Mar. 2019

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Having the power to grasp the essential in an era of turbulent change Indicating concrete activity goals to Haruaki Deguchi, President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) foster global human resources Kiyotaka Takahashi, Director, International Affairs Office, Toyo University

Special feature Global human resource training at universities 2

Consulting on global human resources and management A university focused on fostering globally competent ICT specialists Interview with Rochelle Kopp Dr. Emiko Kaneko, Professor at the Center for Language Research, University of Aizu

My turning point IIBC brought about ENGLISH CAFÉ by English Report 18

Rakugo artist Katsura Kaishi 14

Te nstitte r nternatina siness niatin Special feature Global human resource training at universities

Special feature Global human resource training at universities Amidst the continued advance of globalization, universities are also becoming increasingly global as they seek to foster human resources capable of thriving in society. In 2014, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) launched the Top Global University Project in 2014 to facilitate a thorough reform of universities in Japan and make them more internationally viable. Under this project, MEXT has been actively providing support to universities. This issue of our newsletter addresses the theme of global human resource development at universities, with profiles of three universities chosen under the “Type B” (global traction type) category of the project. Here we will take a closer look at the efforts at each university to enhance their global profile and foster human resources, as well as their future plans.

Having the power to grasp the essential in an era of turbulent change

Haruaki Deguchi, President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

After holding various executive positions at Nippon Life Insurance Company, he founded Lifenet Insurance Company. His executive capabilities won high praise, leading to his selection as the president of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in January 2018. Mr. Deguchi, who made that move from the world of business to academia, has visited over 1,200 cities around the world and read over 10,000 books. Drawing on this personal experience, he has emphasized as APU president the importance of “people, books, and travel” as key elements of personal growth. We sat down with an interview with President Deguchi to hear his valuable insights based on first- hand experience of the worlds of business and academia.

Haruaki Deguchi President of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). Born in Mie Prefecture. After graduating from Kyoto University’s Faculty of Law in 1972, joined Nippon Life Insurance Company. After holding such positions as the president of the company’s London- based subsidiary and head of its International Affairs Division, he left the company in 2006. Two years later he established Lifenet Insurance Company and served as president and chairman of the company, which went public in 2012. Became the president of APU in January 2018. Author of numerous books, including Jinsei o omoshiroku-suru honmono no kyouyuu (Real Education for Making Your Life Interesting). Has visited over 1,200 cities around the world and read more than 10,000 books.

～ Vibrant international culture at APU ～

A place of learning that embodies diversity

Asia-Pacific University (APU), where I now serve as president, was founded I had heard about APU for quite some time, but what really impressed in 2000 in the city of Beppu, Oita Prefecture. One of the key characteristics of me when I actually began serving as president is that the students are far our university is our international atmosphere and rich diversity. Over half of more interesting than I ever could have imagined. I raised the slogan of “One our study body of 6,000 students are foreign nationals, hailing from around APU,” aimed at bringing all of the faculty, staff, and students closer together. 90 different countries. In addition to this amazing national diversity, around Based on that policy, the door of my office is always open to any visitor. The half of our faculty are foreign nationals including the dean of our College of faculty members have not been so eager take advantage of this [laughs], but Asia Pacific Studies, who is from China, and the vice-dean of our College of students have been proactive in stopping by to see me. International Management who is from Germany. The many nationalities on Just the other day, I received the following email from a high school our campus have created an academic environment that could be described student who had been accepted to APU under recommendation admission: as a “global microcosm” or a “United Nations of youth.” “I want to travel around the world for a year, but I wasn’t sure if it was best I assumed the position of APU president in January 2018, handing over to take a gap year before starting my studies or to study for a year and then to my successor the reins of Lifenet Insurance Company, which I founded in go. I’d like to hear your advice so could you meet me over the weekend?” The 2008. The recruitment process by which I was selected for the position at APU student did come to the campus on a Saturday to talk with me. There was was quite unusual for a Japanese university, involving around 100 candidates also a German student who asked me to invest in the business he started— from Japan and overseas. The 10-person hiring committee included the vice- and I ended up putting him in touch with a venture capital firm. These are president, five faculty members, two university staff, and two graduates. I was just a couple examples of the many students we have with very strong struck by how the committee, which included four foreign nationals and two personalities. women, reflected the diversity of the university itself.

2 IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 Global human resource training at universities

APU alumni can change the world

APU has over 17,000 alumni. The ranks of these graduates include one One of the strengths of APU is that the students we have educated, who hail student who returned to his homeland of Tonga to become a government from 152 countries and regions, are active throughout the world. It seems minister, and another is now working as the vice-governor of a province to me that we must have the most extensive international network of any in Indonesia. I am proud of the steady stream of global leaders APU has university based in Japan. And this network is a valuable resource for our next produced, and I hope that in the near future these leaders will include the graduates. prime minister or president of a country as well. The previous president of APU, Shun Korenaga, formulated the APU 2030 We have 35 alumni associations, of which 26 are located overseas. Vision, which raises the ambitious goal of having “APU graduates possess Recently I traveled to a meeting of alumni in Mongolia in the capital of the power to change our world.” I don’t think there are many companies in Ulaanbaatar that was attended by around 50 graduates. I can’t imagine that Japan, not to mention universities that set a long-term vision with the year any other university in Japan can rival such an overseas network of graduates. 2030 in mind. And we are now striving to make that vision a reality.

