United Nations University(UNU) with its Institute for Advanced Studies(IAS) hosts a series of lectures "G8 Dialogue" in support of the role of Japan, that hosts 4th TICAD(Tokyo International Conference on African Development) in later this month in Yokohama and G8 Summit in Toyako, Hokkaido, early July.
I was invited to talk on Global Health and its excerpt is attached for your interest. The lecture can be viewed on the web.
Mt. Santis （2503m）located in south of St. Gallen
As you can see in my earlier column, I participated last year, and also this year at the St. Gallen Symposium. It is a project started by the students of St. Gallen 38 years ago, and even today the planning and administration is performed by the students. Isn’t it wonderful? About 200 students around the world and 400 persons (mostly from Europe) from various fields such as business, participateed. For the first time in its history, 20 students are participating from Japan this year and they were selected from nearly 500% of competitive ratio. They are not just Japanese students, 50% of them are international students. The selection was performed by reviewing English thesis.
This year’s topic is "Global Capitalism – Local Values." It is a very timely theme, isn’t it? The opening session started with the wonderful opening addresses of President Pascal Couchepin of Swiss and President Dr. Heinz Fischer of Austria.
Besides the regular members, this year, Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi, a Diet member, participated in plenary of day one and Dr. Yoko Ishikura of Hitotsubashi University participated as a faculty and took lead in the workshop on the same day.
Photo1 Lord Griffiths (on the right), Martin Wolf of Financial Times (on the left).
Photo2 with the students participating from Japan. Mr. Suzuki (Credit Swiss Japan president, 3rd from the left) and Dr. Ishikura (right end).
Photo3 with Mr. Suzuki, Mr.Hara, my staff member (left end), Mr. Philipp Kuhn-Regnier of St. Gallen (right end).
I attended the workshop on the second day. Last year, when I participated in the first Plenary Panel, the speech and message I delivered to the students were very good (said Lord Griffiths of England), so this year they planned that I should act as a commentator, hosted by Mr. Peter Day of BBC, and comment to a South American student honored in the essay contest, Rhodes Scholar Mr. Cillier (will pursue studies in Oxford University from September), and Mr. Klaassen, student of St. Gallen who wrote contradicting opinions to the views of the former two. The topic is "Global Capitalism and Local Cultures of Innovation." It was fantastic. Please look on the conference site.
Photo4 with Mr. Hara and Mr. Philip.
Photo5 with Mr. Y.C. Deveshwar, a wonderful Social entrepreneur and Entrepreneur.
Photo6 with Mr. Owada, Ambassador Abe, Mr. Akashi, Energetic student Ms. Imai.
Photo7 with Mr. Cillier, Mr. Klaassen, Mr. Bay of the Panel.
The reception was held in the evening of 14th. On 15th, we went a dinner at Der Gupf, the same restaurant I came last year (this restaurant is known for its wine collection and wine cellar). It is a place that offers a view of Lake Bodensee and I was able to take a look at the surrounding scenery for the first time, since weather was good this year.
Photo8 with Dr. Ishikura in Gupf.
Photo9 with Mr. and Ms. Owada, Mr. Akashi, Ambassador Abe.
It is said more often than not, Japan is not clearly visible, particularly in last decade or so, in global scene be it domestic issues, and internationally and globally relevant issues. Sometimes, messages may appear from government officials in some critical issues defending their own position when questioned by the foreign press, but such messages could be one-sided. It is very important that more voices have to be expressed from independent parties and individuals, particularly opinions that may be against, but maybe more rational, prevailing views reported in Japan. Such voices will provide better and balanced understanding of Japan.
In a recent Financial Times, one of the most widely read newspaper throughout the world, Professsor Sadatoshi Ito of Tokyo University, also a member of Economic and Fiscal Policy of the Government, contributed an article on recent global financial crisis triggered by the US subprime-loan and commented on arguments by some Japanese leadership that lessons could be learned by US from Japan on what Japan had taken over a decade 90’s until recently to respond to burst of bubble economy.
