environment – Page 8 – Kiyoshi Kurokawa.com

To Singapore, Paris and Cassis

Posted on 2008/04/302014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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.

Announcement of Winner of Noguchi Hideyo Africa Prize

Posted on 2008/04/042017/06/29 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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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.

Lost in translation? Not really

Posted on 2008/03/252014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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In a recent panel I participated ?perhaps about 20 panelists — 6:4 for Japanese and non-Japanese, heated discussion went on how to combat climate change. Several Japanese corporate and policy leaders claimed that Japanese energy technology is most efficient and they worked very hard with ‘Samurai spirit’ to improve energy efficiency after ‘oil crisis’ of 1973 Middle East War and insisted that innovative technology is the key to reduce carbon emission.

But others, both Japanese and non-Japanese, argue that this is not enough and insisted that rules and regulations including ‘carbon cap and trade’ must be implemented. Japanese side insists ‘sector approach’ leaving best practice in the world for each sector to pursue.

It seems EU and even US seem moving toward ‘carbon cap and trade’ in addition to various mandatory policies in addition to innovative technology. Unless Japan takes it own initiative, she becomes just a follower of new world rules and could be singled out from this kind of business.

On video-screen, the translation appeared as ‘Samurai Worrier,’ which should have been ‘Samurai Warrior.’ An American noticed this error, but said gently this may not be an error and rather sending a correct message. Sometimes, translation may convey the true meaning of what is being said.

Meeting with Mr. Blair and participating in “Blair Project”

Posted on 2008/03/212014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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From March 14 to 16, “G20 meeting of ministers of energy and environment” was held in Makuhari, Chiba prefecture.

In the morning of 13th, I met with Prof. Sachs and discussed about the latest Global Health Summit, as well as the announcement made by president Bush during his visit to Africa, on additional support for Africa on neglected infectious diseases other than HIV, Malaria, and tuberculosis. We also discussed about various types of ODAs, supports that can produce visible outcomes, and how we could best fund them. From late afternoon, a meeting organized by Columbia University was held in Shanghai, to which I was invited, but unfortunately had to be excused.

I then rushed to the 3rd meeting of GIES, “GIES2008.” “GIES2007” held in June 2007, and there my talk on “Innovation25,” is available on webcast.

In the morning of March 14, I had breakfast with Honorable Malcolm Wicks, Minister of State of Energy of the United Kingdom, who participated in the “G20” meeting. In the late morning of March 15, I with several others met with Mr. Tony Blair, prime minister of England until last year (Photo 1). Mr. Blair delivered a keynote lecture early in the morning at G20 meeting. We discussed primarily on climate change and its policy of upcoming G8 Summit, China policy, issues on developing countries, and other related issues. Mr. Blair highlighted the topic of climate change for the first time at his Gleneagles G8 summit in 2005, and since then he is sincerely working hard to follow up the theme. He works closely Davos meeting, and co-presided a lecture given by prime minister, Mr. Fukuda, this year’s Davos meeting. Mr Blair has continued his effort through various mechanisms to work on thi and other major global issues. I have been invited to join his team and am looking forward to participate in this honorable endeavor. Mr. Blair will head to next destination, Beijing and New Delhi, and I have already starting to correspond with his staffs by e-mail. No time to waste!

Photo1　With Mr. Tony Blair

March 16, lunch at “Global warming symposium” organized by Ministry of Environment, Tokyo, and Nikkei (photo 2), followed by keynote lecture by Mr. Blair, and a panel by Mr. Kamoshita, Ishihara, etc (photo 3). Excerpts will hopefully appear in Nikkei Shinbun sometime soon.

Photo2　Lunch with Mr. Blair. From left, myself, President Nishizawa of Tokyo Metropolitan University, Mr. Namiki, vice Minister of Environment, Mr. Graham Fry, British Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Blair, Mr. Ishihara

Photo3　 From left on the panel discussion, Mr. Kamoshita, Minister of Environment, Mr. Blair, Mr. Ishihara

Photo4　Before the lecture, myself with Mr Graham Fry, British Ambassador to Japan

Global Health part 1

Posted on 2008/02/292014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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In this global world, as super-rich emerge, the poor become even poorer. Currently, out of the 6.6 billion world population, about 20% are the so-called “extreme poverty” class and face high death rates for mothers giving birth, infants and children under age of 5.