～ The attitude required of a global human resource ～

What capabilities are needed in an era of turbulent change

The pace at which the times are changing is likely to increase steadily in the The next thing people need to be aware of in an era of rapid change is years ahead. For instance, even if you learn the latest computer programming the power of thinking in terms of numbers, facts, and logic. Let’s look at an language, it can quickly become obsolete. What people need to bear in mind example. There is a common view that if wasteful spending of tax revenue in such an era of rapid change is not superficial technologies and skills, but were eliminated, the consumption tax would not have to be raised. At first the ability to grasp things at their root. What is important in this case are sight it seems like a reasonable view, but if you consider that tax revenue in what might be called “vertical” and “horizontal” thinking. fiscal 2018 was around \59 trillion, whereas expenditures were roughly \98 “Vertical” thinking is the temporal historical axis, while “horizontal” trillion, it becomes clear that we are dealing with a problem of a scale that refers to the spatial and global axis. If you can think in terms of those two cannot be solved by just eliminating wasteful spending. There are many such axes, a clearer view of things will come into focus. cases where you cannot find a solution in the mere realm of words—you For example, the 70-year period from the end of World War II to the need to the demonstrative power of numbers, facts, and logic. present was an extremely fortunate period for Japan. If the vertical axis is We can consider the situation at Japanese companies from that same thought of in units of 1,000 years, while the vertical axis is extended to perspective. Job categories in Japan can roughly be divided between include all of East Asia, we could see that in the long, 4,000-year history of regular full-time positions that involve job transfers and promotions, and China, the period during which it was at peace and prosperous only covers general office work. But this organizational style is quite rare worldwide. around 200 years. So for Japan to have experienced 70 consecutive years of First of all, the idea that a worker could be transferred anywhere, at any peace is a sort of miracle of good fortune. time, completely overlooks that the existence of the employee’s spouse— so the system is rather absurd. I think it is always important to question such customs, and develop the power to think for yourself, using your own mental powers and words.

Implementing education that leads to personal growth

If you want to foster your thinking ability even further, I think “peer learning” This shows that mandatory education in is very effective. This involves friends or associates learning in a cooperative Japan, which goes up to the junior high school manner that allows each to display his or her abilities. Up to now, most level, is achieving results that compare favorably to education has been one-directional, taking the form of a teacher imparting other countries, but the situation reverses suddenly knowledge to the students, but unless students have the proactive desire to in the case of higher education. For the World learn, they are not going to assimilate what is taught to them. I think it is University Ranking, conducted by Times Higher thus important for students to cooperate in small groups, and for teachers to Education, only two Japanese universities—the support such autonomous learning. The approach of having teachers support University of Tokyo and Kyoto University—placed the students own learning is called the “Minnesota method,” and at APU in the top-200. Since higher education is aimed at around 30% of our teachers have studied this method. fostering the individual, with mandatory education The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) forming the basis of knowledge, there is a limit to conducts the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) to a system premised on a single teacher instructing assess the academic achievement of 15-year-olds in the areas of reading, around 30 students. In order to foster individuality, mathematical, and scientific literacy. PISA is conducted every three years. For a class should probably not have more than 10 the 2015 survey, Japan did quite well, ranking 2nd for scientific literacy, 5th students, which suggests that Japan must reform for mathematical literacy, and 8th for reading ability. its university instruction form the ground up.

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What’s Crucial to a Person’s Life are People, Books, and Travel

I have always emphasized that the three things that are indispensable to a agreements with 170 overseas universities. Our aim over the next five years is person’s growth are people, books, and travel—and this remains a focus for to have 100% of our Japanese students gain some overseas study experience me at APU. In terms of “people,” our student body has many opportunities for (including short-term programs). A project team was set up toward that end interaction with a diverse array of personalities, including the many international and our board of directors officially endorsed the objective. Already we have students on our campus. For “books,” we hand out a list of 30 recommended decided on the implementation of several new study-abroad programs. books to students at the time of enrollment. And finally, for “travel,” we *President Deguchi’s message in English to new students entering in the spring of 2018 encourage all students to study abroad. APU has already entered exchange can be read here. http://en.apu.ac.jp/home/notes/article/?storyid=87

English as the de facto standard

Today it goes without saying that English is the de facto standard for people, books, and travel. It is necessary to be ambitious in your studies, in communication among those active on the world stage. So, to begin with, a particular, to compete against others in this era of ours, where it has become person needs to acquire a solid English-language ability. And then, upon that a matter of course for global leaders in the sciences or humanities to have basis, it is important to deepen your insight through experiences gained via double master’s degrees or PhDs.

