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Chateau Margaux

Posted on 2009/05/202014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

Needless to say Chateau Margoux is the most prestigious wine estate representing Bordeaux; "the Queen of French Wine." I was invited to a gathering of tasting Vintage wine from the brewery and had a wonderful time with nice people and good food.

Mr. Paul Pontallier, the manager of Chateau, also came directly from Narita.

After Champagne Cattier Clos du Moulin, below were served in the order of the list.

Pavillion Blanc du Chateau Margoux 2006
Pavillion Rouge du Chateau Margoux 2004
Pavillion Rouge du Chateuu Margoux 2000
Chateau Margoux 1995
Chateau Margoux 1989
Chateau Margoux 1982

The last 3 wines, like others, had unique tastes respectively. ‘ 95 was strong and complex, maybe good in 10~20 years from now, ‘ 89 was just right, very feminine and round. ‘ 82 had power and thickness.

Just a while ago, I also tasted Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1953, etc..

And in January this year I was given a very rare opportunity even by the standard of the world, of tasting Chateau Lafite of 1858 (150 years old). Something to be thankful for…

Toast for good friends !

Seize the Opportunity, Time for Big Change. But Where are Leaders?

Posted on 2009/05/182014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Situation of Japan is not good at all. Of course, same can be said for the rest of the world. Everybody is trying to make changes and searching for future perspectives of politics, industry, economy, education, etc.

As for the national vision as I see it, I have been sending out messages again and again from the start of the New Year. On the April 25 issue of Diamond Weekly Magazine(in Japanese only) an article based on interview with me was published under the title of "Let Japan go and sell clean energy technologies to China & India ! "(the article is in Japanese only). Here, as always, people give countless reasons why they cannot change, why they cannot do. In politics, industries, or whatever, I urge the leaders to straighten up.

Mr. Hatoyama was elected the President of the Democratic Party. How will the politics move?

In Japan, people are talking mostly about the revised budget which is almost "dumping" of public resources, and this is greatly affecting the political situation. It appears to be "scattering money" to vested interest groups, "lucky dips" by Ministries and Departments. No one is drawing visions for the future nor seizing this rare chance for a drastic change. I can even hear irresponsible big laughter of some people.

Same thing for science and technology policies. A mega budget of 300 billion yen( 3.1 billion dollars) was appropriated like a bolt from the blue. But for what and how? Please watch carefully. It is of a very different kind compared to the science and technology policies of President Obama.

A nation not investing to young generation has no future. It is very important to let young people see and experience the broad world outside so to prepare them for the global age. Young people are precisely "the" asset of the nation in the future.

From Toronto-2

Posted on 2009/05/152014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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It’s Saturday, May 2nd and the "swine flu" news are all over the place. In the afternoon, I went to the University of Toronto again, this time to the Massey College. The College is located just on the opposite side of yesterday’s Munk Center. I went to see my old friend, Dr. John Dirks who is in charge of the Gairdner award. It’s been 5 years since we met last time. Dr. Arimoto joined us from Washington DC where he was participating in the AAAS meeting. We spent approximately 1 hour in an old fashioned, elegant, somewhat small library of the College.

As I have reported in this blog, in the year of the 50th anniversary of the award two Japanese scientists-Drs. Yamanaka and Mori-were awarded so I went to pay a courtesy visit. I also heard about the awarding ceremony that will take place in October as well as various events being planned in celebration of the anniversary.

After this, I had an opportunity to see Prof. Jun Nogami. Dr. Nogami is the leading scientist of Canada Nanotech, nano-materials and I met him at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo this February when he was visiting Japan with Nanotech research promotion inspection party of Canada.

Photo1: At the Massey College with Drs. Dirks and Arimoto.

Photo2: With Drs. Nogami and Sunami.

Then, discussion with Dr. Peter Singer (Ref. 1, 2) on common topics including the agenda of next year’s G8 summit to be hosted by Canada.

In the evening, Prof. Ito Peng, her friend, Drs Arimoto, Sunami and I enjoyed nice dinner at "Sotto Sotto". The dessert was of course "Ice Wine." I was told that Japanese are the best customers.