Every year, millions of people die from hunger, malnutrition and diseases related to that. Especially poverty in Africa and South Asia is miserable. As our awareness towards global warming changes, production of bio fuel has increased, leading to the raise of corn and wheat prices. The world is moving to a critical direction. “2C”＝”Climate Change” and “3Ｆ”＝”Fuel, Food, and Feed” has a big impact to the people suffering from poverty. This is effecting heavily to the changes in global human society.

On February 15th, we held a conference on “Global Health: Under-nutrition” with the support of The World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other organizations. Dr. Tachi Yamada, President of Global Health Initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, made the closing remark and I did the welcome remark. During lunch, there was a wonderful speech from the Ghanaian Minister of Health and Welfare.

In addition, the world’s leading medical journal “The Lancet” started to feature on world nutrition since this January. The article is based on data from vast evidence and finds issues, some what like building up data for what can be done. The real challenge is what we can really do to make a change.

Japan is doing grass-roots ODA activities such as distributing iodine salt to Mongolia, something that is unique to Japan.

School meals are good, but babies up to 1-2 years’ nutrition and supplying necessary elements (like iodine, iron etc.) is what is important. Especially breast-feeding should be the key nutrition for babies up to 6 months and if nutrition is not enough up to 1-2 years old, it will influence their lives later on like poor grades in school, and allowing themselves to be in a social level of facing unemployment and low wages. As this leads to unfortunate future for the children and gives great impact on the nation’s productivity, nutrition is indeed a big issue.

Today’s conference was very enlightening for me and I thought is was good.
Tomorrow will be the second day of the conference.

From Davos, part3

Posted on 2008/01/262014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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The morning of the 25th was busy. I had an early morning meeting with Dr. Tachi Yamada from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to discuss about the upcoming February conference in Tokyo and other meetings that I had arranged. In the afternoon, I attended a session related to innovation and joined the beginning of plenary session “New Drivers of Development” chaired by Ms. Indra K Nooyi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pepsi Co. Participants were Mr. Bill Gates, Mr. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Robert B Zoellick, President of World Bank, Mr. Michael Treschow, Chairman of Unilever and Mr.Trevor Manuel, Minister of Finance of South Africa (photo1,2).

photo1 From left: Mr. Gates, Mr. Brown, Ms. Nooyi, Mr. Zoellick, Mr. Manuel and Mr. Treschow

photo2 Ms. Nooyi

The reason for attending only the beginning was because I had a session with Ms. Sadako Ogata, Bono(photo3) and some big figures who represent Japan. We discussed how Japan can show their initiative globally to make a move on development in Africa, TICAD and G8 summit and respond to the expectation from the world. Other participants were Mr. Okuda, former Chairman of Toyota Motor Corp, Mr. Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Mr. Matsuura, Director General of UNESCO and Dr. Komiyama, President of the University of Tokyo. I met with Bono and his staff yesterday and I think we will continue to work together in the future. Bono respects Ms. Ogata very much. He is well aware of Japan’s successful and long ODA history in Africa which is different to that from Europe and America. This year is an important year for Japan and he is seriously considering how Japan can show its presence. I was surprised at how much we can do. I learned a lot. He also said that during the 3-day concert in Japan, 120,000 fans gathered, which I later heard that he tried several attempts to send his message to the world through the crowd. He feels the passion that everybody is considering what they can do to make a change, but with the current political level, it is not well communicated inside and out.

photo3 With Bono before the meeting

Also, John Gage from Sun Microsystems joined. He supports Bono and Al Gore’s activities and I’ve been meeting him every year in Davos for 4 years. I hope my blog readers give consideration to what we can do and expand our will to the vast world to realize it. Then, I ran into Larry Page(who is very interested in climate change and global health and established the Google Foundation), the founder of Google which I introduced in last year’s report with some photos and Steve Grove from YouTube (photo4,5).

photo4　With Larry Page and Steve Grove

photo5　With Dr. Hirotaka Takeuchi from Hitotsubashi Univ, Mr. Tsuchiya from the World Economy Forum Secretariat, Larry Page and Steve Grove

（Mr. Tsuchiya studied with Steve Grove at Harvard Kennedy School. Isn’t that interesting, it’s the value of each individual in this global era.）

