Dr. Akiko Maehara (USA) is a Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and Director of the Intravascular Imaging and MRI Core Laboratories at the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF). Her pioneering work in intravascular imaging techniques, including IVUS, OCT, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), has advanced the assessment and treatment of coronary artery disease. Dr. Maehara’s contributions have significantly enhanced the understanding of coronary plaque morphology and the optimization of percutaneous coronary interventions. With over 300 publications and more than 32,000 citations, she has had a significant impact on cardiovascular medicine. She received the Katherine D. Stultz Award from Stanford University in 1999. A memory that lingers in my mind, she has been a dedicated supporter of the TCTAP meeting since 2010, offering insightful lectures and meaningful contributions. I am deeply grateful for her friendship and invaluable support.