education – Page 25 – Kiyoshi Kurokawa.com

Efforts to understand ‘Japan as seen from outside’

Posted on 2009/10/152014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Recently, I have posted two columns (Ref.1, 2) on ‘Japan as seen from outside’ which I have written in rather a straightforward style. Via internet, I could see a number of people agreed and approved of my views.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　So what can we do about it? I suggested a small example. It appears as an interview article (English translation of article written in Japanese) in a monthly magazine‘GOETHE’ .

We all know that CNN and BBC are not the only global television networks, and we understand that The Economist (about 440,000 circulations) has a large number of subscribers, but I believe that we should utilize Internet more.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　An interview article of Mr. Kensuke Watanabe (Ken Watanabe) (English translation of article written in Japanese) appears on the left part of the page of my article, so I uploaded the whole two pages for your interest. Just taking a look at his biography will convince you how wonderful his background is, but his activities are also impressive. He published a charming problem solving book for children ‘Sekai ichi yasashii mondaikaiketsu no jyugyo – jibun de kangae kodoh suru chikara ga mini tsuku’ (The easiest course on problem solving in the world ? lessons on how to think and act by yourself) (Translations in English and other languages are available ) and not only that – he is actually practicing what he writes in his book. Mr. Watanabe is a good example of those wonderful young people that I meet once in a while and try to support as much as I could as appropriate. Dr. Yohei Sasagawa also introduces a moving story on Mr. Watanabe in his blog (in Japanese). Mr. Sasagawa himself is working very hard in the field of Global Health.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Sometimes, you find truly wonderful young people in Japan who will be making the future of this nation.

Concerns about ‘Japan as seen from outside’

Posted on 2009/10/142014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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As frequent visitors to my blog will already have noticed I am one of those who have had concerns about the future of Japan for some time. Until just several years ago, an odd optimism on economy of Japan that sounds somewhat like an ‘excuse’ was spreading widely in Japanese society along with expression such as ‘upwards economy since Izanagi Keiki’ (Izanagi keiki refers to an economic boom that lasted from 1966 to 1970). I was sending out warnings then, too. For instance, please see my interview in Toyo Keizai January, 2008 issue.

I assume that there are many those who do not want to or will not buy my opinion, but just recall, at the time of ‘Lehman’ shock, there was an atmosphere in Japan of ‘Japan will be all right’ at least in the beginning. However, generally speaking, I think basically Japanese enterprises- especially managements – are weak. Of course new industries emerge but I hear many instances of major companies obstracting the growth of new businesses by entrepreneurs while they are still young and small. Big enterprises are naturally slow in adjusting to changes, which is a common story. Also, I feel that a large number of Japanese people are not good at intuitively sensing the value of ‘Diversities and Differences’ that exists in this global world simply because they do not have much first hand experience.

This truly is the crucial stage for Japanese politics, economy, industries, and universities in the face of, as correctly put by Asia Innovation Forum;The Earth’s limits, Asia’s growth. The ‘leaders’, unable to catch the essence of global age having climbed up the ladder in many decades-old system, think that situation in Japan is ‘so-so’ and tend to lie back in their comfortable chair failing to take any drastic actions. Some people compare them to ‘frogs in lukewarm water’. Oh, but Japan has so many ‘strength’ that it can utilize and I would urge all of you to take advantage of this strength. ‘Entrepreneurial spirit’ is the key word. We must recognize our ‘weakness’, focus not only to domestics but broaden our views to international affairs and collaborate with partners around the world in taking actions. Speed matters.

Japanese who have long worked abroad as an independent ‘individual’ understand and feel intuitively what I have just said. I call this an ability to ‘see Japan from ‘outside’’. What they see is very different from ‘Japan in the world’ as seen by most Japanese because most Japanese have been used basically to‘see world from Japan.’.
In the past two weeks, I had a visit from two Japanese scholars/researchers. One is Professor Hisashi Kobayashi of Princeton University. I assume you all have heard of him. He was so concerned abut the too-domestic-focused ideas and actions of Japan that he decided to come to see me. I shared his view 100% so we discussed very much on what to do or what could be done. I believe that readers of my blog would understand how I am making efforts to make changes, but even universities, the ‘campus of intellects’ that should be standing highly by itself, are seeing things in a narrow inward way. Especially at the ‘leading’ universities, the young students naturally would think that the standard there is ‘first class’, and this general perception in Japan is causing significant damages.misleading students.

