Public Relations Division
ACTIVITIES DURING FISCAL YEAR 2000-01
The Public Relations Division aims at the creation and dissemination of pioneering ideas and information, always ahead of the age and without being bound by existing value systems.
Under the following four themes established in the previous year, during fiscal 2000-01 the Division provided forums for exchanges of ideas among people of varied backgrounds and experience with a view to generating information and ideas characterized by individuality, and disseminated both at home and abroad the information and insights gained from these exchanges.
MARITIME ASIA
Japan has traditionally lived together with the ocean environment. Its interest in the Asian continent grew in line with modernization. In the twenty-first century, we expect various problems to emerge that cannot be solved by thinking in terms of continental dominance. The island nations of Asia have enjoyed friendly relations and free exchanges of information, and have achieved prosperity together. There is growing world demand for their ideas and thinking. To respond to the needs of the new age, the Public Relations Division is conducting wide-ranging research on the cultures, economies, and politics of maritime nations.
WORLD CITY TOKYO
Before the emergence of the nation state, a constant stream of useful information was being generated and disseminated from such cosmopolitan cities as Rome and Constantinople. These cities must have constantly attracted the world's interest and attention. The Public Relations Division will examine requirements and formulate proposals with a view to making Tokyo not only the capital of Japan but also a fine world city―a cosmopolis in the true sense of the word ―that will contribute not only to the lives of the people of Japan but to civilization in general by creating and disseminating information of value.
NATION BUILDING. MOVING BEYOND THE NATION STATE
Currently, many leaders throughout the world are struggling with the challenges of nation building. At the same time, there is a trend toward supranational entities, as represented by the European Union. The twenty-first century is expected to witness a merging of the challenges of nation building and of moving beyond the nation state. The Public Relations Division intends to contribute to the response to these challenges through research and the formulation of proposals based on this.
CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
Japan has outstanding creative abilities in the field of popular entertainment culture for young people, represented by the twin genres of manga (cartoons, ranging from short comic strips to what might be termed "graphic novels") and the animation films known throughout the world by their Japanese name of anime.
For Japan to be able to play a stronger leading part in the information age we believe it is important to create an environment conducive to a correct assessment of the value of the manga and anime industry as representative of popular entertainment culture, and to nurture new talent in this area.
ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE "MARITIME ASIA" THEME
PRODUCTION AND BROADCASTING OF JAPAN AND THE SEA VIDEO SERIES
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The video series Japan and the Sea considers the future course of the Japanese people and the nature of independence of spirit by examining anew Japan's relationship with the sea in a historical, multifaceted way. Focusing on episodes representative of the relationship, it was produced for showing both in Japan and overseas and was broadcast extensively. The first six programs were broadcast and four new programs were produced during the year under review.
PRODUCTION AND BROADCAST DETAILS
Program 7: John Manjiro's Journey
John Manjiro was a fisherman whose wish was to live his whole life on the sea. He became an adventurer―a man of the sea full of the frontier spirit, highly adaptable, hard working, treating everyone alike, accepting fate without being its slave―who advanced through life with an open mind. He was also an able linguist. This program presents his life and shows Japanese people how wonderful dreams and adventure can be.
Program 8: Sengoku-Bune Sailing the Seas
The Edo period (1600-1868) of Japan's history is often described as the "period of national seclusion," with restrictions on foreign trade and travel into and out of Japan. It was also, however, the age when Japan acquired a nationwide distribution and economic system. The principal role in this process was played by the star of Japan's marine transport at this time―the sengoku-bune, literally "thousand koku ships " (The koku was a unit of capacity, but "thousand-koku" simply designated a ship of large capacity.)
These ships plied Japan's coastal waters, carrying passengers and goods. Traditional Japanese ships of the period have been buried by history as being fragile and vulnerable. But once their contribution to coastal shipping is recognized, the vitality of the Edo economy becomes clear. The program introduces the viewer to the hustle and bustle of Edo and the glamour of "brand products" brought up from Kyoto, the Imperial capital, and Osaka, the "commercial capital." A reconstruction of one of these coastal merchant ships also makes an appearance.