～ Fostering human resources valued globally ～

Enhancing a university’s value through global evaluations

Only four universities in Japan have received accreditation from the among such outside certification and accreditation bodies, while raising our Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which value as a university even higher. evaluates education in the field of management—and I am happy to say that APU is one of them. In addition, International AACSB accreditation APU has received TedQual certification APU received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate from the United Nations World Tourism Schools of Business (AACSB) as one of the educational institutions with the highest level of management education. Only around 5% of business schools Organization (UNWTO). Such certifications worldwide have this accreditation, and APU became the third university at and accreditation are like a restaurant the time in Japan to receive it. receiving three stars from the Michelin Guide. Such indices are extremely useful TedQual certification for students trying to decide where to APU received certification for its tourism-related education from the United study abroad from among the 20,000 or Nations World Tourism Organization. At present, 71 universities worldwide have gained this certification, and APU was the second to do so in Japan and so universities around the world. I want the only private Japanese university to hold this certification. for APU to maintain its high standing

Forging close relations between companies and universities

I consider is that businesses are placing ever more emphasis on university overseas companies place considerable emphasis on academic performance students’ academic performance when evaluating job candidates. This is as a selection criterion. Universities are putting in place curricula that aim because a student who performs well at university is more likely to also be to foster students’ individuality, and universities are properly evaluating the able to generate results at work from the moment of entering a company. academic performance of those students. I am confident that companies and One head of a human-resource department at a major company told me universities will be forming even closer partnerships and that an even more that it’s not possible to judge a candidate from an interview alone, so many positive cycle will emerge from this relationship.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU） In 2000, Kyoto-based Ritsumeikan University established Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) as a private university Beppu, Oita Prefecture. Based on a vision of freedom, peace and humanity, international mutual understanding, and the future shape of the Asia Pacific region, APU from the outset began to attract many students from overseas, creating a multicultural, multilingual academic environment in which half of the student in a given academic year originate from around 90 different countries or regions. This is truly a globally oriented university, whose alumni as of 2018 hail from 152 countries or regions. In 2017, APU became one of the few comprehensive universities in Japan to issue an open call for candidates interested in becoming the next university president, based on the idea of open recruitment for university management positions promoted under the Top Global University Project of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The first APU president to be selected under this recruitment system was Haruaki Deguchi.

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A university focused on fostering globally competent ICT specialists

Ph.D. Emiko Kaneko, Professor at the Center for Language Research, University of Aizu

The University of Aizu in Fukushima Prefecture is the first four-year university established in the Aizu region of northeastern Japan. The non-comprehensive university centers on the School of Computer Science and Engineering, its sole undergraduate faculty. In order to foster human resources that are globally competitive, the university has been implementing education that specializes in English and information and communication technology (ICT) through such measures as making it mandatory for students to write their graduation thesis in English. To find out more about these initiatives we spoke to Ph.D. Emiko Kaneko, who is promoting English education at the university.

A university founded to foster global human resources who contribute to the community, Japan, and the world

During the Edo period, the Aizu domain was known for its commitment to In order to implement its founding principles, the University of Aizu has education, such as its legendary Nisshin-kan school. But for a long time adopted an international strategy summed up in the expression, “Local to since the beginning of the Meiji period in 1868, the area had no four-year Global, Global to Local.” On the basis of conveying information to the world university. The establishment of the University of Aizu in 1993 finally brought from Aizu, while at the same time accepting human resources from around a four-year university to the region. Prior to the university’s establishment, the world, we are seeking to actively engage in partnerships with local those involved in the planning wanted to create a university with a sharp companies that utilize ICT while fostering ICT personnel who have a global focus. This resulted in the creation of Japan’s first university specializing in perspective and can be active on the world stage. computer science and engineering, with the aim of fostering IT experts with a This basic outlook is the reason, I think, that our university has been global outlook. The field of computer science and engineering is one in which able to adopt an international approach from the time of its establishment. English is fundamental, and learning English is also indispensable to having Students have been given many opportunities to acquire English ability, a global outlook. A key characteristic of the university is that English is widely such as attending classes on specialized subjects conducted in English used and students focus on computer science and engineering. and writing their graduation thesis in English. Moreover, at the time the Today scientific technology is developing robots, navigation systems, university was opened, around 60% of its faculty hired foreign nationals drones, and other devices, but if a mistake is made in the way such things in order to introduce cutting-edge technologies to students. (At present, are used it can be extremely dangerous. If a person just programs as they are foreign professors make up around 40% of the university’s teaching staff.) asked to do, there is the possibility that the result could be deadly to human The university opened not long after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, beings. Given this danger, the University of Aizu seeks to develop student’s so it was able to welcome many Russian researchers, who transferred their ethnical outlook and humanity, reflecting the slogan, “To advance knowledge entire laboratories to our campus. Given this environment, most of the email for humanity.” The university has set forth the principles of seeking inventions communication is conducted in English, with Japanese only used occasionally and discoveries that contribute to the peace and prosperity of the human when necessary, and simultaneous translation available at any faculty race. The great premise is to develop research on the basis of high ethical meeting. Although hiring in-house interpreters is costly, the faculty members values and to learn how skills can be used for the sake of the peace of agree that this is a worthwhile expenditure. This shows the broad consensus humanity. among professors of the importance of having an international approach.

