East Asia has long been committed to strengthening international academic ties and joint innovation in the field of medicine. On 7 June 2025, the academic community of East Asia marked a significant milestone with the successful convocation of the Tokyo-Beijing-Seoul (TBS) Joint Meeting in Tokyo. Previously held in Beijing (2018) and Tokyo (2019), this reunion represented not merely a conference, but a commemorative restoration of the close cooperative relationships between the obstetrics and gynaecology communities of Japan, China and Korea.1
Under the leadership of Professor Aikou Okamoto (Tokyo) and supported by regional leaders Professors Jianliu Wang (Beijing) and Jae-Weon Kim (Seoul), the meeting served as a platform to re-evaluate clinical strategies in a post-pandemic era. The discussions spanned four critical pillars: Gynaecological Oncology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Urogynaecology, highlighting both the common challenges and the diverse, innovative approaches adopted across the three nations.
Advancing oncological strategies: from genetics to surgery
A focal point of the meeting was the evolving landscape of endometrial cancer treatment. Keynote lectures by Professors Wang and Kim addressed new treatment strategies for advanced and recurrent cases, underscoring the urgent need for precision medicine. This theme of surgical innovation extended into the Gynaecological Oncology session. The discourse moved beyond standard protocols to explore the frontiers of minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
Notably, the integration of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery for gynaecological diseases was presented as a promising avenue for reducing surgical trauma, as detailed by Dr Peng Zuo. This was complemented by insights into the Korean experience with MIS in oncology by Professor Jae-Kwan Lee, emphasising technological refinement. Conversely, for advanced ovarian cancer, the necessity of extensive procedures such as total parietal peritonectomy was reinforced by Dr Suguru Odajima, reminding the community that radical surgical cytoreduction remains a cornerstone of curative intent. These discussions clarified international perspectives on surgical therapy, reaffirming the necessity for cross-border technology exchange.
Redefining safety in obstetrics and reproduction
The duality of ‘high-tech’ intervention and ‘high-touch’ care was evident in the Reproduction and Obstetrics sessions. In the realm of reproduction, the discussion transcended basic fertility treatments to address quality of life and complex pathologies. Topics ranged from the association between dynorphin concentrations and menopausal bone health (Professor Ji Yeon Han) to the multidisciplinary treatment of bowel endometriosis (Professor Yi Dai). Novel diagnostic approaches, such as high-sensitivity thrombin generation assays during ovarian stimulation (Dr Shigeru Matsuda), highlighted the ongoing effort to enhance safety in assisted reproductive technology.
In obstetrics, the focus remained steadfast on maternal safety and the management of complications. The analysis of maternal deaths and the implementation of simulation training in Japan (Dr Tatsuya Arakaki) provided a model for systemic safety improvement. Clinical nuances were further explored through studies on the angle of progression in labour (Dr Jiang Haili), acute kidney injury following postpartum haemorrhage (Dr Da Eun Jeong) and the complex management of pregnancies complicated by adenomyosis (Dr Seisuke Sayama). These presentations underscored a shared commitment to reducing maternal morbidity through rigorous data analysis and simulation-based preparedness.
Innovations in urogynaecology and pelvic health
As the population in East Asia ages, gynaecology has emerged as a critical field. The session highlighted the shift towards precision and functional preservation. Dr Bing Xie introduced precision pelvic floor assessment based on multimodal imaging, allowing for more targeted interventions. The surgical debate focused on the balance between efficacy and invasiveness, with presentations on robotic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (Dr Masafumi Katakura) and the ongoing controversy regarding uterine preservation in apical prolapse repair (Professor Soo Rim Kim).
Future perspectives: a legacy of collaboration
The 2025 TBS Joint Meeting was more than a series of lectures; it was a reaffirmation of a shared destiny in regional healthcare. Looking ahead, the commitment to collaboration is tangible. It was confirmed that the next meeting will be held in Beijing in 2026. Furthermore, a concrete proposal was made by Professor Wang to establish a hospital training programme aimed at young physicians, fostering the next generation of leaders through immersive cross-border experiences. This initiative marks a transition from periodic academic exchange to continuous, deep-level cooperation.
The 2025 meeting stands as a testament to the resilience of the medical community. It has laid a solid foundation for future advancements, ensuring that the collective wisdom of Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul continues to improve women’s health across the region.
