The Movement Disorder Society of Japan (MDSJ) was established in 2002 when it was organized as a satellite symposium of the Japanese Society of Neurology (JSN) with about 100 participants. In 2007, we started to organize the congress of MDSJ annually and the number of participants has increased year by year. Around 1000 participants joined the 19th annual congress of MDSJ in July, 2025. Our congress now plays critical roles in providing academic information about Parkinson's disease and movement disorders in Japan.

Our society focuses on movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease and related disorders, spinocerebellar degeneration, dystonia, tremor, myoclonus, and other involuntary movements. The prevalence of these diseases is increasing worldwide due to the aging population. It is crucial for multidisciplinary physicians and healthcare professionals from various fields to share the latest research findings, treatments, and care methods in order to collaborate in patient care. Our society aims to build a system where the latest medical care can be provided to all the patients. To this end, our society emphasizes educational and training activities.

In addition to the annual meeting, the society has held educational workshops since 2011, giving a place where medical professionals, including non-members, can learn basic knowledge about Parkinson's disease and related disorders. In 2015, the Society also started regional video forums to teach clinical techniques for the phenomenology in movement disorders using video clips. In 2016, we began to organize the PD Nurse Training Course for nursing staffs. In 2022, this course was renamed as the PD Nurse Medical Staff Training Course because the lectures of the course included wider range of topics for all the medical staffs. It provided a certified of "Parkinson's Disease Care Instructor" to those passing the post training examination.

The pathophysiological mechanisms of Parkinson's disease are still unknown and its treatment has not been fully developed. To promote research and develop treatment, our society would be happy to provide mutual communication opportunities to all members and help build networks between us. Furthermore, through the activities of our society, we aim to enhance public awareness of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. MDSJ is a part of the Asia–Oceania section of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and we have done many international collaborations and will continue to contribute to the international affairs.

All the members of MDSJ and international friends, we would appreciate your support and guidance for our improvement.

The president of MDSJ
Ritsuko Hanajima