The second guest wasDr. Ryo Kubota.　He has been working in the field of biomedical research in USA for 10 years and founded a Biotech Venture. Dr. Kubota stopped by at my office during his stay at Tokyo to express his deep concern about how Japanese research and venture businesses were being conducted. He was apparently alarmed by what was happening in Japan.

I think that the concerns of these two people represent‘Patriotism’. Experience such as theirs’ will hardly nurture narrowly-minded ‘Nationalism’.

In addition to these two Japanese guests from abroad, I had opportunities to welcome visitors from the top managements of SITRA (Ref.1), a public investment fund of Finland and two biotechnology related investment funds of US in sequence. Everybody had same topics, concerns and points.

It is so important to have more people, in their young age as much as possible (because you can afford to make mistakes…. You can learn from the mistakes and become wiser…) to go abroad to the wide world and to know what is happening there, to see Japan from ‘outside’, to have first hand experience and to become more capable of sensing instuitively how Japan would look like from ‘outside’. ‘A frog in a well does not know the great sea’ – just as the proverb goes. ‘Knowing’ the great sea through actual experience is crucial to everybody especially in this global era. The two Japanese visitors from overseas were so worried about the current status, thus the future of Japan precisely because they have had this actual experiences.

Well, even so, Japan holds yet the 2nd or 3rd place in the world economically. In addition, we have so many strength that others would envy. I urge you all to go out and fly. Don’t become secluded.

Dr. William Saito (Ref.1) is a Japanese American that I have been working with for these two years and he also shares the same view with me. His evaluation is actually very severe, clearly recognizing the systematic weakness of Japan perhaps partly because of his experiences and success in a venture business in the United States. We are struggling to bring about some changes… sowing seeds, crafting exciting mechanisms…

STS Forum, Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting, Session with Young Scientists

Posted on 2009/10/102014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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STS Forum （Science and Technology in Society Forum） was held in Kyoto. I have been involved in this Forum since its start. It is a daring attempt to bring together people in politics, business, science and other fields from all over the world to discuss about issues we all share in common.

My role was to give a keynote lecture at the Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting (Photos 1-4) with Dr. Philip Campbell, Chief Editor of ‘Nature’. Ministers from 24 countries (9 from Africa) participated The meeting was chaired by Mr. Keisuke Tsumura, Science and Technology Vice-Minister and a young and bright legislator iand one of future leaders of the Democratic Party of Japan. After our keynote lectures, ministers at the audience talked actively about the policies and issues of their home countries.

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Photos 1-4 With participants

On the 2nd day, I co-chaired the session of ‘Proposals from Young Scientists’with my old friend Prof ohamed Hassan, Executive Director of TWAS and other places. It was a long session of 2 hours or so, where 8 young scientists introduced themselves and split to 4 tables of 8-10 guests and had 1 hour discussion. In the end, each table presented summary and recommendations based on what they discussed. The summary of the session is available, too. Some people teased me and said that I belonged to the young people.

Photo 5: With Young Scientists at the Forum. Front row, at the center is myself, Mr. Ono of JSPS, the sponsor institution of this Forum, and Professor Hassan.

Mr. Ellis Rubinstein, President and CEO of NYAS told me that he would participate at some point of the meeting, but he was unable to make it because of some other responsibility. For NYAS, I serve as an advisory council member of ‘Scientists Without Borders’ .

Communication with students, a new friend through blogs, an encounter from the past

Posted on 2009/10/092014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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It is always a pleasure to see and talk with students. The day after my return from Paris, October 4th, I went to Osaka.

