The National Vision of Japan-at the new year meeting of Japan Science and Technology Agency

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Soon after returning back from Washington, on January 14th , I was at the new year meeting of JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency) where a large number of people from government, academia, and industry sectors related to science and technology gathered.  The venue was full to its capacity, as is always the case.

I was appointed to give the keynote lecture for this year, so I talked about my impression of the new administration of the United States as well as about my two lectures in December where I drew a picture of the national vision of Japan as I see it ( please refer to my posting of January 1st etc.).

20090114jst02dsc_04701Photo1: Myself lecturing

Content of my lecture is also summarized and posted on internet sites (in Japanese) by former journalists Mr. Koiwai and Mr. Deguchi, who were also present at the meeting.  Thanks to both of them for expanding my opinion.  I truly appreciate it.

A surprise visit of President-Elect Barack Obama to U Street in Washington DC

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During my three days in Washington DC last week (another report or two will be up soon), I visited U Street with my old friend who served Clinton administration.  That was Friday night.  This street used not to be a safe area, but over some recent years turned safer, lined up with small restaurants and cozy jazz places.  We walked around and spent time in one of such place.

The next day afternoon, while I was in a full-day meeting, President-elect Obama made an apparently surprise visit to the area with Mayor Fenty.  See a report with a few pictures.

Visits of passionate young people

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Recently, I received mails from 2 groups of young people seeking for advice.

In the morning, 5 university students (mostly from Keio University) came to visit me. Each of them was passionate, seeking for advice about their possibilities and career amid this global era. We discussed a lot, about what is happening in the world, the reason for my message and what can and should be done.

Towards the end of their visit, William Saito and Michiko Sugita came (recently, I’ve been to Kyoto with them), so I introduced them to the students. William and Michiko definitely have “out of the box” background. I’m sure none of the students could have imagined such a career in any people around.

Kurokawaandstudents_20081Photo1: the 5 students from the morning visit and Mr.Saito (next to me) and Ms.Sugita (left)

In the afternoon, likewise, a group of six young passionate people came. This group was led by 3 sophomores from Waseda University. They traveled to Bangladesh this year and were shocked by the terrible difference of its situation as compared to Japan, so during their short stay, tried everything they could think of to be of any help. They also knew about the Grameen Bank and were eager to bring change to the situation as well as to Japan. So after coming back, they worked hard to gather information at universities etc., but no satisfying response was given. It was when their motivation was growing even stronger that they came across my blog, and that’s why they sent me an e-mail saying that they had to see me.

20081216c6lPhoto2: the six students in the afternoon.

They all had some knowledge about “Social entrepreneurs”, but since it is a career new to Japan, they didn’t quite know what to do. We talked and discussed about topics like you see in my blog, and by the time they left they were nicely high spirited.

In short, these young people are aware of primordial issues, but they don’t know how to deal with them or even where to begin. Everything is in a mist. Of course, they get lost. Since those primordial issues are something way different from what has been taught or from any social values of Japan which they had taken to be a common sense, it is only natural that they are at a loss. However, on the other hand, a good number of young people and future leaders of the world are taking such paths (Peace Corp, Teach for America etc.) at the beginning of their career, and this kind of first step is now quite popular.

I advised them to begin by seeing and listening to the speech of Steve Jobs from Apple (links). I already got reactions from some students by e-mails.

Because I use “blog”, a “means of web age”, as the tool for sending out messages, getting to see such young people is so easily possible. Isn’t it wonderful?

I shall be seeing them from time to time.

