EDITORIAL: The commemorative celebration for the centenary anniversary of the birth of Heinz Kaempfer (1904 - 1986) in 2005 was a truly memorable occasion. The lectures by Roger Keyes and Matthi Forrer proved to be a rich source of knowledge and passion regarding the Japanese book, a subject that was very close to Heinz Kaempfer's heart. The spirit of Heinz was also felt in the very warm atmosphere of friendship that characterized the day, which was much enhanced by the enthusiastic presence of the members of Kaempfer's family. A plan to publish the results had already been conceived and the initiative was settled during the enjoyable concluding dinner. However, its coming to fruition has proved to be a rather elongated process, and it has changed somewhat in character along the way. While the text of Roger Keyes' Iecture became available soon after the event, the decision of our board to add three additional accounts meant some extra work, but we feel that this will provide the reader with an elucidating context. Raymond Kaempfer extremely kindly gave his insights into a painting that holds special meaning, and Max Put and Kees Berbee excavated snippets of information about Heinz' activities from the Society's archives. In another article Gerhard Pulverer shares his personal memories to Heinz Kaempfer with us. Furthermore, the lecture by Matthi Forrer became the basis for a thorough review by him of the subject. We feel that for the reader the long wait has been worth it, for the result sheds ample light on the complicated publishing history oÍ the Kaido kyōka awase (The Matched Kyōka Poems Along The Highway). This volume, we feel, serves to illustrate Heinz Kaempfer's multi-faceted character. His passion for the Japanese book, his thirst for scholarly knowledge and his talent for kindling enthusiasm in others makes him a figure that continues to be an inspiration. This, in a nutshell, is the spirit to which the fund in his name aspires