Professor Kurachi, an old friend of mine and director of the Division of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology at Osaka University, took initiatives in organizing annual forum for students from 5 universities in Osaka and invited me as a speaker this year. Core message of my talk was almost the same as what I write in my blog, and I enjoyed greatly talking with the students at the reception afterwards.
It is always my impression, as I point out in every occasion, that female students are more lively and active. (Ref.1, 2) Male students standing around wouldn't easily respond even if I urged them to come and join in the conversation. There was one very outgoing male student however, and he apparently had a concrete vision on what he want to do. Why? Answer to this question is again the　‘3 speeches’, especially the ‘Last Lecture’ by Randy Pausch and in this case not the speech by Steve Jobs.
I also had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Inoue at the reception. She had written in her blog that she was looking forward to coming to my lecture. This kind of unexpected encounter is another example of the power of sending out messages in this ‘flattening’world. You experience connecting to people in an unimaginable way.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　On 5th, I went to a session of STS Forum in Kyoto with ‘Young Scientists’. This was also something very nice. I will post a separate column on this later.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　On 9th, I went to Mie University to give a lecture at its 60th anniversary. My message was focused mainly to the students, but the President and professors seem to have enjoyed it as well. There were also guests from Thai and Spain to congratulate the occasion. Students entertained audience by their brass band performance (I learned that this band is well known as a topclass among Japan college bands), chorus, and dance. Some students came up to me with my book in their hand and asked for my autograph. This made me very happy.
I met a lady in the eaudience who once had visited my house in Los Angeles when she was an elementary school student. I vaguely remembered her, but a memory came up more clearly after some time. Time flies so quickly.

I sincerely wish that each student grasp their bright future. ‘Go out and see the world, make lots of friends in this wide world ? this is the way things should be in this global age’; this was my core message. My message remains the same anywhere, anytime. Universities must open up their doors to the world. They should also mind their great responsibility in educating and nurturing young students because our future is in their hands. I made several suggestions on what they can do.

Now, a year later, what will be happening here? I will be expecting a lot from every and each one of you!

D-Lab of MIT, starting businesses with students

Posted on 2009/10/082014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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In my recent posting I wrote about D-Lab of MIT. Mr. Endo, a student at this Lab, came to visit me upon his travel to Japan. I asked Dr. William Saito who is helping me with research on innovations and educational activities to join and we all had nice conversations. Mr. Endo is currently enrolled in PhD course at MIT, working hard on his research while participating also in D-Lab. He had his undergraduate and master’s education at Keio University.

The theme that Mr. Endo and his group is working on at D-Lab is prosthetics (artificial legs, arms, etc.) ? to provide affordable and good prosthetics to people in need at developing countries. There are many people who suffer loss of their limbs through traffic accidents, wars, or land mines. Prosthetics made in developing countries are often not so useful because of low qualities, poor fitting, tendency to break easily, etc. Such weaknesses are understandable if you think about the infrastructures or technologies they have at hand in these countries. So Mr. Endo came up with this great plan of developing good prosthetics and providing them to people in need to help them become more independent ? financially and physically. It is a wonderful project.

Photo: From left Dr. Saito, Mr. Endo, and myself.

Many of these projects expand into social activities or businesses but then quite a number of them will fail and disappear, which is very understandable. However, those listed here are still continuing meaning 26% of projects that deveoped into businesses are still alive. Dr. William Saito responded immediately saying “This is an astonishingly good rate!” I totally agree with him. Dr. Saito himself launched a business when he was a student at U.S. and made it a great success.

I understand that Mr. Endo is also involved in development of high quality prosthetic legs that have potentials for enabling the atheletes to break world records. Apparently he has high goals and broad views. Mr. Endo also said that he has an experience of having worked with Dr. Hiroaki Kitano in the project on AIBO at Sony Computer Science Laboratories Ltd. when he was studying at Keio University.

Hanoi and Yangon

Posted on 2009/10/012014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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It’s been a long time since I was at Hanoi last time. Now I am here again for two reasons: to move for YES (Young Engineers and Scientists) Award (Ref.1, 2) of Honda foundation
and to have an informal talk with the officials of government of Vietnam on its Science and Technology policies.

