Congratulations on the the 20th year of publication of the Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics (JRM).

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported the journal since it premiered in June 1989. The JRM has the longest history among journals specializing in its field, Robotics and Mechatronics, and I am pround of the high reputation it has earned among researchers and engineers both within and outside of Japan.

Upon this occasion, I recall the long-standing relationship between the Division of Robotics and Mechatronics (DRM), the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME), and the JRM.

In 1988, Professor Emeritus Kazuo Yamafuji of the University of Electro-Communications, Associate Professor Makoto Kaneko of the Kyushu Institute of Technology, and I Kaneko, (associate professor of Kyushu Institute of Technology were working to reorganize the Industrial Machinery Committee (IMC) of the JSME to establish the DRM to meet the requirements of a new age. Prof. Yamafuji had heard that Keiji Hayashi, the publisher of Fuji Technology Press, was seeking a chance to publish a journal specializing in robotics, thanks to Hiroharu Suda's introduction of Mr. Hayashi to Prof. Yamafuji.

As we three began preparing to set up the DRM in 1989, we also began preparing to launch the JRM. The JSME Board of Trustees accepted the establishment of the DRM and committed its positive support. After the DRM was established in April 1989, the JRM was inaugurated two months later in July 1989. These two efforts succeeded thanks to the contribution of these people and will grow as like twins hereafter.

The DRM has demonstrated many active achievements among JSME divisions in providing activities useful to division members. It has earned a global reputation from overseas specialists in both robotics and mechatronics.

Incidentally, the JRM editorial board consists of 20 Japanese editors and 10 overseas editors. Such an organization promotes a positive exchange among domestic and overseas experts, while the JRM promotes cooperative editing with the DRM on a high level of information.

Again, I congratulate you and wish both the JRM and the DRM all the best in their ongoing dual presentation of scientific findings and knowledge.