Symposium on “Preservation of Bioresources”, memorial speech of His Majesty the Emperor on Linne

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On December 9th, I was invited to deliver a keynote speech (its full text (link and PDF ) can be seen, but in Japanese) at the symposium on “preservation of bioresources” at scientific meeting in Kobe.  Before the speech, I had a chance to visit the exhibition of the preserved biological resources.  It was impressive that such a variety of resources were being gathered and studied and exhibited.  Obviously, lots of work were put into this.  I asked to young people around me “Isn’t it hard to believe that every single samples of this huge collection is identified and given a name?  How was it done, I wonder?”
I did the speech along the handouts which I’ve prepared beforehand (recently, I basically don’t use powerpoint), and I think if you are a frequent reader of my blog, you can tell what I said in it.
Although I talked along the sequence in the handouts, what I really wanted to say was the latter half.
Firstly, Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan visited Sweden last year (2007) in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Linne, and was nominated to Honorary Member of Uppsala University (established in 1477).  I understand that there are only four Honorary Members including the King of Sweden. (more photos).
Emperor and Empress then visited Linnean Society http://www.linnean.org/ （Ref. 1 、 2 ） to deliver an elegant memorial speech. I read the script and was deeply moved.  In the background of this speech, I think, there exists the basis for respect and honor that the people of Japan feel for the royal family.  It is truly elegant and moving both in content and structure. The speech also touches to the contribution of Linne in giving academic names to so many animals and plants.  I strongly recommend that you read it for yourself.

Uppsala02Photo： At the embassy of Sweden, when the president of Uppsala University, Dr. Hallberg and delegation visited.  Emperor’s visit to Sweden was among the topics.

Who do you think wrote the draft?  I can’t think of anyone else but the Emperor himself, for the most part.  It is truly amazing.  If you think about the overwhelming amount of his public duties, if you just imagine that, it is easy to understand how much effort was needed for this.  I’ve always wanted to ask people to read the script, and this keynote speech was a good opportunity.
Second is the recent topic “Is Ainu of Japan the first humans to colonize in America?” It is very important to gather samples and keep them organized, whatever they may be. Progress of technologies for analysis is of no use if samples are not available.

Science, or whatever, is built on the basis of accumulation of effort by long lines of our predecessors.  We owe to their works.  Asking questions like “what is the merit for this?” in academic policy making, grant distribution, petition to government officials is such a shortsighted attitude, poor way of thinking.

Is income disparity leading to mortality disparity?

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Inequality between rich and poor is increasing even in Japan and large number of unnatural accident is reported. People cannot depict a bright future, I suppose. Citizens are feeling insecure and living self-destructive life. This attitude spreads to families and then to children. Tragic news we hear so often these days are probably not irrelevant to this. Humans are social being and cannot live alone.

Under normal circumstances, everyone live life in their own way, but when something wrong happens weak people easily become victims as they are not flexible. During these 10 years, a notable increase is observed in suicides in Japan (Approximately 30%, the increase is mostly in men in 40s and 50s. What may be the reason? ). Collapse of medical system, unbelievably irresponsible “mismanaged” pension schemes and rise in irregular employment etc. —Japan politics and government’s failure in coping with the changes in global world is responsible for this. Victims of poverty will increase, I must say.

Medical care and education are social infrastructures that must be supported by government.  Current inadequacy of the support is resulting in inequality in the society that will be carried over for generations forming the major cause of social instability.

People from the low income group tend to refrain from taking medical treatments even if their health condition is poor. Social system of Japan structured in the period of economic growth is not working well now as there are problems such as increase in the self-payment burden, uncertainty of income, and household problems. Politics, government and society are not functioning for the reformation. Historically speaking, the people in “government, industry, bureaucracy” with vested interest formed a strong structure during the several decades in the latter half of 20th century and this is now working as hindrance to reformation. Firm collaboration mechanism is built among politics, government office, and the industrial world. At the time of economic growth, re-distribution of wealth to the society was functioning in its own way by the system of so-called "Iron triangle" in Japan. The basic systems indispensable to society such as education, pension, and healthcare were also functioning in a satisfactory manner. However, today, those people having traditional predominant rights are simply not coping with changes in the world environment which Japan is surrounded with.