As I always say in every opportunity, it is my deep conviction that the most fundamental goal of education in Japan is to produce human asset that is ready to cope with this speeding global age and it should be done through promotion of active multi layered international exchanges. I am sure that those of you who are frequent visitors of my blog know this…

For this purpose I am helping the Honda foundation on its YES program that is supporting young generation of Vietnam, India, and other ASEAN countries.

While I was waiting for my colleagues to join me from Cambodia, Drs. Thang and Ann (photo1) came to see me at the hotel. I have known them for more than 10 years, ever since I was councilor, and later President, of the International Society of Nephrology. Now, they are leading figures in this field in Vietnam. Dr. Ann has experience of spending 3 months at Tokai University by invitation. I recall that it was 17 or 18 years ago when I first visited Hanoi and saw hospitals operating in unbelievably bad conditions.

Photo 1: From left, Dr. Thang and Dr. Ann.

Dr. Ca, whom I believe is the “number 2” in Science and Technology Department, organized my meeting with the government officials including two former ministers and we enjoyed heated discussions. Dr. Ca and I are familiar with each other because we both participated in the Conference of the Science Council of Asia for these 7, 8 years. Every time I see him, he is promoted to higher responsibilities. I am happy to see this.

Photo 2: With Dr. Ca. From left, Dr. Ishihara of Honda foundation, Dr. Ca, myself, Dr. Sunami of GRIPS, local officer.

Photo 3: Electric wires in the town. So crowded!

In the evening, by chance, I was able to stop by at the wedding party of Dr. Thang’s daughter for 10 minutes before going to the airport. So many guests were there.

I spent one night at Bangkok and left for Yangon, Myanmar. At Yangon, I visited the Yangon Technological University (Ref.1) located in a beautiful simple scene to exchange views with the professors and President on what the best possible YES program of Honda foundation would be. After this, went to pay a visit to H.E. Nogawa at the Embassy of Japan, to JICA office, and Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA) (approximately 800 alumni including short stays).

The President of MAJA, Dr. Kyaw was about the same generation as I. He studied as research student at Department of Neurosurgery at School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo and earned his degree under the supervision of Professors Shimizu and Sano. Good old memories! This sort of relationship is even more necessary for tomorrow’s Japan, and I want even more young people go study abroad, to mix and compete with others, but even at this global age, the number of students studying abroad is decreasing in Japan for some reason. In other words, “inward looking, secluding” mentality is spreading – a strange phenomenon. I think this problem is more prominent in boys.

I also want more energy in professors. If professors are “inward looking”, nothing much can be done about it, but at least they should put young students at the top priority because they are going to handle this nation in the future. This is really a problem. Same problems exist in companies, too.

I left Yangon in the evening for Japan. It was a busy trip, but there were lots to see and hear, and many nice people to meet.

I arrived at Narita next morning, spent some time at GRIPS, and in the evening went to the recording of “Prime News”, a television program of BS Fuji channel. The topic of that night was “Davos meeting, the world, and Japan”. The guests were Mr. Motohisa Furukara, “secretary-genral” of National Strategy Bureau of Cabinet headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kan and Ms. Kumi Fujisawa of Sofia Bank, and myself. By any chance have you seen it?

Asia Innovation Forum; Eyes to see Japan from “outside”

Posted on 2009/09/162014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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As I introduced to you in my recent column, the “Asia Innovation Forum” opened at Roppongi Hills for two days on September 14th and 15th under the initiative of Mr. Idei, the former CEO of SONY. By looking at the program you may see that “Group 20” worked very hard to make this happen and I am proud with the result. I was also delighted to see so many people coming. We used Twitter and web cast to achieve more effect.

From the beginning we planned this year’s forum mainly for Japanese so there were only a few non-Japanese participants. I was unfortunately unable to attend the start of the first day due to other obligations, but the sessions seemed to have run pretty well. The speakers were all very qualified as well as good debaters with so much to say that the moderators had hard time trying to spare enough length of time for each of them. The moderators all did wonderful job.

