BioJapan, formerly held every four years, transformed itself to an annual event since 2004 in aim to catch up with the speeding progress in the bioindustry. BioJapan started out as an event on biotechnology in aim to enlighten and generalize the biotechnology to the public. Its objective was focused on introduction of biotechnology rather than provision of efficient business opportunities and a venue for business communication in this field. With BioJapan 2005, BioJapan has shifted its goal to provision of opportunities for communication among participants by concentrating all aspects of business related to biotechnology. As a result, BioJapan 2005 ended in a success with approximately 50 seminar sessions, and 279 booth exhibits by 273 companies and governmental bodies from 17 countries/regions attracting more than 20,000 visitors. In order to further focus on generating new business in the bioindustry, BioJapan 2006 has selected Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, as its venue. Osaka is the heart of the Kansai region where research institutes, universities and other organizations have provided a basis for frequent cooperation and affiliation among industrial, governmental, and academic sectors, making the region one big cluster of bioresearch and life science. Osaka, on the other hand, is known from old as the city of merchants. Thus, we are convinced that Osaka serves as the ideal venue for energetic and aggressive communication on business. The major theme of BioJapan 2006, following BioJapan 2005, is simply to expedite business communication. It will provide opportunities for practical information exchange on various aspects as well as business matching through exhibitions, seminars, workshops and Business Partnering program. As the subtitle, "World Business Forum" shows, BioJapan 2006 boasts to be the best venue in the country for professionals to meet, and expects to attract talents, products, information and investments related to the bioindustry. With special support from Osaka Prefectural Government, Osaka City Office, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kansai Economic Federation, BioJapan 2006 aims to enhance further development of the bioindustry and biotechnology. Overseas as well as domestic participants are more than welcome to take part in the business exchange at BioJapan 2006. We look forward to seeing you in Osaka next September.

BioJapan 2006 Organizing Committee Nikkei Business Publications, Inc.