Increasing the pace of internationalization after being chosen as a Top Global University

The Top Global University Project of the University of Aizu seeks to foster Examples of subjects related to entrepreneurship and overseas innovative ICT personnel who can be active globally, based on the three internships include the overseas internship programs in either California’s concepts of spirit, technology, and adaptability. The four pillars created Silicon Valley or the Chinese city Dalian. Around a thousand students take for concrete initiatives under the project are: (1) an undergraduate and part every year, and the number is steadily increasing. For several years graduate-school honors program; (2) establishment of subjects on technology already the university has also been offering the Global Experience Gateway innovation, entrepreneurship, and overseas internships, and (3) Improving short-term study-abroad program, launched in 2013. The program was governance and globalization. created, as its name implies, as a gateway for those not yet ready to embark The comprehensive undergraduate and graduate-school honors on a long-term program. The program is open to anyone willing to participate, program allows some students to complete their undergraduate education but efforts have been made to make sure that it provides more than just a and MA program in just five years, using the remaining year as an “honors simple overseas study experience. Support is offered before and after the year” during which they can take part in an overseas study or internships, program, including assistance for travel fees, seven preparatory classes prior or participate in such things as programming contests. The university to departure, and bestowing of credits for the study abroad. The participants, provides the students with up to ¥500,000 to fund their activities during meanwhile, are asked to keep a blog during their time overseas and create an that honors year. interview video. The videos the students make are very high in quality, which

IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 5 Special feature Global human resource training at universities

is not surprising given the students’ computer knowledge, and they handle For the area of “Improving governance and globalization,” we are all the reporting, editing, and addition of English subtitles, etc. This is a great making efforts to improve the English ability of university staff. One experience for the students. mandatory selection criterion for staff is to have scored at least 580 points TOEIC ® Speaking Test is administered to participants before and after the on the TOEIC ® Listening & Reading Test. Even after being hired, the university program. Since the program only lasts three weeks, scores are not expected continues to actively support the efforts of staff to improve their English by to rise dramatically, but we would like students to look at the experience of holding classes for them. taking the test as a chance to raise their own motivation. Recently, there have been many students who first took part in the Global Experience Gateway Overview of the Top Global University concept program, and later challenged themselves by taking part in medium-term Spirit, technology, and adaptability program study abroad programs or internships. The University of Aizu has been focusing on such programs that send students out into the world, but the biggest change since its selection under Spirit Fostering an entrepreneurial the Top Global University Project has been the acceptance of international spirit through innovation and an students at the undergraduate level. The undergraduate student body at the identity rooted in the community university had once been entirely Japanese. In order to accept outstanding foreign students proficient in English, the University of Aizu put in place Technology Adaptability the ICT Global Program All-English Undergraduate Course. This program’s Cultivation of strong competitive Ability to adapt to a multicultural main characteristic is that courses are only in English and international abilities to design, develop, environment and internationalizing participants can graduate. Japanese and international students study in and utilize ICT the entire campus the same classroom, which benefits both sides. The number of our foreign students is increasingly gradually, and at the same time the program seems to be changing the awareness of Japanese students. Proactive Japanese students often stop by the Global Lounge where they can communicate Creation of four key programs to implement the concept with international students and hone their English speaking skills. A group has also been formed of Japanese and international students that aims to • Creating unified governance at the undergraduate and graduate level promote communication between the two sides and foster collaboration with Introducing integrated undergraduate/graduate courses and offering a flexible enrollment schedule the community, and that group sometimes visits elementary schools to make • Creating an innovative global ICT program Credit-earning classes on all subjects in English and courses on Japanese culture presentations as part of a program for international students to explain their • Creating subjects on innovative technology, entrepreneurship, home countries and cultures to elementary school kids. The program has been and overseas internships well received, with around 25 such visits to schools over the past year. Such Training that utilizes overseas bases initiatives are led by the students themselves, rather than faculty members, • Improving governance and globalization out of respect for the students’ autonomy and the desire to give proactive Improving the English ability of all staff and creating a multicultural campus students many extracurricular opportunities.