From Toronto-1

Posted on 2009/05/132014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Photo1:　With Dr. Naylor, President of the University of Toronto

Departing from Washington DC, I arrived in Toronto on May 1st. 5 years have passed since my last visit. The main purpose this time is to visit Munk Center for International Studiesof University of Toronto

After checking in at Le Royal Meridien King Edward Hotel and taking a short rest, I took off for the destination.

First destination was a meeting with three people from MCIS, Janice Stein (Director), Judith Wolfson (Vice-President for University Relations) and LJ Edmonds to discuss on this year’s "Japan-Canada amity 80 years anniversary" plan with my colleague at GRIPS, Dr. Sunami. Both parties suggested focusing on "Innovation" in a broader sense. By the way, the three persons from Canada were all female, PhD, Lawyer, Government official respectively, representing a variety of careers which is truly impressive.

In the 75th anniversary, MCIS and SCJ (Science Council of Japan) co-organized a conference under the theme of "Gender Issue" that produced an outcome of Japan-Canada academic exchange program for female researchers (this web-site is in Japanese only) .

Photo2:　With Drs. Stein and Sunami at the Munk Center

"Asian Foodprints", a series of conferences under the auspices of Munk Center and Asia Institute happened to be open so we decided to have a quick look into them. The first conference was organized under the theme of "understanding cultures through food" and this year’s theme was "China, Hong Kong." It appeared to be very interesting.

After this, I left the site for a meeting with the President of University of Toronto. In my last visit five years ago, I had a lunch at the President’s office with current President Birgeneau of UC Berkeley, who was then just about to take on the new appointment. This time, it was Dr. David Naylor (the photo at the top) who succeeded Dr. Birgeneau just recently. Dr. Naylor is MD, and was the Dean of School of Medicine very much like myself. Still young, but has an impressive career and had lots of topics common with me so the meeting turned out to be a lively interesting conversation.

Then, a dinner of "understanding cultures through food" hosted by Munk Center and Asia Institute. A large number of guests were invited, including Dr. John Wong (Director), Professor Ito Peng , Drs. Stein, Wolfson and Edmonds. It was a wonderful event overall. Next year’s theme will be Japan. At the dinner I had an opportunity to see Mr. Yamashita, Consul General of Japan in Toronto, President Suzuki of the Japan Foundation and his wife.

In July, His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress will visit Canada. I am delighted to report to you that this was also a hot topic at the event.

Washington-3: From the World Bank

Posted on 2009/05/112014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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I did a lecture at the World Bank in January 2008 (Ref. 1, 2 ) and right after that we co-organized a Global Health Summit in Tokyo in February 2008. I believe that these activities were very helpful in building strong mutual trust and understanding. During my visit to Washington DC, from the morning of April 30, schedule was arranged for me to discuss about science and technology policy with special focus on African development for 4 hours.

In Japan, through 2008 TICAD4 (Ref. 1, 2 ) and meetings related to G8 Summit, policies are made to reinforce African development and eventually develop "Science and Technology diplomacy" (I have been advocating this for many years・・・) the movement which is prominent also in academies of Japan, U.S., and other countries where they are together working to build a system of mutual cooperation

What role is the Science and Technology policy of the World Bank capable to play to address the global issues of today’s drastically changing world is a great challenge. It was a good opportunity to advertise Japan’s policies since Japanese delegates had just returned from their tour on Science and Technology in Africa and their findings were reported at a conference in Tokyo recently. JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) also participated from Japan and contributed to making the discussion lively. It was well received.

Photo1: At the World Bank with Secretary Ueda of the Embassy of Japan.

Below are some of the scenes from the Science, Technology and Innovation Capacity Building Partnership Meeting at the World Bank .

Photo2: Breakfast

Photo3: Drs Nina Fedoroff （Ref. 1）and Peter McPherson

Photo4: Dr. Alfred Watkins (Ref. 1） of the World Bank and Dr. Andrew Reynolds of UNAID

Photo5: From left; Drs Victor Hwang （T2 Venture Capitaｌ）, Christian Delvoie, Phillip Griffiths

Expectations of the world is high for Japan and indeed Japan is capable in making large contributions in many different ways but it seems to me that current domestic climate is somewhat sadly introverted. For current crisis, it is crucial for the political leaders to catch this opportunity of "once in 100 years" disaster to show national vision that shows strong determination to change reluctant Japan to meet today’s global needs. If not, the cool-headed world would treat Japan accordingly; as a nation not-worth-taking-seriously, and no international negotiations or top diplomacy would make meaningful differences whatsoever (by Funabashi, Editor in Chief). How much are we, although still economically the 2nd largest, communicating to the world our will, determination, and policies and how seriously does the world take them? I regret to say that "Japan Missing" is the world’s feeling towards our nation.