Program 9: The Taiwan Influence: A Journey On the Kuroshio Current
In a sense the Kuroshio Current links Japan and Taiwan. Known also as the Japan Current, it originates to the east of the Philippines and flows northward past Taiwan. Eventually one arm of the current flows along the Pacific coast of Japan as far as northeastern Honshu. With a view to examining Japan's relations with Taiwan in the twenty-first century, the program takes a long look at the past, present, and future of the Japan-Taiwan relationship on the theme of "a new viewpoint on Japan-Taiwan relations as 'excavated' from Asian maritime history." In making the program the production team sought the views of young people, too, and visited many parts of Taiwan.
Program 10: Japan's Coastguard Service
The Maritime Safety Agency maintains safety and order over an area of sea ten times that of Japan's land surface. The program closely follows the work of the agency's 12,000 personnel as they race around in their 500-odd boats and 70 aircraft, carrying out their duties night and day. This program, which took a total of 60 days of filming in the field, shows the viewer the reality and the significance of actively preserving safety and order in Japanese waters. The agency is shown checking up on suspicious vessels in rough seas at night. The latest in ultra-high-speed boats make an appearance, as well as a helicopter scramble by a special rescue team.
BROADCAST DETAILS
Tokyu Cable Television (broadcast July 17-21, 2000)
Program 1: |
National Seclusion and the Sea: What if Japan Had Not Adopted the Policy of National Seclusion in the 17th Century? |
Program 2: |
Giant Ship Sinking: The Tragedy Hanging Over Economic Growth |
Program 3: |
Pirate Murakami: The Story of Japan's Most Notorious Pirate on the Inland Sea |
Program 4: |
Kitamae-bune: The Men Who Created a Free Trade Zone in the Sea of Japan |
Program 5: |
The Ryukyu Period―Nation Building Through Trade: The Spirit of Independence in Okinawa History |
Nippon Leisure Channel (broadcast August 24-27, 2000)
Program 5: |
The Ryukyu Period―Nation Building Through Trade: The Spirit of Independence in Okinawa History |
Program 3: |
Pirate Murakami: The Story of Japan's Most Notorious Pirate on the Inland Sea |
Program 4: |
Kitamae-bune: The Men Who Created a Free Trade Zone in the Sea of Japan |
Program 1: |
National Seclusion and the Sea: What if Japan Had Not Adopted the Policy of National Seclusion in the 17th Century? |
Distributed through 50 networks nationwide via Satellite Communications Network Corporation (broadcast dates vary)
Program 1: |
National Seclusion and the Sea: What if Japan Had Not Adopted the Policy of National Seclusion in the 17th Century? |
Program 2: |
Giant Ship Sinking: The Tragedy Hanging Over Economic Growth |
Program 3: |
Pirate Murakami: The Story of Japan's Most Notorious Pirate on the Inland Sea |
Program 4: |
Kitamae-bune: The Men Who Created a Free Trade Zone in the Sea of Japan |
Program 5: |
The Ryukyu Period: Nation Building Through Trade―The Spirit of Independence in Okinawa History |
Television Tokyo Channel 12 (broadcast January 5, 2001)
Program 6: |
Mlalacca Straits: Intersection with the World―Seafaring People Build the History of the Shore |
RESEARCH ON MARITIME CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE
\10,000,000
The postwar Japanese view of history has been what might be called "land-oriented." With a view to promoting a more open, sea-oriented historical view, the Public Relations Division has undertaken various projects. It commissioned Professor Heita Kawakatsu to conduct wide-ranging field surveys of maritime civilization and culture from 1998 with the purpose of delineating in specific terms a sea-oriented historical view in a global perspective and to put together a vision of a "commonwealth of Western Pacific island states" and Japan's role within it. Being the last year of this project, the Division organized a free discussion, serving also as a progress report on the project, and an international panel discussion.
