Dear Colleague, Atrial fibrillation has the highest incidence among cardiac arrhythmias that give rise to various symptoms, cardiovascular complications and impaired quality of life. With the rapid progress in the field of electrophysiology of the heart in scientific, technological and clinical aspects in recent years, atrial fibrillation (AF) still attracts many physicians and researchers engaged in studies in genesis, epidemiology, therapeutic strategies management, and prevention of AF. Special attention has been paid to the introduction of a catheter ablation procedure for the cure of this arrhythmia and related technological development, and to medical treatments for the introduction of new drugs including prevention of thrombo-embolism. In response to the increased interest and high demand for exchanges of the latest information on basic and clinical problems related to AF among cardiologists and scientists in the Asian Pacific region, the 1st Asia-Pacific Atrial Fibrillation Symposium (APAFS2005) was held in Seoul, Korea, in December 2005, which attracted over 600 participants and greatly helped to share new and practical information on this topic. Based on the success of the Seoul Symposium (APAFS2005) and enthusiasm for conquering AF, we wish to expand and distribute our knowledge and on-going research developments to cardiologists, practicing physicians and scientists interested in AF in the Asian Pacific region. We are therefore now planning the 2nd Asia-Pacific Atrial Fibrillation Symposium (APAFS2006) to be held in Tokyo, November 23-25, 2006. In this Symposium, we will discuss new developments and latest information on the genesis of AF from the molecular level to patients, different diagnostic approaches, evidence for medical management including choice of drugs and prevention of thrombo-embolism, catheter ablation procedures and technical aspects and associated devices, surgical treatment of AF and so on. The Symposium will feature lively discussion and the latest advances in all areas of AF and related conditions from basic science to clinical cardiology and electrophysiology. Tokyo, the site of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Atrial Fibrillation Symposium (APAFS2006), is the biggest and most modern city in Japan with fascinating architecture both old and new, beautiful scenery and cultural attractions. Here, you can enjoy the spirit of both old and modern Japan as well as useful exchanges of scientific information and the building of new friendships. On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Atrial Fibrillation Symposium (APAFS2006), we heartily welcome every participant from all over the Asian Pacific region to Tokyo in November 2006. Masayasu HIRAOKA, MD. President of APAFS2006 Yoshito IESAKA, MD. Course Director of APAFS2006 Shih-Ann CHEN, MD. Course Director of APAFS2006 Secretariat of APAFS2006 c/o ICS Convention Design, Inc. Sumitomo Corp. Jinbocho Bldg. 3-24, Kanda-Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8449, Japan TEL: +81-3-3219-3541 FAX: +81-3-3292-1811 E-mail: apafs2006@ics-inc.co.jp COPYRIGHT (C) APAFS2006 ALL RIGHT RESERVED.