The incidence of carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction was evaluated based on data from the Japanese Esophageal Cancer Registry during the periods 1976-1994 and the Japanese Gastric Cancer Registry during 1963-1989. Although the number of cases of carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction had increased, the incidence was evaluated to have decreased. On the other hand, there are some reports that the incidence of carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and the cardia have increased in the USA and western European countries. The trend is controversial and it is necessary to evaluate the location of lesions accurately. Possible explanations for the increasing trend etc. therefore are smoking and alcohol intake, Helicobacter pylori infection, hiatal hernia. To determine the incidence of carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction more reliably, the nationwide cancer registry program should continue.