in 2024, as well as prompt responses to changes in the external environment. Below, I would like to highlight some of these activities:

• * Initiatives toward the 2026 medical service fee revision
• * Hosting of ITEM 2025
• * Addressing issues related to U.S. tariffs
• * Consideration of measures to maintain operations during emergencies such as natural disasters and pandemics
• * Promotion of initiatives to expand the adoption and social implementation of JIRA products
• * Participation in the IMDRF, with Japan serving as chair (March in Tokyo, September in Sapporo)
• * Examination of issues related to the prolonged replacement cycles of medical devices
• * Participation in the formulation of the Third Basic Plan for Medical Devices

  The year 2026 will be a critically important one, as it includes the revision of medical service fees, the interim compilation toward the Third Basic Plan for Medical Devices, and discussions on guidelines for new Community Healthcare Vision frameworks—key efforts aimed at reforming healthcare and industrial foundations for the future. JIRA will continue to advance related activities while strengthening collaboration with stakeholders, and we respectfully ask our member companies for their continued understanding and active participation.

  On the occasion of the year, I would also like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the importance of compliance. Compliance violations by individual companies can have profound consequences not only for the companies concerned, but for the entire industry. With the principle of “No compliance, no business” firmly in mind, JIRA will continue to promote awareness and thorough adherence to laws and regulations as a shared priority among all member companies.

  According to the zodiac, this is the Year of the Horse. As horses are powerful and swift, it is said to be a year where energetic and proactive actions lead to success. Following this spirit, we intend to carry out our activities even more vigorously. As of January 1, 2026, JIRA has grown into an industrial organization representing 217 member companies. Together with our members and all related stakeholders, we will continue to work toward the development of the medical imaging systems industry.

  In closing, I sincerely wish our member companies continued growth and prosperity, and I would like to conclude my New Year's greetings with my best wishes for your health and happiness.