Benefits of the Top Global University Project and future initiatives

Since being selected under the Top Global University Project, the public profile incidentally, has set the goal for all Top Global Universities to have an average of the University of Aizu has been rising. The university has risen to the rank score on the L&R of at least 500 by 2023. To be frank, I had worried this was of 34th place within Japan under the World University Rankings published by setting the hurdle a bit too high for us, but these days I think that it could be The Times Higher Education, and the rank of 601st to 800th globally. set a little bit higher. Perhaps as a reflection of such positive exposure, the average TOEIC L&R One recent initiative at the university is for students to acquire “English score among those matriculating in the 2018 academic year was 450, the ability they can use,” based on a rethinking of how we have taught academic highest on record. This is higher than the 404- average among universities English to date. Under the new curriculum introduced in 2018, we created a specializing in computer science, published by IIBC, and the increased average “Can-Do” statement based on task-based language teaching, and now we seems to demonstrate that more students are entering the university with are instructing students on practical conversation and reading ability related an awareness that it is one of Japan’s Top Global Universities. The project, to computer science and engineering. Since the program has just started, we haven’t been able to evaluate its effectiveness yet, but my impression is that it has helped to reduce students’ reluctance to speak English by creating more opportunities for them to actively express themselves in English as part of pair and group work. Currently, the University of Aizu has entered agreements with 83 overseas universities, and in order to advance our efforts to internationalize we are increasing the number of students participating in the ICT Global Program All-English Undergraduate Course. In particular, I would like to see more Japanese students take part in the course. We are also striving to have more students go on to graduate school to expand the number of human resources who are studying advanced ICT and can convey the results of their cutting-edge research to others in English. This effort to have Aizu become a center for ICT professionals to acquire the English proficiency and technical skills they need so that they can contribute to Aizu, Japan, and the world, is one area we intend to focus on in the years ahead.

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Talking with Students at the University of Aizu

University life with abundant opportunities to come into contact with English

I lived in the United States with my family from the age of three to five, lacking, through classes that assign and even after returning to Japan I took English conversation lessons so I students to read books available have always liked English. Since I was also interested in scientific subjects, in the library and then take tests I asked my high-school teacher if there were any science-oriented on their knowledge. Students who universities that emphasized international interaction. And that teacher pass a test have the word-count of told me about the University of Aizu. the book added up and can receive The university is in a beautiful natural setting, with campus facilities credits once they have reached the that allow students to focus on their studies, while also having systems in required number of words. Various place to help them improve their English ability. At the Global Lounge open books are prepared for the students, to all students it is possible to interact with the many international students on a variety of subjects and lengths, Takahiro Yamauchi who come from Vietnam, China, and other countries. There are international so students can hone their reading Fourth-year computer science and students in the same classas me, so I can use English every day. skills based on their own level. engineering student The courses in English also provide support for improving English ability. I was able to improve my reading skills in English, which had been

Studying for half a year in America to learn about what it takes to be a global human resource

As a second-year student I participated in the internship program in Silicon Valley, and in my third year I studied for half a year in the United States at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana. Those two experiences really boosted my confidence. At the Rose-Human Institute of Technology, I took part in a project to recreate a past video game from stage one. It was a precious experience for me to help to advance that project together with American students and other international students. That experience gave me the sense that global human resources are not necessarily persons who lead others, but rather those who can work together with others toward a common goal, even when there is a language barrier between them. There were many things that I could not quite understand as a non-native speaker of English, but I learned how to keep trying to communicate without giving up. As a result, I could gradually accustom myself to speaking English and my communication became more natural.

Striving to become a technician who can use English and contribute to society with international colleagues

At present, I am doing research to compile an enormous database for use on machine learning. I want to continue honing my English and ICT ability in IoT by monitoring the lifestyles of older people. And I am also preparing so that one day I can make use of the skills I have acquired to work as my graduation thesis in English. I have decided to continue on to a technician in the sort of job that will allow me to interact with people graduate school at the University of Aizu, with the aim of doing research from other countries in English.

The University of Aizu Established in 1993 as Japan’s first university specializing in computer science and engineering, and the first four-year university in the Aizu region. The university’s founding principle is to “advance knowledge for humanity.” From the time of its establishment, the university has been focusing on English and ICT, and it offer students an array of opportunities to study in English. The University of Aizu is aiming to use scientific technology to bring about peace and prosperity for humanity, while fostering global human resources. In 2014, the university was selected under Japan’s Top Global University Project. The university is accelerating its efforts toward internationalization, including programs for students to spend a year overseas to study or take part in an internship at some point during their undergraduate or graduate-school years, and academic programs that offer all classes in English. The university is also increasing the number of students who go on to enter graduate school programs, in pursuit of the aim of cultivating human resources conducting cutting-edge ICT research.

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Indicating concrete activity goals to foster global human resources

Kiyotaka Takahashi, Director, International Affairs Office, Toyo University

Toyo University used the occasion of its 125th anniversary as a springboard for strongly advancing its internationalization efforts. We spoke to faculty and students to find out more about the university’s global-oriented initiatives, including the concrete measures it is taking in the realm of education and the results that have been generated thus far.

