Storage devices, especially hard disk drives (HDDs), are remarkably improved these days. HDDs are applied to video recorders, mobile audio-visual systems, car navigation systems, and computer storage systems. A variety of those applications is spreading out further, so there is a big demand on improvement for HDDs of high density and large capacity. Because the technical barriers are being pushed higher and higher, the relative progress in the field of high density recording is slowed. Of course, further research and development of perpendicular magnetic recording is important for making new breakthroughs. Additionally, future technologies beyond perpendicular magnetic recording are also important.
   In this topical symposium, we invited active researchers in the field of magnetic and magneto-optical recording. Trends and technologies for high density magnetic recording will be presented on the first day. Future technologies for high density recording, including a magneto-optical hybrid recording, will also be discussed on the next day. We very much look forward to your participation.