Professor Ito clearly makes a point commenting the more rational and fast responses by US private sector and the government, demonstrating clear resilience of the nation.
Leaders and members of every sectors of the society of Japan follows the act of Professor Ito to express their own opinions to the world as appropriate otherwise Japan remains insular, irrelevant and incomprehensible to the rapidly globalizing world affairs as you see many places in this website.
A recent report on Newsweek,"This Nation Is An Island”, delivers as its core message how insular Japanese mind-set has been and remain to stay every sector of Japanese society. The message resonate well with previous reports by some of major foreign journals (examples include 2008/02, 2007/12) as well as some of recent books by several Japanese authors some of which were referenced in my recent book in Japanese "Innovation shiko-ho" or "Think of Innovation."
I share this view and you can see many places in this blog.
This report strong argues that Japan remains in essence as always over centuries and continues to be closed, off-limit to foreigners and Sakoku and withdrawn from the rest of the world even this era of flattening globalized world. It is too sad to see Japan not to engage in the global world since there are great talents with vast opportunities for Japan to be a participant and a player of the world action and in pursuit of new world order for our common good.
Mind you, Japan is still number two economy of the world. We need more entrepreneurs who think locally (local values and uniqueness) but act globally. Have you seen recently a business people who remind us Morita-san of SONY of 1960s? Technology alone is not enough. It is an entire business enterprise that enables to capture the hearts of many people of the world.
A little while ago, "Informal talk on global warming issue" was held at The Windsor Hotel at Toyako on Friday, April 5th, where G8 summit will be held in this July. The Prime Minister, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Minister of the Environment participated. The chairperson was Mr. Okuda from Toyota. I arrived late at night on the previous day. Next day the weather was nice. The view of Toya Lake from the hotel was excellent.
What would be the number of hotels around the Toya Lake and how about its quality? How many people would be present including the attendants and the press people? Recently, in international meetings like G8, not only the people related to the government but also people related to NGOs participate in large numbers. Though the participation patterns are different, it is not like guerrilla style. If such a large number of participants are expected, will Sapporo be used for lodging? It may be somewhat inconvenient isn’t it? Not only G8, but heads of other countries including G5 will also participate. The President of the People’s Republic of China, Hu Jintao, who is visiting Japan now will of course participate. Moreover, there will be a large number of people in secret service etc..
Is the security of the meeting place and surroundings good? The approach to the hotel is only one though ・・・. Of course both police and self defense forces are working together hard and repeating simulation, but since the head of many countries will be participating, it’s easy to assume each country is collaborating with Japan on one side and on the other hand they work out their own security separately. It is unthinkable to rely complete security and safety of the chief of the state completely on the host country.
As reported before, the first half of the Golden Week passed restlessly as always.
On the 6th, the Ambassador of Finland and I participated in Prof. Yoko Ishikura’s class on "competitiveness" held at Hitotsubashi University business school. In the beginning, Prof. Ishikura raised the key important issues and then we discussed the issues. The students were raising their hands and expressing their views enthusiastically. They were expressing their own variant opinions and it was really a constructive and good time.
All lectures here are in English and around 70% of students are from overseas. The faculties can view typical businesses in the world through the internet, by using "Harvard Business School" as a hub and the evaluations of the faculties are also done in common way. Given such open evaluation, it would be hard for the faculties but they can be motivated by referring to the lectures conducted by many faculties all over the world. Though challenging for the faculties they have no reasons to complain. It’s true, this is the scary part in the internet era, but it is also a pleasure to compete with global standards. Are there any such universities elsewhere? If not this way, universities in Japan cannot gather brilliant youngsters from all over the world since information is shared by everybody in this "flat" era. University faculties, I beg you all earnestly to work hard.