I managed to attend whole day on the 2nd day. I saw Mr. Ken Okuyama (Ref.1) after a long time at lunch. He has a wonderful talent to speak of big views and to take actions. President Fukutake of Benesse Co. gave an attractive speech on the world famous “Naoshima” island. A warm, gentle style of Dr. Yonekura in moderating the succeeding panel was also nice. The last panel by “Group 20” ran a bit short of time unfortunately. Dr. Sadako Ogata delivered a closing remark. There was also a session by people aiming to be social entrepreneurs. It was a remarkable close-up.

We used “Twitter” for something new and Webcast was also available. Thanks to staffs for their hard work.

The “Group20” might appear strangely different for traditional Japanese business people. Its members are comprised of young leaders that possess high ability to challenge the global age, a completely different type compared to traditional “elites”. On the other hand, however, I saw a weakness in their words because their views were only from the standpoint of home country ? not being able to look at the world affairs apart from Japanese point of view. I have the impression that they are not really being able to see or feel Japan “from international point of view”. But this is precisely the point how people of the world see Japan. Maybe it is because these young Japanese people have no experience of living abroad for a long period as an individual, free from Japanese organizations or companies. If you are working for a Japanese company, no matter how long you have lived abroad it is nothing but a “long business trip” because you would be acting in accordance to the instructions of the management. You would not be free from Japanese society or culture of Japanese business. I saw this problem being expressed in many questions raised by non-Japaneses who participated in the panels. It is important to understand your “strength” and “weakness”. You are all our precious human asset with whom we entrust the future of Japan.

My closing comment was structured around this “lack of overseas experience” in Japanese young people. I also pointed out that talents of women are being wasted which was another big problem. The latter issue was discussed in an article next day in “Newsweek International” (Sept.21 edition) featuring “the Female Factor” (see the picture at the top) titled “The Real Emerging Market”. Such discussion is not only my view (you will find this theme repeatedly in my blog), but also a world trend. Thinking of Japan as a different, special country is a terrible mistake. So I made the tone of my comment stronger than usual. Let me remind you that the theme of this year “The Earth’s Limits. Asia’s Growth and Japan’s Role” was selected because people expect a lot from Japan. There are so many things that we can and must do. Action is everthing.

Summer Davos-2 Japanese women shine

Posted on 2009/09/152014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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I would like to write about my impression on this year’s Summer Davos. In short, China, not only because it was the host country, demonstrated great energy, presence, and commitment of government through speeches by Premier Wen Jiabao and the Mayor of Tianjin and so on. The details of this meeting are reported at the website (webcast １, ２ , photos ). Dr. Ishikura also writes many columns in her blog （Sept.12, 15, 16）. These reports are very lively and informative so please take a look.

Many people participated from Japan and I was happy about it. There were many interesting sessions taking places in parallel in more than one venue, personal net workings to do and consultations to attend…so I was quite busy. At the reception on the 2nd day, I enjoyed encounters with many old and new friends.

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Photos 1-4: 3 scenes from the receiption, President of the China Daily and his staffs, Prof. Moon of Yonsei University (left end).

At the IdeasLab session Keio University and the University of Tokyo participated. This was also good. Dr. Yoko Ishikura took lead of these sessions. I did not fully listen or discuss in these sessions but Drs. Murai, Natsuno, etc. at Keio University gave a nice exciting presentation on IT field, focusing on Internet and cell phones. Especially, the high-tech cell phone presented by Dr. Natsuno surprised the audience. But why is it that the Japanese people do not try to develop a targeted market for such first class technology? Why don’t we make effort to present it? This issue is discussed also at “Cho (literally meaning ‘surpass’) Galapagos study group” where I participate with Drs. Natsuno and Murai and we are planning to announce policy recommendations shortly. The University of Tokyo gave presentation on sustainable human society, with focus on ecology, particularly ‘water’ problems. This was also a very interesting session led by Dr. Hashimoto, a specialist on photocatalyst and Dr. Oki doing research on global balance of water resource but unfortunately the time was not enough.. Details of these sessions are available on the web (Ref.1 2), so if you have time visit the sites and enjoy.