FREE DISCUSSION ON MARITIME TOPICS
Date: |
June 23, 2000 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
Dreams for the Pacific Ocean |
Chair: |
Heita Kawakatsu, Professor, international Research Center for international Studies |
Participants: |
Joji Oshima, Professor Emeritus, Kwansei Gakuin University |
|
Akio Miyajima, Director, Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
Yasumasa Takahashi, Professor Emeritus, Gunma University; Professor, Maebashi Kyoai Gakuen College |
|
Naoki Nakazawa, PHP Institute |
Commentator: |
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
INTERNATIONAL PANEL DISCUSSION
Date: |
March 1 6, 2001 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
Significance and Feasibility of a "Western Pacific Union" as a New Hub in the Context of Globalization |
Guest Speaker: |
Christopher Lloyd, Professor, University of New England (Australia) |
Chair: |
Heita Kawakatsu, Professor, International Research Center for International Studies |
Commentator: |
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE "WORLD CITY TOKYO"THEME
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The Public Relations Division organized a forum to consider what needs to be done for Tokyo to become a world city, and what kind of information it should generate and disseminate as a world city. The forum was divided into three sessions: (1) a session to look at the question from a technology angle; (2) a session to consider the historical and cultural perspective; and (3) a session to examine the software aspects involved.
I. TECHNOLOGY ASPECTS
This session looked at Tokyo in the twenty-first century from many viewpoints, notably the technology issues of the tasks to be addressed, including: the city's arrangements to deal with disasters; facilities to make foreign visitors' and residents' stay in the city problem-free; the city's culture; new technologies; measures to address population aging; and harmonious coexistence with the environment.
Included in the issues examined were the effects of rising sea levels resulting from global warming; regeneration of rivers to prevent domino-effect disasters; introducing exceptions to current planning regulations so that high-rise buildings could be built in certain cases; the need for city planning to take into account the spread of new technologies such as those seen in i-mode mobile telephony; active steps to invite and receive foreign students as part of Japan's Official Development Assistance, provision for their reception, and appropriate anti-crime measures; and reviving the beauty of artificial waterways interconnecting Japan's rivers.
Dates: |
This session was spread over six meetings during the period June-December 2000. |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Participants: |
Kiyonori Kikutake, Chair; Chairman, Japan Federation of Architects and Building Engineers Associations
Takemochi Ishii, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo
Toshio Ojima, Professor, Waseda University
Toshio Sanuki, Professor, Teikyo University
Manabu Nakagawa, Professor, Takushoku University
Hiroshi Hirayama, Professor Emeritus, Waseda University
Toshiyuki Furukawa. Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
II. THE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
This session conducted a comparative study in a historical and cultural perspective of cities that have been thought of as "world cities" since ancient times. The purpose of the study was to identify the conditions that need to be satisfied for a city to have the status of "world city" and to consider how Tokyo could satisfy those conditions.
Dates: |
This session was spread over four meetings during the period September-December 2000. |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Participants: |
Tamotsu Aoki, Chair; Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
Masako Okamoto, Associate Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
Saburo Kawamoto, literary critic
Hidenobu Jinnai, Professor, Hosei University
Mayumi Mori, essayist and editor
Nobukazu Yamamuro, Professor, Kyoto University
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Guest Participants: |
Nur Yalman, Professor, Harvard University
Hiroaki Fujii, President, The Japan Foundation; former Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom |
III. SOFTWARE ASPECTS
During 2000, Japan sent out a new paradigm into the world, represented by such products as i-mode mobile telephony, the entertaining "Aibo" robot dog, and the Pokemon phenomenon. These were welcomed with open arms by people outside Japan as well as in Japan. The course of the birth and spread of these phenomena (one could even call them movements) was a point of reference for the third session as it investigated how Tokyo might become a world city. Perhaps the creation of a framework that can generate such new ideas―this new paradigm―that have fascinated people all over the world will qualify Tokyo to become a world city.