After the class, we spent time on lounge, enjoying wine happily and talking with the students of various countries, such as India, US, Bangladesh, Russia, Myanmar, Poland, Uzbekistan, Thailand, and Vietnam etc.. I wish to express my gratitude for the wonderful hospitality.
An article with full of suggestions and a recent comment by Prof. Ishikura about the ideal way and the evaluation of the higher education in the global age is available on her blog. Chairman of the institute, Mr. Takeuchi Hirotaka, his policy is very strict from the beginning, however it’s really remarkable.
By the way, a follow-up on this is available(in Japanese) in Prof. Ishikura’s blog. Please go through it.
I flew to Jakarta in the morning of May 7th to participate “The Government Leaders Forum ?Asia” organized by Microsoft, and delivered Keynote speech in the panel ‘IT and Healthcare.’ Perhaps there are some 20 Japanese participants who included Vice President of Keio University, one of IT-gurus of Japan, Prof. Jun Murai, and Mayor of Hiroshima City, Mr. Akiba.
This series of Conference began in USA, in Europe, and now the forth year in Asia. Plenary speakers were included Indonesian Minister, Dr. Surin (we met three times in the last 2 months), Director General of ASEAN and two senior executives of Microsoft. Then followed by three panels in Day 1. In Day 2, speeches of President of Indonesia and Mr. Bill Gates will be delivered, but I had to leave Jakarta in the evening of Day 1, so that I will miss the program of Day 2. Thus, I was out of Japan for only 44 hours.
After my panel session, I had a private meeting with Mr. Gates for about 30 minutes discussing several issues of our common interest that included Global Health Summit we hosted this February, G8 Summits and other global issues and IT in education and healthcare (photo: his staff and assistants were understandably very nervous). He is very smart and sharp and quietly looking into documents I handed out to him. Mr. Oigawa, senior executive of Microsoft Japan told me that he has not seen Mr. Gates so relaxed and pleased in a meeting.
Departed for Singapore on 24th afternoon. Checked-in at the hotel around midnight. On 25th, there was a board of directors meeting of A*STAR. We moved crisply with the busy proceedings and discussions as usual, and visited newly established immunity laboratory in the evening. As Japan is strong in this field, I think that it is a good place for a young researcher to become independent. Also, I had a talk on the phone with Prof. Ito from Kyoto University virus laboratory who is working here.
Within 24 hours after arriving to Singapore, I left for Paris on 25th late at night. After relaxing the whole day, in the evening, I had been invited along with Dr. Mario Tokoro, president of SONY Computer Science Laboratory and Dr. Kitano from the French friends residing in Paris. So we five had dinner at the exclusive members club situated between Japanese embassy and British embassy at St. Honore. We talked on various lively topics and I was convinced that the people who are talking with, atmosphere, tradition and the environment of the place are very important. Such things are not possible even if we spent money and tried to imitate it.
The weather in Paris was wonderful. Atmosphere was pleasant and the trees were in beautiful greens. This is the best season to stay Paris in the year. The feeling was very good. I stayed in Paris in this season last year too. Sometimes, it is nice to spend time with relaxation in a foreign country. However, it was well enough busy schedules.
On 26th, I left from Gare de Lyon to Marseille. From there I went to Cassis. It was a small conference with the theme "Sustainability," organized by SONY laboratory. It was held at Camargue last year.
I visited UNESCO-L’Oreal in March, Minister Pecresse visited me and I was interviewed by French TV in April. I feel like I am being immersed in France these days.
Photo1 Cassis port
Photo2 Hotel where I was staying.
Photo3 Cassis Coastline
Photos 1～3 are senery of Cassis. This resort are surrounded by white cliff, it was like Zushi Japan. It is the place where airplane of Antoine de Saint Exupery, famous for "The Little Prince," was hit and sunk down.
On April 10th, Fillon, Prime Minister of France and Ms. Valerie Pecresse, Minister of Higher Education and Research arrived to Japan, and Ms. Valerie Pecresse visited me on April 11th in the morning. I met her in June and December last year. She has studied Japanese when she was a student, and has worked about two times in Japan previously. She entered the room and suddenly asked "How are you, Kiyoshi-san ?" in Japanese.