“People from low income group die early” is a phenomenon that is often reported. This is basic human-rights issue and is the large core message of Commission Report of WHO, a conference held at London about which I have recently reported twice. For the OECD nations like Japan, disparity etc. are both domestic issues and political problems. This means it will depend on whom you select in the election. (Even if you disagree, this is the foundation of democratic

There is an article in Asahi Shimbun about recent performance of Professor Katsunori Kondo on economic disparity, health disparity, and “Life span disparity”. My comments were also published. Of course, I had a lot more to say but the space was limited. Similar behavior of people is observed in the research of our think-tank Health Policy Institute, Japan.

 

Mr. Miki Watanabe, Education and Special zone for Agriculture

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Mr. Miki Watanabe, President of Watami Co. Ltd., is a very enthusiastic and a dashing entrepreneur and chief executive, who is turning excellent passions and dreams into a reality.  He authored many books as well.  Search at "amazon" for these books.  Caring about the education, he is rapidly expanding activities such as education assistance to many children not only in Japan but as well as in Cambodia (recently in Nepal too).  It is really admirable.

As the price of crude oil is increasing (at present the price is temporarily stabilized but, eventually to what extent will it rise?), there is already shortage of food worldwide (moreover, there is a sign of condition to be worse due to changing climate, scarcity of water etc.) and so the present condition where millions of people are starving to death (also called as "2C+3F" －Climate Change and Fuel, Food, Feed－) is hardly expected to improve.  I would say that agriculture must be promoted as a growing Industry from a long term point of view since agriculture technology of Japan is excellent.  Many worldwide brands will emerge from this sector not to mention the obvious improvement of  the food self sufficiency ratio.  Moreover, since non-edible parts of agricultural products may be widely used as reclyclable energy, research and development in this field is already becoming competitive worldwide.

I speak whenever there is an apportunity, as does Mr. Watanabe.  In May this year, for example, I had an opportunity to speak about agricultural policies at a committee meeting of Liberal Democratic Party that was attended by Mr. Koichi Kato as the chairman, Mr. Motegi, Secretary General, and Mr. Yatsu, Member of the House and former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Mr. Watanabe uses Special zones for Agriculture also (it is difficult to use in reality, why is it so?), and as I was hoping to talk with him about this, he kindly set up an opportunity for me.  A one page summary of this dialogue is scheduled to be released soon.  Some parts of the talk is posted in his blog (in Japanese).

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

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Now, it is the baseball season.  The Opening series of the Major League Baseball began here today with Boston Red Sox, the 2007 World Champion, and Oakland Athletics at Tokyo Dome.  After opening ceremonies with music and national anthums of US and Japan, "Dice-K" Matsuzaka was the starting pitcher for Red Sox.

I got tickets and went to the game.  Dice-K was a bit of disappointment, retiring at the end of 5th inning (95 pitches).  Okajima was the winning pitcher throwing 9th with Papelbon as closer for 10th innings.  Many Americans showed up to the game.  It was fun.  Quickies at; http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/.

Cherry blossom began suddenly to almost bloom in one warm day today and will be the peak perhaps this weekend.

Redsox038Photo1　Major League Opening Game at Tokyo Dome

Redsox042Photo2　 Dice-K pitches

Medicins San Frontieres

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Medecins San Frontieres or the Doctors Without Borders was established in 1971 by a group of French medical doctors and journalists in the wake of famine in Biafra, Nigeria.  On February 1st, Co-founder of MSF, Dr. Xavier Emmanuelli visited my office with Dr. Tartiere and the French Embassy staff (photo).

Msf04_2

Photo: With Dr. Tartiere, me, Dr. Ememmuelli, Mr. Miaux and his Embassy staff, from left..

I showed him a few pictures of my daughter, an US educated medical doctor, who works in Los Angeles, when she was under MSF mission in Liberia for 6 months from April, 2006.  It was time after Liberia elected Ms. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (whom I met in Davos last year) in November 2005, as its new President, well educated in US, and the nation was gradually moving toward stabilization and refugees were coming back from adjacent countries, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast.  My daughter told us that she met a good number of Japanese young helping Liberians and indeed, there are many young Japanese committed to such humanitarian causes and I am very proud of them.

