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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Yoichi Sakakihara on March 29. As the former President of the Asian and Oceanian Child Neurology Association (AOCNA), he was a towering figure in the field of pediatric neurology, leaving an indelible mark on both our organization and the broader international community.
Professor Sakakihara played a pivotal role in shaping the modern AOCNA. Prior to his tenure, the presidency of AOCNA was traditionally held by the Congress President of the Asian Oceanian Congress of Child Neurology (AOCCN). Under his leadership, AOCNA became an independent entity, with its president elected separately from the AOCCN. This structural transformation, alongside the establishment of AOCNA's bylaws and governance framework, solidified our association as a distinguished academic organization. In this regard, while Professor Yukio Fukuyama laid the foundation for AOCNA, Professor Sakakihara can rightly be regarded as the architect of its modern form.
Beyond his administrative achievements, Professor Sakakihara was a brilliant clinician and scholar. He possessed deep expertise in all aspects of pediatric neurology, but his most profound impact was in the field of developmental disorders. He dedicated his career to diagnosing, treating, and supporting children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families, earning immense respect and admiration from both the medical community and the countless lives he touched.
His influence extended far beyond Asia and Oceania; he was internationally renowned, frequently invited to lecture in various countries, where he shared his vast knowledge and inspired new generations of pediatric neurologists. His commitment to education and mentorship fostered the growth of many distinguished clinicians and researchers worldwide.
On a personal note, I owe my involvement in AOCNA to Professor Sakakihara. He believed in me, encouraged me, and played an instrumental role in my journey within this organization. His unwavering support and guidance shaped my career, and for that, I will always be deeply grateful. Despite his health challenges, he remained an ardent lover of the mountains, captivated by the beauty of winter landscapes. His passion for mountaineering reflected his resilience and unwavering spirit, qualities that also defined his professional life.
Professor Sakakihara’s passing is an immeasurable loss to AOCNA and the global pediatric neurology community. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and we will honor his memory by upholding the standards of excellence and dedication he embodied.
On behalf of AOCNA, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he profoundly impacted.
Rest in peace, Professor Sakakihara.
Shinichi Hirose, MD, PhD
President of the Asian and Oceanian Child Neurology Association (AOCNA)
Professor, General Medical Research Center
School of Medicine, Fukuoka University
OUR CONGRESS MEETING|
17th Asian and Oceanian Congress of Child Neurology |
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18th Asian and Oceanian Congress of Child Neurology, Lahore, Pakistan, 2027 |
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Yoichi Sakakihara on March 29. As the former President of the Asian and Oceanian Child Neurology Association (AOCNA), he was a towering figure in the field of pediatric neurology, leaving an indelible mark on both our organization and the broader international community.
Professor Sakakihara played a pivotal role in shaping the modern AOCNA. Prior to his tenure, the presidency of AOCNA was traditionally held by the Congress President of the Asian Oceanian Congress of Child Neurology (AOCCN). Under his leadership, AOCNA became an independent entity, with its president elected separately from the AOCCN. This structural transformation, alongside the establishment of AOCNA's bylaws and governance framework, solidified our association as a distinguished academic organization. In this regard, while Professor Yukio Fukuyama laid the foundation for AOCNA, Professor Sakakihara can rightly be regarded as the architect of its modern form.
Beyond his administrative achievements, Professor Sakakihara was a brilliant clinician and scholar. He possessed deep expertise in all aspects of pediatric neurology, but his most profound impact was in the field of developmental disorders. He dedicated his career to diagnosing, treating, and supporting children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families, earning immense respect and admiration from both the medical community and the countless lives he touched.
His influence extended far beyond Asia and Oceania; he was internationally renowned, frequently invited to lecture in various countries, where he shared his vast knowledge and inspired new generations of pediatric neurologists. His commitment to education and mentorship fostered the growth of many distinguished clinicians and researchers worldwide.
On a personal note, I owe my involvement in AOCNA to Professor Sakakihara. He believed in me, encouraged me, and played an instrumental role in my journey within this organization. His unwavering support and guidance shaped my career, and for that, I will always be deeply grateful.
Despite his health challenges, he remained an ardent lover of the mountains, captivated by the beauty of winter landscapes. His passion for mountaineering reflected his resilience and unwavering spirit, qualities that also defined his professional life.
Professor Sakakihara’s passing is an immeasurable loss to AOCNA and the global pediatric neurology community. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and we will honor his memory by upholding the standards of excellence and dedication he embodied.
On behalf of AOCNA, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he profoundly impacted.
Rest in peace, Professor Sakakihara.
Shinichi Hirose, MD, PhD
President of the Asian and Oceanian Child Neurology Association (AOCNA)
Professor, General Medical Research Center
School of Medicine, Fukuoka University
17th Asian and Oceanian Congress of Child Neurology
16th-20th September, 2025
18th Asian and Oceanian Congress of Child Neurology, Lahore, Pakistan,
2027
