On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I am delighted to welcome our guest of honor, Her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Akishino, who has graciously agreed to be a part of the Asia-Pacific Regional IAU meeting 2023 today.
We also extend a heartfelt welcome to everyone who has come from countries and regions around the world to Fukushima.
Welcome, everyone, to APRIM 2023.
As you know, the 2020 APRIM, which was scheduled to take place in Perth, Australia, was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Astronomy in this region continued to make great strides during this difficult time, and we have made many great achievements.
Under the dark and starry skies of Fukushima, we hope that your discussions and research collaborations during this third APRIM in Japan bloom and flourish, extending far beyond your time here.
Before we officially begin, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Fukushima Prefecture, Koriyama City, and our sponsors for gheir essential role in making this conference a reality.
I now declare the opening of the APRIM 2023. Thank you very much and have a great conference!
Jun-ichi Watanabe
Chair, APRIM2023 Local Organizing Committee