The International College of Prosthodontists (ICP) offers its members exceptional biennial meetings in carefully selected locations that reflect the College's global educational commitment. The 1991 Hiroshima meeting was a very memorable one and provided many of us with the unique opportunity to enjoy Japan and make friends with numerous Japanese colleagues whose career trajectories have profoundly impacted scholarship in the discipline. Professor Akagawa's recognized leadership and scholarship eventually led to his ICP co-presidency with Dr Patrick Lloyd, and recently culminated in the retirement from his long-term tenure as Professor and Chairman at Hiroshima University. I invited two of his long-term friends and associates, Professors Kiyoshi Koyano and Yoshinobu Maeda, to undertake this interview assignment for our international readership. Both gentlemen have already served our ICP and this journal with distinction; and Dr Koyano shared the ICP presidency with Dr Regina Mericske-Stern from 2005 to 2007, while Dr Maeda is currently sharing his ICP presidency with Dr Martin Gross. All of us who have enjoyed a warm friendship with Yasumasa Akagawa wish him and his wife much happiness and serenity for many years ahead.