Dates: |
March 2001 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Participants: |
Keiichi Enoki, Managing Director, Gateway Business Department, NTT Docomo
Tadashi Otsuki, Deputy President, Entertainment Robot Company, Sony Corporation
Masakazu Kubo, Executive Producer, Character Business Planning, Shogakukan
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE "NATION BUILDING, MOVING BEYOND THE NATION STATE" THEME
Such new forces of convergence and divergence as the framework defined by the three elements "culture," "nation," and "customs"; the distortions arising from "winner takes all" economics; global environment issues; and religions and other spiritual value systems―these are the forces that will fashion the new paradigms for nation building in the twenty-first century. In such a context it seems possible that peace could be maintained through loose alliances against a background of a shifting pattern of relative power among states. The Public Relations Division undertook a number of projects on this theme during the year under review.
NATION-BUILDING ASSISTANCE FOR MYANMAR (BURMA)
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Myanmar is a country of marked ethnic diversity. For 28 years after achieving independence it conducted a policy of national seclusion. Because of these factors and because of its geopolitical situation, ringed by India, China, and Thailand, observers see it having difficulty in establishing an identity of its own. Nevertheless the establishment of a spirit of national independence is necessary if the country is to return to the fold of the international community. Steadfast nation building by Myanmar along lines chosen by itself is of great relevance for the maintenance of peace in Asia, and therefore affects Japan's national interests as well. Entertainment and other forms of popular culture are interests shared by all sections of a nation, and as such they can serve to accelerate the formation of a spirit of independence. Believing that Japanese manga and anime, because of their artistic value and high degree of spirituality, are capable of aiding the process of establishing a national identity, the Public Relations Division organized two undertakings to assist Myanmar's nation building by these means: the broadcasting of a series of Japanese anime films on Myanmar national television and a visit to Japan by a cartoonist and a writer from Myanmar. In addition, one of the "New Paradigms" Discovery Classes was devoted to Myanmar.
Countrywide broadcasts of anime films
Recipient of donation: |
Myanmar National Television (MRTV) |
Programs donated: |
Akado Suzunosuke (all 52 episodes) |
|
Ikkyu-san (all 33 episodes) |
Broadcast dates: |
Akado Suzunosuke: |
|
December 2, 2000-November 10, 2001 |
|
Ikkyu-san: |
|
February 2002-November 2002 (scheduled) |
Invitation to Myanmar cartoonists:
Invitees: |
Ngwe Kyi (cartoonist) |
|
Tin Tun Oo (writer) |
Dates of visit: |
March 7-1 8, 2001 |
Cities visited: |
Atami, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe |
"New Paradigms" Discovery Class (Kusaka School)
Date: |
March 1 2, 2001 |
Theme: |
Cartoons and Literature in Myanmar |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
TOKYO FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON RELIGION
\5,310,532
Science and technology have penetrated every corner of society and have in the process greatly weakened people's belief in coincidence and the irrational. Yet humankind harbors a new unease within its heart. How should the Japanese view religious issues? How should they make religion come alive in the twenty-first century? Dharmasthala in Karnataka State, South India, is said to be a crucible of religious activity. Taking a hint from an activity report of the Venerable Veerendra Heggade, head of Shri Manjunatha Swami Temple in Dharmasthala, the Public Relations Division organized a forum on the theme "Religion and the Japanese Beyond Western Values."
Date: |
March 2, 2001 |
Place: |
The Nippon Foundation |
Keynote report: |
The Venerable Veerendra Heggade, Head of Shri Manjunatha Swami Temple, Dharmasthala |
Coordinator: |
Tamotsu Aoki, Trustee, The Tokyo Foundation; Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies |
Panelists: |
Tetsuo Yamaori, Professor, Kyoto University of Art and Design |
|
Takeshi Yoro, Professor, Kitasato University |
|
Sumio Morijiri. Visiting Professor, Mangalore University (India) |
|
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE "CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY" THEME
We believe that Japanese pop culture as represented by manga and anime will be not only of significant economic benefit to Japan in the twenty-first century but also valuable cultural creations that will facilitate the change of attitudes toward Japan. The growth and development of this sector, therefore, is important, and the Public Relations Division undertook the following projects in this area during the fiscal year.