Selection as a Top Global University accelerates the internationalization effort

The predecessor of Toyo University was Tetsugakukan, a private “academy University understand the meaning of “global human resources” as those of philosophy” founded by the philosopher Enryo Inoue. Since that time, the who understand their own country’s culture, while respecting the culture education provided has been based on the pillar of philosophy. But the sort of others, and are able to clearly express their own ideas and take action. of philosophical education that Inoue had in mind was not aimed at training One key element of this is language ability, and the university introduced philosophers, but rather fostering students who were always curious and the TOEIC ® Program to stream classes and evaluate performance, while also critical and able to form decisions on their own. In marking the university’s using the test scores as a criterion for study-abroad scholarships. 125th anniversary in 2012, the decision was made to focus on three areas in The full-fledged internationalization efforts at Toyo University date particular: philosophy education, internationalization, and career education. back to 2012, when its Faculty of Global and Regional Studies was selected Japan will not be able to keep pace with the many universities in under the Go Global Japan (GGJ) Project. Two years later the university was Asia that are internationalizing themselves if its students as well as its chosen under the Top Global University Project of the Ministry of Education, own universities are too inward looking. In the years ahead, the world will Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which led to the implementation become even more border-free, and even though there are signs of political of a university-wide system to promote internationalization. Since then, the movements that prioritize national interests, it will remain vital to foster the university has stepped up its efforts toward that end, and more and more sort of human resources who have received a global education that allows students are enrolling who have a global outlook, which has raised the them to build strong partnerships within the international community. Toyo overall level of scholastic endeavor.

Formulating the Toyo Global Diamonds concept

In order to promote its globalization efforts, Toyo University introduced the First, although the human resources that have received a global foundation concept of aiming to be an Asian hub university for global leaders. This at the university are dispersed in a pyramid shape, as is typical, the university initiative has been named Toyo Global Diamonds (TGD) for two reasons. in developing its global education wants to shift to a diamond shape with a strong central body of talent. The second reason is connected to the symbolic Toyo Global Diamonds concept image of polishing the students like a diamond so that they can develop into global human resources. Department of Global Innovation Department of Global & Regional Studies New elite Faculty of Global and Regional Studies In order to become an Asian hub university for global leaders, the Toyo Established 2017 university is implementing policies aimed at having more international students Department of Information Sciences and Arts Global Department of International Tourism Management attend, including the introduction in 2016 of an entrance test for overseas Faculty of Information Sciences and Arts Leaders Faculty of International Tourism Management Established 2017 Global and Regional Studies Established 2017 students so that they can directly enroll.In the first year, there were only

Total Science & Sociology Business Letters Economics information Engineering Administration Department of International Culture and around 50 applicants, but that number is now over 240 thanks to efforts that 10 years Communication Studies, Human Food & Law Life Life Sciences Nutritional from now Design Science include trips to Asian countries to attract outstanding students there and the Faculty of Letters Broad central Established 2017 Toyo body of talent beginning of fall admissions in 2017 to make it easier for overseas students to University study at Toyo University. The university’s president has noted that the “campus At present atmosphere has changed greatly” since the TGD initiative was launched, giving the strong impression that the university is forging a new path.

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Establishing the Department of Global Innovation to promote internationalization

Toyo University established the Department of Global Innovation within we opened the faculty in April 2017. The number of first-year students was its Faculty of Global and Regional Studies in order to foster a new elite in limited to 100, with around 30% of them being foreign nationals. All of relation to the university’s effort to promote internationalization. Since each the faculties’ classes are conducted in English, and Japanese students are department within the university had its own separate educational policies, it required to spend a year studying abroad. The department aims to cultivate was time-consuming for internationalization to take root within them. Instead innovative human resources with a spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship, of seeking to influence those existing faculties, it was decided it would be while positioning the field of economics as the foundation. The students also a better approach to create a new department that could make an impact. made many requests of their professors, reflecting a type of student different After studying examples from other universities that had taken that approach, from the students at the university up to that point.

Leading students by providing concrete activity goals

One concrete initiative to advance the TGD project is the Toyota Certification process Global Leader (TGL) program, which aims to strengthen the following three elements: Communicative ability using English Essay writing in a foreign language in a multicultural environment; Ability to create cultural value; 40 or more credits in foreign- Problem-solving ability in a multicultural environment. GOLD 730 points or higher on TOEIC language classes 30TG points or more The TGL program indicates concrete activity goals to Study abroad or overseas internship (3 weeks or more) Overseas activity (1 week or more) students, and the activities can be managed using a portfolio GOLD TGL Camp (participate as organizer) system. There are three levels of achievement under the GOLD program, bronze, silver, and gold. In order to receive the top SILVER gold ranking, a student has to submit an academic paper in 590 points or higher on TOEIC 20 or more credits in foreign- 20TG points or more English, including a summary of their graduation thesis, and language classes must also participate in a study-abroad program or internship SILVER Study abroad or overseas internship (3 weeks or more) OR Overseas activity (1 week or more) SILVER that lasts three weeks or longer. The higher the ranking, the BRONZE TGL Camp more difficult the content of the activities. One point emphasized by the TGL program is that studying BRONZE 10 or more credits in foreign- abroad is not the final destination. Even after a student returns BRONZE TGL Camp language classes 10TG points or more to Japan, he or she can participate in (or help to organize) the TGL Camp events on campus and take part in an internship or international symposium. The aim is acquire the grounding Everyone participates from time of needed to become a global human resource by means of such enrolling at Toyo University ongoing activities.