The focus of the discussion was the G8 Meeting of Ministers of Science that is going to be held this year in June in Okinawa before G8 Toyako summit and the discussion about scientific policy and higher education policy. France is in the midst of major reformation of universities and national research institutes and is struggling hard with the demonstrations of students and people related to the universities(on the other hand, it seems that the Japanese do not have energy to demonstrate). Her activities are wonderful considering that she is still 40 and upbringing two children.
Photograph 1 With the Minister Ms. Pecresse
In the evening, I attended the welcome party organized by the Prime Minister Fillon at the France Embassy. Danjyurou (a Kabuki actor) greeted in fluent French language and he showed the performance of "NIRAMI"(Kabuki movement of driving away bad vibes) and "GANRIKI"(Kabuki’s strong expression of eyes). After the welcome speech of Prime Minister Fillon, I went to Swiss ambassador’s residence to attend "Thank you" reception of Davos Forum held this year. After that, went for dinner with the Professor Dr.and Mrs. Dale (Chairman of ACP, American College of Physicians).
Prime Minister Mr. Koizumi announced "Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize" during his visit to Africa in May 2006. The prize is granted in 2 sections, the prize for the medical contribution for health problems of Africa and other one is contribution for health care, which attracts the attention of not only Africa but also the world. The award ceremony is held in this end of May joining with TICAD. On this occasion, 2 winners were decided and announced. Although I had played a role of the chief of selection committee member, I was very glad for getting out the unanimous conclusion.
Mr. Greenwood from England was awarded in the medical field had played an active role in the medical field for 30 years in Africa as a doctor and contributed for the various measures against malaria and infective diseases.
In the health care field, Dr. Were of Kenya was awarded. Despite many objections, ｓhe also built the fundamental sanitation environment over 40 years keeping focus especially on females and children and continued it steadily. She has great contribution in promoting the health in Kenya as well as in Africa.
This news was reported all over the world especially at Rockefeller University, WHO(which very much supported Dr. Noguchi as his centers of activities), UZIMA Foundation and World Bank(which are the center of activities of Dr. Were).
I think this is a good opportunity to give momentum to Japan leadership towards TICAD in May and G8 summit in July though.
Following sites are the news reports and responses from various countries. Please refer it.
British Embassy in Japan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
<international organization>
WHO
World Bank
Rockefeller University
Gates Foundation
Rockefeller Foundation
Roll Back Malaria Partnership
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
PEPFAR
AMREF
Medicines for Malaria Venture
Association of School of Public Health
Global Health Council
USAIDS
Society for International Development
UN radio
University 500 news
<press coverage inside Japan> (English version. There were many articles in Japanese.)
Japan Today
<press coverage outside Japan>
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Breitbart
Capital FM
Africa Science News Service
Apanews
Africa News Source
Africa News
The Nations (Kenya)
Medical News Today
Medical Health Articles
Health Care Industry
a2 media group
Med Store News
Latin America News Agency
Kinhua PR Newswire
Institute of Medical Infomation/Medical Library in China
YNCDC in China
However, still Japan’s Overseas Aid has declined remarkably. In the 1990’s, it was world’s No.1, having great contribution in revival of Asia and also in growth. Now Japan, still the world’s 2nd country in GDP, is
on the 5th place and it is assumed to be distanced by US, Germany, France and also by UK. It is predicted to be distanced one after another by Holland, Spain etc. Although it is the financial condition, it is regrettable. It becomes a national reliance and trust problem. Japan has difficulty in changing its policies.
Though the world has changed rapidly, Japan is too focused to domestic issues to change. Isn’t it? The leaders respectively from government, bureaucracy, industry and academia have to contribute definitely. Anyone can give reasons for not doing something. Responsibility is the behavior.