April 5, 1978: Founded as the Japan Society for Bronchology
May 29, 2003: Renamed the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy
December 12, 2003: The Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy established as a specific non-profit organization
April 1, 2023: General Incorporated Association the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy took over operations.
Bronchoscopy was developed by G. Killian et al. in Germany, 1897 as a rigid direct bronchoscope, then in 1966 Shigeto Ikeda developed the word's first flexible bronchial fiberscope, which markedly enlarged the field of view in the airways. Training in the technique required a relatively short period, and thus bronchoscopy rapidly gained popularity, and came into use for the early diagnosis and endoscopic treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer. Furthermore, development of endoscopic broncho-alveolar lavage methods enabled the collection of bronchial and pulmonary cells, and promoted research on the onset mechanism and pathological analysis of various respiratory diseases on a molecular biological level. Bronchoscopes and their application continue to be improved, including electronic scopes with superior resolution and the improved version with high magnification, diagnostic equipment that uses auto fluorescence, ultrasonic bronchoscopes, virtual bronchoscopes, and ultra-thin bronchoscopes for distal lesions. Various types of sample collection tools as well as computed tomography (CT)-guided bronchoscopes have also been developed. With regard to treatment, laser and endobronchial radiation therapies for early cancer have been developed, and tools (stents) to maintain the airways are being developed for treatment of airway stenosis. The Japan Society for Bronchology was founded in 1978. The society changed its name in 2003 to the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy, and was established as the specified non-profit organization Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy in the same year. In 2010, the society was accepted as a member society by the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences. In addition, it was decided to change the corporate status of the society for its smooth operation, and to gradually transfer its operations to the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy as a general incorporated association in 2023.
To realize endoscopic respiratory care that people can enjoy benefits of cutting-edge technology with a highest possible level of peace of mind, the society leads activities to improve knowledge and technical skills relevant to medical care performed using a bronchoscope, mediastinoscope, and thoracoscope, activities to advance and popularize respiratory endoscopy, research studies, public awareness, communications, partnering, and projects for promotion and development. Through its progress and development, the society aims to contribute to public welfare.
Annual meetings, symposiums, and lectures regarding respiratory endoscopic care
Information collection and provision regarding respiratory endoscopic care
Cooperative research in different regions regarding respiratory endoscopic care
Cooperation and collaboration with scientific groups in Japan and overseas regarding respiratory endoscopy
Training of respiratory endoscopists
Promotion of research on respiratory endoscopy
Ichigaya Square Residence 1005,
4-2-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073
E-mail: office@jsre.org