Various structures for encouraging students

Quite a few students are eager to study abroad but lack the language ability also provided to students through a study-abroad scholarship system. There is or financial resources to do so. In response, Toyo University is providing many no quota on the number of students who can receive a ¥500,000 scholarship opportunities for students to proactively take the TOEIC Program at a time as long as they meet the requirements, and it is possible to receive a grant that best suits them, and it then uses the test results to divide English classes. of up to \3 million. The amount of the scholarship changes in line with a A TOEIC L&R of at least 730 score is necessary to receive the TGL Gold student’s TOEIC L&R score, so this provides students with an incentive to rank, while the Silver rank requires of at least 590 score. Financial support is study English. The grant conditions under this scholarship system are quite favorable compared to other universities, and since the scale of the payment is quite large many students make use of the system. Along with steadily putting in place such systems to support Japanese students, Toyo University is also deliberating with overseas universities to be able to accept international transfer students. One of my aims in the years ahead is to also open an overseas campus as a means of expanding the realm of our high-quality education. I would like the university’s own effort to raise its global profile to encourage our students to learn.

IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 9 Special feature Global human resource training at universities

Feedback from a Toyo University student Emphasis on internationalization attracted me to Toyo University

I took the entrance exam for a national university and for Toyo University, island of Cebu in the Philippines. In the and passed both. In considering where to go, my father mentioned that United States, I did a homestay while Toyo University emphasized internationalization, and as I found out more attending classes and to hear natural about that I gradually became more attracted to the university. English being spoken was a big change At Toyo University I wanted to accomplish something that I could compared to the sort of English I had point to as an achievement, so when I heard about the TGL program at studied in high school for my exams. In Saki Miyakoshi the enrollment orientation, I set myself the goal of achieving the Gold the Philippines, I studied hard to improve Fourth-year student in ranking under the program during my four years as a student. my score on TOEIC L&R, and thanks to Department of International In the spring just before my second year, I studied abroad at Portland that effort I was able to achieve that goal. Culture and Communication Studies, Faculty of Letters State University in the United States. And a year later I studied on the

Improving my English ability through university support and my own efforts

As a university student I was able to use ranking it is necessary to score at least 730 on that test. Since it is hard English for the first time to study other for an individual student to keep studying for the test, Toyo University subjects, rather than just studying it for offers the Achieve English course that provides support for reaching the English class, and this was an amazing target score, as well as numerous English conversation classes taught by experience for me. At Toyo University, you native speakers. Thanks to this the students can keep up their motivation can learn about all sorts of things and to study English. in the process discover how true global Along with support from the university, I also did various other human resources are people who can use things in pursuit of the Gold ranking. For instance, I spoke English with English to communicate and share their friends who were aiming for the same goal and worked at a restaurant outlook with other people. frequented by many foreign customers. In those ways, I was able to The most challenging aspect of the increase my opportunities to use English. And to gauge my ability I took TGL requirements is studying for TOEIC the TOEIC L&R every month. After a year, I was able to raise my score from L&R. Before you can receive a Gold 540 to 790.

TGL ranking bolsters my job-hunting efforts. I’m looking for a job where I can us my English ability

I wrote my graduation thesis in English on the topic of whether AI became interested in the IT field and made a tentative decision to pursue could truly make the lives of people more affluent. Undertaking this an IT job after graduation. I was able to make a good impression in challenge of writing my thesis in English gave me a lot more confidence. interviews thanks to the proactive efforts I made as a student, such as Once I completed this English-language thesis, I was able to clear the raising my TOEIC L&R score or obtaining the TGL Gold ranking. requirements for obtaining the Gold ranking under the TGL program. It seems that my job will offer me a chance to do overseas-related At the time I entered the university, my career goal was to be a work, so I am really looking forward to that. I want to continue to develop teacher, but after participating in various programs during my four years and hone my skills after graduation, using what I have learned at Toyo as a student, including TGL, my outlook widened. During that time, I University as a springboard.

Toyo University Established in 1887 by the philosopher Enryo Inoue. The founding spirit of the university was the idea that “all learning lies in philosophy” and the importance of “independence and self- support” and “knowledge and virtue.” On the occasion of its 125th anniversary, celebrated in 2012, the university announced the decision to focus on the three areas of philosophy education, internationalization, and career education. Toyo University was chosen as a Top Global University in 2014, and is now accelerating its efforts to cultivate global human resources capable of being active on the world stage and creating new value. In 2017, the university opened three new undergraduate faculties and four departments, including the Faculty of Global and Regional Studies (Department of Global Innovation Studies; Department of Regional Development Studies) and the Faculty of Information Networking for Innovation and Design (Department of Information Networking for Innovation and Design). Toyo University also opened a new campus in Tokyo’s Akabanedai district as the home of its Faculty of Information Networking for Innovation and Design. The university has a total of five campuses in the Tokyo metropolitan area, offering a wide range of education covering everything from the humanities to the sciences.

