2021 Volume 34 Issue 1 Pages 3-9
The Japanese Society of Oral Implantology was established in 1986 by the merger of two predecessor academies, the Japanese Academy of Implant Dentistry and the Japanese Society of Implant Dentistry, which were launched independently in the same year of 1972 by strong leaders. This article examines the activities of several pioneers who introduced implant practices in Japan and prepared the foundations of the predecessor academic societies with international connections. Even though the merger of independent societies, especially in the same field, was not easy, I feel proud that our leaders felt strongly about the ideal way forward for implant dentistry in Japan and achieved a successful merger in a relatively short period of time. Without their passion and leadership, we could not have reached the current level of academic development. I encourage all academic members to learn the history of our society to ensure its future development in the next 50 years.
