Message from Director Dr. IMAI Hidekata, Director General National Research Laboratory of Metrology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry       Since its establishment nearly a century ago in 1903, the National Research Laboratory of Metrology (NRLM) has made an ongoing contribution to the development and dissemination of measurement standards and technologies. The dazzling pace of scientific and technological development during these years and the increasing complexity, advancement and internationalization of the social structure today have made these standards and technologies more and more important.       Ten years have already passed since the NRLM moved to Tsukuba along with other national research laboratories affiliated with the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology. During this time, the NRLM has undergone structural reorganizations twice, once in 1985 and again in 1988. This has enabled it to build on its traditional base of precision measurement technologies to develop even more advanced technologies that match the needs of the times, respond to domestic measurement needs, and contribute to international society. Looking toward the next century, all of us at the NRLM are committed to continuing our efforts to support scientific and economic activities by contributing a variety of original measurement technologies to society.       It is my sincere hope that the NRLM will benefit from your deep understanding and cooperation in its future research and operations.