Photo 5: Panel on Global Competitiveness report

The World Economic Forum, organizer of Davos meeting also announces “The Global Competitiveness report” every year. Dr. Ishikura participated from Japan to help analyze, evaluate and make reports. For the year of 2009-2010, Japan scored 8th among 133countries (8/133). Not bad – but this does not entitle us to sit back and relax. There are yet so many things that can be done. Lift your spirits high and keep on working. Find out what you are good at or unique, and make it better, utilize it, see the world trend, broaden your horizon and go out to take action.

Nick Gowing, a famous anchor of BBC, hosted the panel on this report .The panelists were vice minister of Vietnam (75/133), minister of trade of Costa Rica 855/133), vice minister of Mauritius (57/133) and Dr. Ishikura. Dr. Ishikura first explained the report and then comments and remarks by each panelists followed, ending with a question from Nik (isn’t it a bit impolite?) to minister of Zimbabwe (132/133) who was in the audience. The minister responded by explaining his thoughts on the issues, plans, and promises to the world and then Nik turned to Ms. Ishikura for a comment. Her comment was good, actually.

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Photos 6-9: Panel hosted by Ms. Kuniya (6.7) and Ms. Doden (8,9)

On the last day, we had a heated panel on global economy “Asia’s New Role in Managing the Global Economy” . Ms. Hiroko Kuniya, host of a popular interview program “Today’s Close Up” at NHK, did a good job handling discussions on difficult issues such as the role of IMF with five outstanding panelists. One of the last panels just before the wrap-up session of all panels was “China, Japan and South Korea; Shifting the Power Equation Together?” hosted by Ms. Aiko Doden who is also a reporter of NHK. They must have had only a little time to discuss in advance with the panelists, but they both did very well. I believe the panels will be broadcasted in Japan shortly.

These three Japanese ladies that I introduced to you are very good English speakers, but not just that. They are also wonderful hosts; handling the flow of discussions smoothly by stepping aside, but not missing the chance to draw good comments from the panelists at a good timing, not afraid to challenge them if necessary. It is a hard work, calling for a very different type of skills than the panelists. I guess they learn how to do this by seeing good examples, experiencing, and getting feedbacks. In anything we do, we improve by studying, seeing examples of the world, copying good examples, trying, experiencing, getting feedbacks, and by reviewing.. This kind of skill is what we might call “Tacit Knowing”- an ability that cannot be learned from manuals or user’s guide.

This year many Japanese came to participate and were active but I have an impression that Japanese women’s work as host, taking charge of the flow of panels, was particularly noticeable and therefore shining. In all of the 4 sessions which I wrote about, including IdeasLab, Japanese women served as hosts but the panelists and speakers of the presentations were all men. Were these women even more prominent because of this? It might be so because their role was to cast a spotlight to each of these men, one after another, and they were all in established positions. Am I being a bit prejudiced? Anyway, it is good for Japanese to attract attentions.

10 １１

Photos 10-11: At dinner together

In the evening of the final day, I had a nice dinner with Ms.Kuniya, Ms. Doden and other Japanese people, about 12 people altogether. (Photo 11). I fully enjoyed this opportunity and appreciated it. By the way, the attendants were half men and half women.

Summer Davos at Dalian: ‘D.Light’ and other flourishing Social Entrepreneurs

Posted on 2009/09/122014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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As at elsewhere, ‘Social Entrepreneurs’ is in the spotlight at Summer Davos also. Japan as a high tech country tends to see the world just from her perspective making international contribution with philosophy or products that lack ‘knowledge or sensitivity to the local situation’ or having ‘too much focus on cutting -edge technology’ – both being the ‘weakness’ that Japanese must recognize.

The D-Lab of MIT which I have introduced to you in my blog is a good example of the project that started with consideration to these points.

At IdeasLab, the session on social entrepreneurs, many examples were introduced but I would say Ned Tozan of ‘D.Light’ (Ref.1) caught most attention. In India and Africa, many places are without electricity so some people burn kerosene at night. This is apparently dangerous, unhealthy, and costly for poor people. What can we do about it? Their work starts from this question. Their enthusiasm was felt to all who listened.

