I am Sumito Nishidate, who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Rare Cancer Japan (RCJ) Network. First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest respect for the journey of all patients facing rare cancers, their families, healthcare professionals, and supporters who have sustained this network until now.

Rare cancers present a complex landscape where various challenges intertwine: lack of information, delays in diagnosis and treatment, and insufficient societal understanding. Yet, it is also a field where the voices of patients and their families have consistently driven tangible change in healthcare and systems. We at RCJ will work alongside you to amplify this power further, striving to realize a society where everyone can reliably access the information and support they need.

Moving forward, we will focus on:

• Strengthening our role as a bridge connecting diverse stakeholders: patients, families, healthcare providers, government, and industry.
• Initiatives to disseminate, translate, and organize high-quality information in more accessible formats.
• Creating collaborative spaces that transcend regional and disease boundaries.
• Developing mechanisms that encourage participation from younger generations and new stakeholders.
• Proactively incorporating international insights and best practices.

We intend to advance these activities to further enhance the collective strength of our entire network.

Additionally, enhancing psychological support for patients and their families remains a critical challenge. We will dedicate our efforts to alleviating feelings of isolation and anxiety, fostering an environment where individuals can face treatment with peace of mind.
Furthermore, we are committed to actively engaging in public relations and awareness events to increase societal recognition of rare cancers. We hope the voices of rare cancer patients will reach a broader audience, expanding the circle of understanding and support.

The voices of each individual facing rare cancers are the driving force that creates tangible change. We sincerely hope to continue moving forward together with your support.
We humbly ask for your continued guidance and support.

Rare Cancers Japan President
Sumito Nishidate
January, 2026