#Japan #Shizuoka #SUNSTAR Award #Periodontology

The 69th Spring Conference of the Japanese Society of Periodontology

The 69th Spring Conference of the Japanese Society of Periodontology (JSP) was held recently, showcasing the prestigious SUNSTAR Award for the year 2025. This honor recognizes remarkable contributions to the field of periodontology, acknowledging researchers who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in research, education, or clinical achievements related to periodontal disease. The award ceremony took place on May 22, 2026, at Act City Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

This year, the SUNSTAR Award was presented to three distinguished recipients:

• - Prof. Yukihiro Numabe, Department of Periodontology, Nihon University Faculty of Life Dentistry
• - Prof. Fusanori Nishimura, Department of Periodontology, Kyushu University Graduate School of Dental Science
• - Prof. Takashi Yaegashi, Visiting Professor, Iwate Medical University School of Dentistry

During the ceremony, the recipients were honored with a plaque from Nobuo Yoshinari, President of the JSP, as well as a Penguin Trophy and a monetary award presented by Kentaro Yamashita, General Manager of Global R&D at SUNSTAR Group.

Celebrating Contributions to Periodontology

The SUNSTAR Award was established in 2001 to honor researchers who have significantly contributed to the JSP and the advancement of periodontology. This year marks the 25th awarding of this distinguished prize. SUNSTAR remains committed to promoting periodontal research, education, and clinical practices through this annual award.

Highlights from the Award Winners

Prof. Yukihiro Numabe

Prof. Yukihiro Numabe expressed his heartfelt gratitude for receiving the SUNSTAR Award, sharing that it is a tremendous honor to be recognized with such a prestigious prize. He reflected on his nearly 40-year journey through the JSP, highlighting his roles as a board member, director, and president. He acknowledged the vital support from SUNSTAR, which has played a pivotal role in fostering excellent researchers through various awards since 2015.

Prof. Fusanori Nishimura

Prof. Nishimura also conveyed his appreciation for the award and SUNSTAR's contributions to the field. He recalled discovering a leaflet from the 1997 Sunstar-Chapel Hill Symposium that introduced the term “Periodontal Medicine,” which has since become widely used in the academic community. He expressed hopes for further collaboration and development within periodontology as the healthcare system evolves in Japan.

Prof. Takashi Yaegashi

Prof. Yaegashi was honored to receive this award as well, sharing memories of his long-standing involvement with the JSP since 1985, having served in various capacities that contributed to the society's growth. He emphasized the importance of elections within the society and how they impact its direction. His experiences in adapting election processes during challenging times exemplify his dedication to the service of the JSP.

SUNSTAR's Commitment

The SUNSTAR Group, headquartered in Switzerland, oversees a wide range of consumer products, including oral care items, health foods, and cosmetics, as well as industrial materials and services. The company continues to advocate for the connection between oral health and overall well-being, upholding the philosophy that caring for one's oral hygiene is integral to maintaining health throughout one's life. As the world moves towards longer lifespans, SUNSTAR envisions a holistic approach to health that begins with oral care, promoting a life of vitality and joy for everyone.

To explore more about the SUNSTAR Awards and the JSP, visit: JSP Awards and Young Investigator Award.