Chairman Message

My name is Takiguchi, and I was appointed as the Chairman of the Japan Medical Imaging and Radiological Systems Industries Association (JIRA) on June 6, 2024.
I am humbled by the heavy responsibility as chairman of JIRA, which has a history of activities spanning 57 years.

JIRA is an association of companies that develop, manufacture, and sell diagnostic imaging equipment and systems such as X-ray systems, X-ray CT systems, MRI systems, nuclear medicine systems, diagnostic ultrasound systems, and image processing systems, as well as radiation therapy equipment and related supplies. Since its founding in 1967 as the "Japan Radiological Equipment Manufacturers Association", it has continued to progress along with the development of radiological medicine in Japan, the association has grown into an industry organization with approximately 200 members, including companies that supply medical imaging systems and related equipment and supplies, as well as companies engaged in the medical ICT business.

Japan is currently at a significant turning point, having overcome various challenges brought about by the new coronavirus infection and emerging from a deflationary economy that has persisted for 30 years. In addition, against the backdrop of a steadily declining and aging population, not to mention the improvement of the quality of medical care, we need to achieve efficiency and respond to the shortage of workers by mobilizing technological innovation and medical DX, as well as develop a globally competitive medical device industry that can respond to changes in the global situation.

In light of these changes in the social environment and global situation, as well as the progress of AI and other technologies, JIRA has recently revised the fundamental aspects of its previous industrial vision and formulated the "JIRA Medical Imaging Systems Industory Vision 2030". The following are the five visions we are aiming for in it.

1. Promotion of the medical imaging system industry and strengthening of cooperation with related fields
2. Creation of an environment to realize "data-driven healthcare"
3. Realization of laws, regulations, and reimbursement systems in line with medical devices
4. Strengthen competitiveness in the global marketplace
5. Building an industry that provides sustainable healthcare

Under these new activity guidelines, we will continue to adapt to changes in the social environment and strive to be the first to provide technologies and products that meet the needs of the medical community, in addition to the environment and infrastructure we have established thus far, as well as making recommendations for policies and regulations to create the environment needed in the future, and also we will provide and share useful information with those involved.

I will do my utmost to help JIRA and its member companies work together to realize further development of medical imaging systems industry.