The global epidemic of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) from the beginning of 2020 has greatly disrupted society both domestically and internationally. Our lives and research activities have also been greatly affected. The COVID-19 disaster has imposed severe restrictions on the behaviors of researchers, such as the exchange of information and ideas, and free discussion among researchers which are indispensable for academic activities. Although the Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU) 2020 convention was postponed for less than two months, The “JpGU – AGU Joint Meeting 2020: Virtual” was successfully held in July as an entirely online convention.

The 2021 convention will be held in a new hybrid format, with the on-site sessions at Pacifico Yokohama North (Yokohama City) from May 30 (Sun) to June 1 (Tue), 2021 and the online sessions from June 3 (Thu) to 6 (Sun), 2021. We hope to provide a venue for free and open discussions and exchanges among participants by combining the advantages of each format. Making full use of the experience gained in the 2020 convention, the online sessions enable a wide range of participation and exchange of opinions. The on-site sessions will allow for free discussions as the past conventions as possible.

After the 30th anniversary of the predecessor of the Japan Earth and Planetary Sciences Joint Meeting, and the 15th anniversary of the establishment of our Union, there are further expectations for the earth and planetary science research to respond to global issues and to expand its scope to interdisciplinary and border research areas. We would like to ask for your active cooperation and participation in making the 2021 JpGU conference an ideal starting point for a new JpGU.

JpGU2021 will be held for the first time as a hybrid format (online and on-site). We have received about 220 session proposals on various topics related to Earth and Planetary Sciences. Although the 2021 meeting will not be a "joint event" with AGU, nearly 40% of the sessions will be in English.
Thank you for your support and cooperation in promoting our theme "For a Borderless World of Geoscience". We are still in the process to determine what kind of program will be most effective for the first hybrid format, and we will do our best to make the meeting exciting for all participants. We will be preparing for the new JpGU style, so we applicate your continued support.