Other examples included: 1) Activities to provide modest education and skill training to migrant workers for their possible career opportunity after their return to homeland. 2) Helping people with only small land to be financially independent 3) Helping young women forced in prostitution in Cambodia and other lands to become financially independent.

I asked Mr. Tozan ‘Did your project stem out from D-Lab (Ref.1) ?’ and his answer was ‘Yes’. Recently I posted a column on D-Lab, a wonderful new course that started at MIT. I was told that this activity spread through the alumni and heard about a successful example of a Stanford student. I had a feeling that D.Light was it, and correctly so. Just looking at the background of Sam Goldman (Ref.1), CEO and founder of D.Light, you will see how American youth are aware about the world affairs, have energy and vitality to do something about them. I also admire from the bottom of my heart the innovative ways elite universities of America treat the students and their ambitions.

I think that more social entrepreneurs would emerge from Japan if more Japanese business people or youth see global issues through their own personal experience. Letting them pass time in ‘Hikikomori (Social Withdrawal)’ is ‘mottainai’. I wonder whether young people in Japan find it difficult to draw a bright picture of future when they see people 20-30 years older and think to themselves that those kind of life are their only options. But they are so wrong!

In order to open up Japan to the world, it is crucial to ‘let young people experience and see more of the outside world’ (Ref.1, 2, 3). It is now almost my mantra, but once again, I confirmed its importance. The world is big. As Steve Jobs puts it, ‘Don’t Settle, Keep Looking’(Ref.1)

A Guest Article by Donna Scott on Education Reform

Posted on 2009/09/022014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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In this site and elsewhere I often discuss education reform in the world and in Japan because it is the most important policy issue of Japan and the world. Frequent visitors to this site understand my points and views well.

Recently, I received a message from Donna Scott, who asked if I would consider a guest article. Obviously, she is involved with new types of educational system, ie, <onlineschool.net> as below;

http://onlineschool.net/2009/08/11/100-awesome-ways-to-use-duct-tape-in-your-dorm-room/
http://onlineschool.net/2009/08/04/100-best-book-blogs-for-history-buffs/

So I replied ‘why not?’

Below is her essay with a timely topics at the time of Lower House election of Japan, ‘New Party Could Mean Changes in Educational Testing’. (Full text is also copied below)

Your thoughts? And get involved in the connecting world.

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New Party Could Mean Changes in Educational Testing

The Democratic Party of Japan has stated that if it wins the upcoming election it would make some changes to the current educational system. Announced Monday, the party would drastically scale back the national achievement examinations given to students in their sixth year of elementary school and third year of junior high.

It doesn’t all have to do with education, however, as the concerns are more budgetary than anything else. The party believes that by only have a few sample schools take the exams that the government could save nearly 4 billion Yen each year, a large sum considering current economic difficulties facing leaders.

The tests themselves would also be altered, focusing on a wider variety of subjects rather than just focusing on Japanese and Math. Students from a wider range of grades would also take part in the testing, showing the performance levels of students in more than the two grades currently tested.

The exam is far from being an academic tradition; it was only reinstated in 2007 after leaders felt there had been a marked decrease in the quality of education and the academic abilities of students. As of present, all public schools participate in the testing and over half of private schools submitted their students? results. New regulations would test only a few of these schools as a means to find a balance between the need to gauge academic performance and cut expenses from the budget.

The current ruling party, if it maintains power, has no plans to scale back the testing, citing that students are still having difficulties with the utilization of knowledge as tests from the past few years have shown little change in this respect. It is expected, however, that the DPJ will score a landslide victory in the election, almost guaranteeing changes to the current testing plan, for better or worse.

This year it was the students in Akita and Fukui prefectures who scored the best in exams taken this April. This is their third straight year at the top of the ranks. Overall, the percentage of correct answers rose significantly from last year, but many believe that this is because the overall difficulty of the test was decreased. Problems still remain as there is a large gap between the schools in the top and bottom prefectures, showing that some schools may need additional resources and help to bring their students up to the level of those in other public education systems.

This post was contributed by Donna Scott, who writes about the best online schools. She welcomes your feedback at DonnaScott9929 yahoo.com

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