He told me that they visited Sanya, a slum in Tokyo, and this was a center of concern of MSF originated from SAMU or Service d’Aide Medicale d’Urgence, "Emergency Medical Assistance Service".

We had a wonderful one hour discussing various humanitarian issues.

Unexpected Invitation

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In my previous report ‘From Davos, part 4’, I briefly mentioned that the world famous violist Akiko Suwanai was featured in Gala concert, a part of the closing events. She was fantastic and we all proud of her appearance.

Several days later, I received an email from her saying that she sometimes visit my blogs and she noted that I was there in Davos, and invited me to her coming appearance in Tokyo. That was February 12th at Suntory Hall, and I went with my wife and we both enjoyed the program very much. The artists were Akiko Suwanai, Yury Bashmet (conductor and Viola) and Moscow Soloists, and all were absolutely wonderful.

The program was:
1. JS Bach: Brandenburg Concert No 3 in G major BWV1048
2. WA Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra in E flat major K364
3. WA Mozart: Violin Concerto No 2 in D minor K211
4. Bruch: Kol Nidrei Op 47 for Viola ad Orchestra (version with strings)
5.  WA Mozart: Serenade No 13 in G major ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ K525.

Ms Suwanai played 2 and 3, and Yury Bashmet 2 and 4.

My friend, Uniqlo’s Domae-san joined with us. After the concert we went to see her and her mother, then we found out we met her mother in some convention and with her briefly then.

Blog works and we had an unexpected and wonderful evening with beautiful music and new friends.

Discussion about the sister cities /countries of Sendai city and Finland, aged society and then a much awaited active role of women in Japan

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In the week of Nov 12, I had an opportunity to give speeches everyday in the week.  On 13th (Tuesday), I was at the Future Innovation Forum.  On 14th (Wednesday), I was at the Sir Martin Wood Certfication cermony in the British embassy and I gave a speech about the lifestyle related diseases on the 15th (Thursday).

The Sendai city is in collaboration with Finland.  On the 16th (Friday), a symposium was conducted by both the hosts with a theme "The Aged Society."  There seem to be several issues regarding it.  The Finnish Ambassador to Japan, the Sendai city mayor Mr. Katsuhiko Umehara (he was at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry before becoming a mayor) also addressed the symposium.  One of the deputy mayors (2 out of 3 are females), Emiko Iwasaki (She is a doctor who is seems to have been to Africa. The mayor had recruited her which is amazing), myself and a person from Finland gave a keynote speech.  In Japan we have major problems of declining birthrate and also delayed social progress of women.  But nothing has been done about it.  The women activity in Japan is in stark contrast to Finland.

In the afternoon, I headed to Tokyo for the speech "Scienctific technology and the nation" on the 50th anniversary of Asahi newspaper science department. I participated in the panel after the key speech "Out of the frying pan into the fire" given by Mr. Takashi Tachibana.

I was back to Sendai the next day.  There was an invitation from Dr. Noriko Osumi at the Tohoku University meeting "The 6th Gender equality symposium" and a male delivered a keynote speech for the first time.  The panel consisted of eminent people.  According to Mr. Tateo Arimoto ( JST, Japan science and technology agency), the Education Ministry seems to have complained when the first President of Tohoku Universty, Dr. Sawayanagi Masatarou enrolled females for the first time in the University, which was unheard before.

Tohoku University has a support program for female researchers called the Science Angels.  There was again a presentation and award ceremony of "5th Sawayanagi Award (Tohoku University Gender Equality Promotion Award)" and the 3rd award winner gave a presentation.  All of you have done a wonderful work.  I am very happy.  Congratulations.  I have presented the image of the Tohoku University at that time.  Please have a look at it.

Senndai01

Photo1: Award winners of the Sawayanagi award

Both the Human Development Index and the Gender Development Index are as high as entering the Top 10 (UNDP etc.) of the world.  The Gender Empowerment Index of Japan is ranked 43rd in the 75 countries of UNDP.  It stands at the 91st of 128 countries in the recent World Economic Forum.  It is a pity not to nurture the talents of women.