Relaxations of Excited States and Photo-Induced Structural Phase Transitions: Proceedings of the 19th Taniguchi Symposium, Kashikojima, Japa

Message from The Taniguchi Foundation Dr. Kanamori, Distinguished Guests and Friends: The Taniguchi Foundation wishes to welcome the participants of the nine- teenth International Symposium on the Theory of Condensed Matter, who have come from within this country and from different parts of the world. The concept of the symposium is unique in that participants, both Japanese and from abroad, are limited in number to small discussion groups, and live together, although for a short period, as a close-knit community. We feel that this kind of environment will assist towards the strengthening of understanding and the fostering of friendship among the attendees. It is easy to talk about, but difficult to realize, the ideal of international friendship and understanding in a world which is steadily growing smaller. So far, the Foundation has invited a total of 149 participants in this division from 24 foreign countries and 299 participants from Japan. And we are all friends. We hope and trust that even after they have reached the heights of academic fame during the coming decades, the participants will continue to join forces and help to forge closer bonds of friendship and cooperation that will make major contributions not only to academia, but also towards world peace and the welfare of mankind. We hope that all the participants will return home with warm memories of both this symposium and the pleasant times that we have shared. Thank you.