Tonight, Prime Minister Fukuda will arrive at Zurich. He will arrive at Davos the following morning and meet with Tony Blair, Mr Bono, Bill Gates and will deliver a speech. After that, I heard his schedule is full with luncheon meetings with the business community. I wonder whether the Prime Minister is really satisfied with his speech draft, but the speech writer must have worked hard to prepare it. The world’s opinion will show us the result. How will Japan be reported? How do the foreign media see Japan? What is the real opinion that doesn’t show up? At night, I met a lot of people at the ASEAN reception, but ended up with the usual members, Victor Chu (He is well known everywhere. He said that he travels 250 days a year for business. Wow, what an energy!) and John Gage. We had a drink at a bar at the hotel next door. Dr. Michael Porter from Harvard Business School joined and we had a great time together. This is the excitement of Davos.

photo6　With Mr. Chu and Mr. Gage

I am invited to a “Bollywood Party” hosted by India from 23:00, let’s see…

From Abu Dhabi－3; Dubai, and the Japanese environment technology.

Posted on 2007/11/222014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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On Oct. 26th, I was in Abu Dhabi and then stayed in Beijing and arrived at Narita late at night. The following day, there was a meeting presided by Dr. Uzawa and I enjoyed this Saturday event. The next week Monday to Friday was very busy. Then I once again departed to Abu Dhabi in the early morning on Saturday.

This time it was a very different task. At both Abu Dhabi and Dubai about twelve Japanese companies collaborated under the leadership of Nikken Sekkei Ltd. to display and introduce the environmental techniques which are pride of Japan. I gave a speech from the point of view of a scientist.

However, to visit Dubai Airport and Abu Dhabi twice within ten days was something I never would imagine, despite the fact that there were many coincidences that led this to happen.

After arriving in Dubai, a reception at the official residence of the consulate took place. After staying there overnight, I went to Abu Dhabi again after a gap of "10 days." I met the Ambassador His Excellency Hatano, some businessmen, and the Director General of INSEAD Abu Dhabi School. I brought Japanese sweets for the students of the Japanese school as I promised at my previous visit and handed them through Mr. Yoshimura, the principal. At night there was an excellent Japanese display of the environmental techniques and a video introduction of a proposal of new urban development. There was also an interview with His Highness the Prince in between and after that I addressed to the gathering. The speech given by His Highness the Prince was very earnest and made us aware that more efforts were needed for education. A part of his thoughts now in action is to enroll the local students in the Japanese school and he seemed to be very thankful to Ambassador Hatano for sharing the same view.

The climate in Abu Dhabi in this time of the year is very pleasant. It is somewhat like Los Angeles.

Photo1: At the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, from left myself, His Excellency Hatano, Director General of INSEAD Abu Dhabi school Mr. Peter Jadersten, my friends Mr. Nomura, Mr. Saito

Photo2: At the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, myself and Mr. Saito

Photo3: In front of the residence of the consulate, from left Mr. Saito, Mr. Nomura, myself

Photo4: Having omelet rice at the terrace of the consulate residence. From left, Mr. Korenaga, myself, Ms. Yoro, His Excellency Hatano, Mr. Saito, Mr. Nomura

25% of Japan’s petroleum imports are from Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, there is a future urban development plan called MASDAR over here which in the long run does not emit CO2 by using clean energy. It is incorporated very ambitiously. This ambitious project was also reffered to in the speech.

※A copy of the speech
"Planet in Peril: Nation with Clear Vision as a New Global Leader of Sustainable Urban Development, Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates"

The following day, I gave another speech which was slightly different and referred to the recent ambitious project "Enpark."

I arrived at Narita at night on the 6th.

Things that should be abundoned.

Posted on 2007/11/222014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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So busy again this week. I thought to myself why is it so?

I returned to Japan from the Middle East on the 6th (Tuesday). So it is a matter of course that I was busy as it was necessary to have the normal contacts, briefings and appointments with various people from the next day.

On the 7th (Wednesday) afternoon, I had a video interview with Dr. Takeshi Yourou (will describe later). In the evening, a speech which I agreed to do because it was related to the inauguration of "Innovation Courier." It was great to be with Dr. Yonekura of the Hitotsubashi University.

