The Optical Society of Japan (OSJ) and SPIE strengthened their collaborative relationship during a recent visit to Tokyo by SPIE President Ralph B. James, also of Brookhaven National Laboratory, and other SPIE leaders. James was invited to give a plenary talk at Optics and Photonics Japan 2010, OSJ’s annual meeting, by Mitsuo Takeda of the University of Electro-Communications, OSJ’s president and a retiring member of the SPIE board of directors. Nearly 700 people attended the technical conference and exhibition at Chuo University in November. SPIE President Ralph B. James gives a plenary talk at the Optical Society of Japan annual meeting in Tokyo. Courtesy of SPIE. “This meeting was an ideal opportunity to learn the latest news on optics and photonics in Japan and hear ideas from the region’s leaders about ways SPIE can enhance its cooperation with OSJ and better serve the community,” James said. “We were able to continue our ongoing dialogue with the OSJ about how SPIE can better serve our members and the photonics community in Japan.” A special conference session celebrating the 50th anniversary of the laser put the spotlight on luminaries from Japan’s laser community. Featured speakers covered topics from early research leading to the development of the laser through today’s applications and innovations. In 2009, SPIE signed an agreement with the Japan Society of Applied Physics, emphasizing fostering the relationship between the OSJ and SPIE and exploring mutually beneficial activities in support of the photonics industry.