Since GAS REVIEW was founded in June, 1981, a quarter of a century ago. It has been publishing information on the industrial gas market and the status of industrial gas technology, as well as on operation. To enhance its reliability as a member of the media, it gathers valuable information through thorough, on the spot, coverage. Through vigorous composition and editing, it has produced articles containing a wealth of forecasts and analyses compiled from an objective standpoint. GAS REVIEW, published in Japanese twice a month, has already reached Issue #600, amassing a total of over 20,000 pages. Thanks to the support of everyone involved, it is very widely read, not only by those in the industrial gas industry but also by those engaged in various other industries affiliated with gas. GAS REVIEW will strive to expand its range of articles even further, to fulfill the expectations of its readers.

Industrial gas is a material which does not generally stand out but which does encompass technology. It is indispensable for the development of such hi-tech areas as communications, precision instrument, the medical sector, environmental improvement, and the space industry. Industrial gas also contributes to improving the quality of products and achieving cost reduction in such basic industries as the iron and steel, chemical automotive, and shipbuilding industries. In essence, industrial gas is used in various areas so that industry and companies can reach higher levels of achievement and continue to develop. The markets for industrial gas are therefore joined together globally, spanning the economically advanced nations as well as the developing nations. Ongoing applications and technology, as well as the ability to compete in terms of cost are indeed simultaneously required globally. To cope with this situation, we at GAS REVIEW have entered into alliances with members of the media in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Korea to enable us to gather information actively overseas. In addition to our biweekly magazine GAS REVIEW in Japanese we have two publications in English, the monthly newsletter THE GAS REVIEW and the biannual magazine GAS REVIEW NIPPON, in which we publish news of interest to our readers overseas.

In addition to these, we also issue a variety of publications in Japanese periodically specializing in various areas, focusing on a wide range of industries and forms of energy as well as new technology emanating from the industrial gas industry. In addition to the industrial gas yearbook Gas Diorama which concentrates on market information according to individual industry, gas, and affiliated equipment, we also publish the specialized publication GASTRON which delves deeply into the electronics field, as well as the business magazine GAS MEDIKINA which is geared to the medical gas industry which is constantly compelled to reorganized due to the implementation of revised medical laws. We also publish special editions such as the HYDORIZUM, a marketing book which comments on the status of companies dealing in hydrogen and fuel cells which are being focused on as future forms of clean energy.

Gas appeared simultaneously with the Big Bang and forms the basis of all material and life. It goes without saying that oxygen and nitrogen, as well as carbon dioxide, are indispensable for the continuance of life. It is a crucial material in areas ranging from large industries to state of the art technology, as well as for next generation energy. By assiduously continuing to follow what is happening with gas, it is possible to view the world through economic trends and technological innovations in all areas, as well as through society along with diplomatic and political issues. Under our corporate concept of "Viewing the World Through Gas," we are ready go forward to produce publications which will gain the trust of all of our readers and, as a member of the media, to make a contribution to society.