Washington-2: Atlantic Council

Posted on 2009/05/052014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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There are many think-tanks in Washington. Among them CSIS, Brookings are well known in Japan also. Some Japanese go to these think-tanks to study, but I think their number is too small for a nation of the 2nd largest economy in the world. It is important to be in those think-tanks not only to gain knowledge but also to make connections in Washington, to understand how the politic works and how policies are made. We should be more seriously involved in this.

Atlantic Council is another example of those think-tanks. Its works are very closely related to politics. Mr. Kempe, after a long and prominent career at Wall Street Journal, has become President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic Council and its activities are expanding ever since.

National Security Advisor is known to be the most important post in the White House and General James Jones, the former Chairman of Atlantic Council, was appointed to take this position.

As you may see from the website of Atlantic Council, the organization was established in recognition of the importance of relations of Atlantic community of both sides. To meet the challenges of this global age, the Council is actively working and reporting on U.S.-China relations, new energy, etc. as well as on Asia. Here again, I must say that Japan’s presence is extremely weak.

I attended 2009 Leadership Award Dinner by invitation from Mr. Kempe. About 900 people were there. Please visit the website by all means. Since this year was the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, awards were given to the top of the United States and West Germany of the time; former President Bush (the father) and Prime Minister Kohl as well as IBM Chairman of the Board Mr. Palmisano, General Petraeus, and Thomas Hampson (a singer).

Former Secretary of State Mr. Colin Powell, Secretary of Defence Robert Gates and many government high officials, legislators, Ambassadors from 46 countries, etc. were there at the party. It was truly a fantastic gathering. My seat was next to Ambassador Fujisaki.

Speeches by the recipients were nice too – they all looked very comfortable in giving speeches. General Petraeus’ "joke" was fun. I invite you to listen to them on the web.

I also saw several friends from China. They were all at one table inviting Chinese connections.

President Obama’s speech and science & technology policies

Posted on 2009/04/302014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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I am now in Washington DC. In the evening of 27th, the night before my departure, I saw and heard in Tokyo via internet the speech of President Obama on Science and Technology Policies given at the National Academy of Sciences annual meeting. President Obama is the fourth president to address the National Academy and it has been 20 years since the last. You are able to see, hear, and read the transcript of the speech at this website. It is a strong message with clear vision for the future that has great content and wonderful structure.

President Obama set a goal of investing 3% of the nation’s GDP to R/D of Science and Technology. Also, as the most important policy for the future, he showed a clear commitment to education in math and science through raise of budget with quite a concrete description on how this will be done. These policies are based on recommendations from independent "think tanks" such as National Academy so their objectivity is trustworthy and evidence is clear. Budgets were set to carry out these policies. Such process is important.

In today’s economic crises, a "clear message for the future," i.e., clear vision and commitment for the future, is very important.

For the large scale supplementary budget or new budget of Japan during this economic crisis, I would recommend 1) budget for the care of current bleeding 2) budget to create jobs for the next 2-3 years, and support social infrastructures such as social securities, health care, etc. (in short, provide a sense of being safe), and 3) more investments on new industries and their growth that can draw picture of the future society – i.e. basic research providing the "bud" for the possible new industries and education – (although I don’t think it pays to invest in current education system expecting it to provide good education for students of the global age. In the first place, Japan’s budget for teachers is too small when compared to other OECD nations・・・) and so on. Policies made by ministries and governmental offices are not enough to make changes. Take a look at recommendations that were given by experts to the Prime Minister at the Kantei (residence of the prime minister). See for yourself how much those recommendations (in Japanese only) have the viewpoint of "1, 2, and 3" as I have described above. Apparently everybody is trying hard. My recommendation is also uploaded in the section of "low carbon and environment."

The leadership and message of policy makers have power to encourage so many citizens, but・・・.

