Between the 1950s and 1980s, Europe and North America saw a marked increase in the incidence of Crohn s disease in adults. The "North--South" divide in Europe disappeared and the incidence of paediatric Crohn s disease has grown. We are now entering a new era, in which inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially Crohn s disease, is emerging in the Asia--Pacific nations. The incidence patterns are mimicking those in Europe five decades ago.

This intriguing situation raises many questions. Is this a reflection of "westernisation" of countries in the Asia-Pacific? Can we take...