On the 8th (Thursday) morning, I met Dr. Hisao Endo at a scheduled breakfast meeting of the NPO Health Policy Institute which I preside. In the afternoon I met several people and discussed about work. In the evening there was a reception of the President Council of the University of Tokyo where chancellors of more than 10 universities of China and Korea attended. The vice minister of Ministry of Education of China was also there. It was a great success. The chancellor of the Uiversity of Tokyo, Dr. Komiyama is a very active person who speaks and acts toward public very positively.

The next day on the 9th (Friday), I had a meeting of the President Council of the University of Tokyo. I met Dr. Yoshino of the Harvard Business School after a long time. I think the trend of the debate moved towards the direction I wished, but the speed is somewhat・・・. Although I understand, it is still irritating. In the evening was UCLA Alumni association meeting. The Alumni members have increased under the leadership of Dr. Akada and it has become livelier. The young people are gradually participating and preparing together.

It was raining since morning on the 10th (Saturday). I attended the 130th anniversary of the University of Tokyo at the Yasuda auditorium. A President Council was held for this and several people from overseas participated as members. There was also a panel by Nobel Prize winners, Drs. Esaki, Ooe and Koshiba.

On 11th (Sunday), I gave a keynote speech along with Mr. Kamoshita, the minister of environment in a seminar of environment problems at the Sophia University (photo: with the minister Mr. Kamoshita and his wife). There was a lovely harp, cello and violin performance before and after the speech which gave a great feeling. I ended my speech with a note of Mr. Gandhi, 'the earth can meet our need, but not our greed' which received a huge applause.

Photo

This has become a habit but I was again busy this week. I know I must make up my mind to skip or abandon something.

Impossible? It’s a Matter of Vision and Will to Challenge!

Posted on 2007/11/132014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

On July 3rd, after I returned from G8 Science Advisors meeting in beautiful Slovenia, I had a briefing in Press Center, Tokyo, with foreign correspondents on ‘Cool Earth 50’. I thought the session went well with a lot of questions and discussions. I received more than few e-mails from those who attended this briefing, saying it was very enjoyable because I was quite open, frank and receptive to any question, thus quite different from any previous press briefings by the Japanese government officials. They indicated that government press briefs are not so amicable and usually provide little more than what are already on the web. Of course, this may be the case since the government officials are extremely cautious what they say. In addition, they have to deal with foreign press in English with the language barrier.

Mr. Von Martin Koelling reported my interview in Technology Review (in German) and I enjoyed reading his report. Its English translation, with some editing by me, is here for you to read. Enjoy it.

　　 "Impossible? It’s a Matter of Vision and Will to Challenge!"
　　　Technology Review, July 10, 2007

Am I “out of box”? “A stereotype breaker”?

Posted on 2007/09/202014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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In the morning of September 19th, I made a keynote speech at「BioJapan 2007-World Business Forum」 held at Pan Pacific Yokohama. The CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Dｒ. Maraganore from USA (whom I’ve met 3 years ago at his company) started by talking about "Progress in development of a new class of innovative medicines." His speech was followed by the CEO of Novozymes, Denmark, Mr. Riisgaard who talked about "Bioethanol – A sustainable contribution to the future energy supply," then I talked about "Innovation of bio technology: where is it heading to?".

There were people from OECD and the 6 of us had a pleasant talk over dinner the previous night. There were 2 people whom I have known for a while. It’s quite a small world.

By the way, Newsweek Japan (September 19 edition) published a cover story titled "Confession of a Tokyo Correspondent." In this report, David McNeil writes his hope to tell about "the true Japan." He is a Tokyo correspondent of the British Independent newspaper, but also contributes articles to other foreign newspapers. He is also a coordinator of "Japan Focus."

In the headline "Japanese authorities prefer to introduce their exotic character," there is a phrase as follows:
"・・・And they like to introduce people who destroy the stereotype of a no face Japanese working like a working drone in Japan, a giant machine. There are a lot of unique and talented people in Japan like Kenji Kawakami who presides Japan’s Unuseless Invention Society, Special Advisor to the Cabinet Kiyoshi Kurokawa, designer Jun Takahashi, composer Kazue Mizushima, Japanese Taiko drummer Eitetsu Hayashi etc. I’m lucky that I get paid by writing about them. ・・・."

So am I different from ordinary Japanese? I don’t care that much, but I’m honored that they see me "decently."

At night I had dinner with the British healthcare authorities and people from the British media like "Independent."