The “out of the box” Grand Challenges of the Gates Foundation

Posted on 2009/04/242014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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There is no room for argument that "peer review" is indispensable for application of research and evaluation of research papers. However, "Innovation" as I put it is "Creation of new social values" and they are more likely to rise from new ideas or "unreasonable," "out of box" type people or "nails that stick out." Therefore it can be said that "By definition, peer review is not compatible with innovation."

Peer reviews are necessary to guarantee the quality of research through evaluationar of methods or ideas, but by its nature it is inevitable that their thinking will be constrained within the framework of "the common sense of that age."

Activities of the Gates Foundation in the field of global health are already well known throughout, but another new program "Grand Challenges Explorations" launched two years ago. The program recruits bold unorthodox "out of box" plans and ideas from all over the world. Applicants must write a bold suggestion in two pages. If approved, they will win 100 thousand dollars’ grants. If the project produces a good looking outcome there is a possibility that the fund will be increased and continued.

Variety of amazingly fun and interesting ideas and research proposals are being selected. Three were selected from Japan. Among them was(were) research application(s) that were rejected by NIH – the grant known as highly competitive – for being too bold. Naturally!

The deadline for this round is May 29th. Why not visit the site above and think about applying?

Similar kind of competitive research funds are being set up in Great Britain etc. within these few years. Canon foundation also joined this movement and I am gladly helping them.

But how do we select? Here is another place where we can be imaginative. This is innovation, too.

The birthday of Queen Elizabeth

Posted on 2009/04/232014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Every year, the British Embassy throws a party in celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. It is customary in any embassies, I think. Embassy of Japan celebrates the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor.

On that day, April 21, I also went to the Embassy in the afternoon to join the celebration. It was a bit rainy but the nice garden and lots of friends were enough to make the afternoon special.

Among the foods served there were small pies with a variety of nice toppings on them called "Sushi-Pie." The Ambassador asked me how I liked it and I thought they were quite good depending on the toppings.

Photo: With Science Attache Dr. Chris Pook and other guests.

The British Embassy in Japan is located in most prestigious area and has wonderful buildings and gardens. During the last world war we were enemies so Japanese used to refer to English people as "Kichiku beiei" (literally meaning "demon beast America and Britain"). What happened then? Well, Japanese took good care of the facilities including cleanings and sweepings. I wonder how the British people felt when they found this out. Were they grateful, impressed or did they feel it strange?

How was the situation in London during the war? Germany was enemy so the British Embassy property was confiscated as a matter of course. Ever since, The Royal Society is using the site, and you might be interested to know that here, a grave (or so to say the body) of the pet dog of the German Ambassador of the time is buried in the basement.

Maybe Japanese did not think, from the beginning, that they would win this war or maybe they felt affection to England – a country they once joined in alliance. The Japanese people may also have cared about the relation between the royal families of Japan and Britain. I think the Imperial House did not wish this war either.

Human Rights Watch opens Tokyo office

Posted on 2009/04/222014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Visit the website of the Human Rights Watch. Their work is quite something. Its Tokyo office opened this month.

It was a realization of the long lasting dream of Ms. Kane Doi, who happened to see and hear about those places of miseries in her youth forming a sense of responsibility urging her to bring about changes.

A nice gathering was held in April 9th to introduce the Tokyo office and raise funds. Starting with a chorus by students of the American School at Chofu, Tokyo, Ms. Doi and Executive Director Kenneth Roth delivered welcome speeches followed by a film of activities at the event of Russian invasion to Georgia. Also, Bo Kyi, Thai activist who had been a political prisoner for 7 years, joined as the Guest of Honor. Films introducing his daily life and activities were played upon his speech. Since I was seated next to him, I had a chance to listen to him in details.

Such private or individual activities: "Grass-root activities", "Civil movements", "NGOs" are expanding and will continue to expand. This is the trend of the global age. (Ref.1)　 One should not deride it or try to stop it since this trend will eventually grow to become the mainstream of our flat world. Let’s support Ms. Doi, in any way each of us can.

Women are more involved in this kind of activities, not to mention Dr. Sadako Ogata whom I deeply respect. This is also a world-wide phenomenon.

See the photo gallery of this evening.