TOKYO FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON POP CULTURE
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The Division organized an International Forum on Pop Culture as a venue for a thorough examination of the innovative character of Japanese culture and for a look into what lies in the background of Japanese culture. It was also an opportunity to consider the possibility of Japan's pop culture making a contribution to the world.
The Forum took the form of a series of 11 panel discussions. The panelists focused on manga, anime, and other forms of pop culture, studying ways of finding and fostering new talent, and looking also at ways in which a contribution to world culture could be made that would be unique to Japan and Asia.
Session 1 (Opening Session)
Date: |
July 19, 2000 |
Place: |
The Nippon Foundation |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Takashi Akiyama, Professor, Tama Art University |
|
Naoko Tosa, Visiting Research Fellow, ATR Media Integration and Communication Research Laboratories |
|
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 2
Date: |
September 1, 2000 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
Manga and Anime: Helping Nations in Identity Building |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Yasuo Yamaguchi, Counselor, Office of the President, Toei Animation |
|
Masao Kurosu, Director and General Manager, International Marketing and Production Division, Nippon Animation |
|
Kosei Ono, manga critic |
|
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 3
Date: |
September 29, 2000 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
The Small Office/Home Office Is the Foundation of the Manga and Anime Industry |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Koichi Omura, Professor, Takarazuka University of Art and Design; Omura Image Laboratory |
|
Hiroshi Nozaki, Administrative Director, Public Relations Division, The Tokyo Foundation |
Observer: |
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 4
Date: |
October 13, 2000 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
How to Make Manga and Anime Produced in Japan Appreciated on World Markets and a Revenue Source for Japan |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Tsuyoshi Takashiro, Representative Director, Future Pirates |
|
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 5
Date: |
October 20, 2000 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
Prefecture Development Through Manga and Anime: The New Paradigms Will Come from the Provinces |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Taku Kajiwara, Governor, Gifu Prefecture |
|
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 6
Date: |
October 27, 2000 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
What is Needed to Further Develop Manga and Anime Production in Japan? |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Hiroaki Takeuchi, Representative Director, Mangazoo.com |
|
Eiko Tanaka, President, Studio 4℃ |
|
Hiroshi Nozaki, Administrative Director, Public Relations Division, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 7
Date: |
November 24, 2000 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
Cultural Localization: How Is Japanese Pop Culture Received in Asia, and What Is Its Influence? |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Rhie Won-Bok, Chairman, Korean Manga and Anime Society |
|
Ng Wai Ming, Associate Professor, National University of Singapore |
|
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 8
Date: |
December 1,2000 |
Place: |
Hotel New Hankyu, Kochi |
Theme: |
Prefecture Development Through Manga and Anime: The New Paradigms Will Come from the Provinces |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Daijiro Hashimoto, Governor, Kochi Prefecture |
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Moichi Satake, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Ryoma Gakuen College of Medical Welfare |
|
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 9
Date: |
January 12, 2001 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
From the Perspective of Character Merchandizing |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
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Tetsu Kayama, Special Advisor, Sega |
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Hiroshi Nozaki, Administrative Director, Public Relations Division, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 10
Date: |
January 26, 2001 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
How Will the Manga Environment Change in the New Century? |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
|
Leiji Matsumoto, cartoonist (anime director) |
|
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
Session 11
Date: |
February 16, 2001 |
Place: |
The Tokyo Foundation |
Theme: |
Pop Culture Changes the Power Landscape |
Panelists: |
Keiichi Makino, cartoonist; Professor, Kyoto Seika University |
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Masakazu Kubo, Executive Producer, Character Business Planning, Shogakukan |
|
Richard Weinberg, Professor, School of Cinema-Television, University of Southern California |
|
Yasushi Sato, economic journalist, Asahi Shimbun |
Commentator: |
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation |
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Through the dissemination of information on The Tokyo Foundation's innovative activities and contribution, the Public Relations Division conducted the following activities during the fiscal year with the aim of enhancing the Foundation's visibility and social standing.
