I am pleased to hold 8th JARI annual meeting where we can discuss hot topics of our studies. I would like to express my deep appreciation to researchers and supporting companies who vitalize our activities. In recent years, our focus has extended to extracellular vesicle including microRNA, therefore we began joint hosting with JSEV (Japanese Society of Extracellular Vesicles). JSEV and JARI will continue to collaborate with close communication for each other’s development. It would be really appreciated if you keep supporting our activities.

　As for this year’s joint-hosting, we welcome Dr. Tang-Long Shen from the department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology & Center fro Biotechnology of National Taiwan University, and Carolina Ruivo from IPATIMUP Institute of Pathology and Molecular Immunology of the University of Porto. There will also be twelve speakers at the symposium from all over Japan. One of our most important characteristics is the close communication among academics, business and the government, therefore I hope this meeting will contribute to strengthen the relationship providing opportunities to present and discuss your studies. In addition, we include general sessions in the program for young researchers and award prizes as we would like to support and encourage them.

 Lastly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the assistance from many associations to this annual meeting.

August 2016