"NEW PARADIGMS" DISCOVERY CLASSES
(THE KUSAKA SCHOOL)
Taught and hosted by Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman of The Tokyo Foundation, the "New Paradigms" Discovery Classes are presented as opportunities for flexible thinking. In the year under review, ten classes were held on the following themes. The proceedings were published in the form of lecture notes.
・ Kusaka's IT Theory: Parts I, II
・ The Influence of the Japanese Popular Culture Boom in Singapore
Guest: |
Ng Wai Ming, Associate Professor, National University of Singapore |
・ Love for Japan, As Interpreted by Mo Bangfu
Guest: |
Mo Bangfu, Chinese writer and journalist resident in Japan |
・ An Exchange of Views on Japanese and Other Asian Pop Culture
Coordinator: |
Ng Wai Ming, Associate Professor, National University of Singapore |
Guests: |
Foreign journalists and film producers in Japan, Japanese students, foreign students in Japan |
・ Kusaka's America Theory
・ India the Mysterious, Part I
Guest: |
Reizo Utagawa, Executive Director, The Nippon Foundation |
・ India the Mysterious, Part II
Guest: |
Sumio Morijiri, Visiting Professor, Mangalore University (India) |
・ Japan-China Friendship: Ma Mahua's Trials and Tribulations
Guest: |
Ma Mahua, Chinese journalist and producer resident in Japan |
・ Cartoons in Myanmar
Guest: |
Ngwe Kyi (cartoonist), Tin Tun Oo (writer) |
CONFERENCE ON "LIVING STORMY LIVES"
(Place: The Tokyo Foundation)
This conference opened discussion on turbulent incidents and people with chaotic personal histories throughout history by inviting speakers who have lived eventful lives to tell their life experiences and share their way of thinking. Although not everyone experiences an unstable life, we believe the participants' experiences and ways of thinking can serve to help and support many other people in their tribulations.
Session 1: On Japan, Taiwan, and China
Date: May 18, 2000
Guest: Alice Mei-Lin King, National Policy Advisor of Taiwan
Participants: Masatake Matsuda, President, East Japan Railway Company
Masahiro Mitsuno, Lecturer, Nihon University
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation
Session 2: Steering Committee Consultations
Date: December 19, 2000
Participants: Shumon Miura, Chairman, Japan Arts Council
Hideki Kato, President, Japan Initiative
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation
Session 3: Concerning Life and Death
Date: January 24, 2001
Speaker: Tomio Tada, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo
Participants: Toshiyuki Furukawa, Director Emeritus, Osaka National Hospital
Shumon Miura. Chairman. Japan Arts Council
Hideki Kato, President, Japan Initiative
Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman, The Tokyo Foundation
ASIA OPEN FORUM (COSPONSORED)
\5,000,000
In view of the importance of relations between Japan and Taiwan, Asia Open Forum was instituted 12 years ago as a venue for private-level intellectual exchanges. In the year under review, which is the Forum's final year, the overall theme was "An Intellectual Strategy for the New Century." At the third session, Kimindo Kusaka, Chairman of The Tokyo Foundation, presented a keynote lecture on "Culture and Security". This was followed by a discussion reviewing the general directions suggested by past Forums and a consideration of what form a successor to the Forum might take.
Date: October 30-31, 2000
Place: Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture
REPORTING AND DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
The Tokyo Foundation maintains a Web site and produces an annual report to disseminate information on projects implemented by the Scholarship Division and the Research Division as well as other activities promoted by the Foundation.