10 IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 Global human resource training at universities

Balancing communication skills with English ability is important

～ What human resources are global companies looking for? ～

Rochelle Kopp, a native of New York, is the founder of Japan Intercultural Consulting, a consulting firm that provides support to Japanese companies seeking to expand their business overseas and foreign companies with bases in Japan. Her management consulting centers on cross- cultural communication and global human-resource training. She was already captivated by Japan as a high school student and went on as an Rochelle Kopp undergraduate at Yale University to major in Japanese culture and then Founder of Japan Intercultural Consulting, a consulting firm that advises Japanese companies expanding overseas. Born in New York. After spend two years working for a Japanese bank in Tokyo. We interviewed Ms. graduating from Yale University, she worked for consulting firms based in Rochelle to hear her views on what skills are necessary for young people the United States. In 1988, she joined the Tokyo office of a Japanese bank. In 1993, the year after earning a graduate degree from the University of seeking to be global human resources, based on her familiarity with Japan Chicago, her book The Rice-Paper Ceiling: Breaking Through Japanese and the needs of global business. Corporate Culture was published. Her current activities center on cross- cultural communication and the cultivation of global human resources.

～ Global human resources sought by companies today ～

Expressing your own ideas is important when learning a language

Globalization is advancing rapidly these days. It seems safe to say that we are operating. There is no better means of understanding the situation at the are no longer in an age where someone can live without interacting to workplace than being able to communicate in the local language. Chinese some extent with people from other countries. I am conducting business in or Spanish are languages spoken by many people around the world, so countries around the world, including the United States, Japan, Britain, and being able to communicate in them gives you an advantage. The key thing Mexico, and in so doing it has become clear to me that English is the official is not just to speak a foreign language, but to be able to express your own language of business. Particularly in management circles, everyone is using intentions and ideas. Expressing your own thoughts through speaking or English as the common language for communication. writing is vital for anyone active globally. In addition, among executives of Japanese companies doing business overseas, it is necessary to learn the language of the country in which they

“Critical thinking” is a key skill

As I already mentioned, the ability to at least speak English and express your elegant, but I’m not sure if it could be considered logical. There is also a own thoughts are necessary skills for anyone seeking to become a global tradition of viewing the ambiguous as noble, such as anticipating another’s human resource. One other important element is critical thinking. I had two unspoken wishes, but again it does not seem so logical. Japan has ranked as years of experience working at a bank in Japan, and I recall that once a high as 5th globally for its competitiveness according to some data, but when supervisor told me that I was rikutsu-poi— it comes to critical thinking it is low in the rankings, at around 70th place. In which is to say, too logical or argumentative. order for Japanese to be actively globally, it is essential for them to consider Since Americans tend to view logical thinking things logically and express themselves precisely. Critical thinking is a skill as a good thing, that sort of expression is not that can be adequately honed at universities. I think that before going out in used, and at first I didn’t quite understand the real world students should acquire the ability to grasp things logically. the meaning. But later, once I knew it had a Another important skill is the ability to understand diversity. Japanese negative meaning, I got a bit angry. companies are looking to citizens of other countries to secure global human Japanese are taught the importance of resources, but in many cases after entering a company they are criticized if conveying their thoughts in the so-called their actions are different than their Japanese coworkers. format of kishotenketsu, where there are the Diversity has to have real content, rather than being superficial, in order four stages of introducing an idea, developing, to have any meaning. I think it is necessary for people to experience many suddenly twisting it around, and then offering different cultural environments from a young age and create their own the conclusion. As a story form it is quite opportunities to perceive the world’s diversity.

IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 11 Special feature Global human resource training at universities

Maintaining a sense of curiosity

Another element that global human resources need to have is a strong sense A person needs some free time for his or her sense of curiosity to emerge. of curiosity. A curious attitude involves wanting to understand others at a But in Japan, studying is so intense for junior and senior high-school students deeper level, find out more about the world, and also figure out how to open that they have little time for themselves. When they become university up a new future for oneself. It is extremely useful for a person to have a wide students, they don’t really know how to effectively use the time they finally array of interests and always be seeking out new knowledge. have available. Things are changing at a rapid pace these days. And that pace In Japan, the number of university students studying abroad is is only likely to get faster. Under these conditions, it will be hard for anyone declining for reasons that include the perception that it would put them to survive without taking an active interest in new things and continually at a disadvantage when it comes to job hunting. It is also not uncommon learning. It is necessary to have the courage to face other people, society, and for Japanese students to just skip classes, since they feel burned out after the world, and take a step forward, sustained by curiosity. studying so hard for the university entrance exam. It is not so surprising that some are exhausted after spending many years on memorization-based studies, but it is a terrible waste nonetheless.

～ In order to become a global human resource ～

Practical opportunities needed to raise English proficiency

I think too much emphasis has been placed on grammar in English education courses offered by overseas universities such as Harvard. I know the example in Japan. If the aim is to truly acquire English proficiency, it is necessary to of one employee of a Japanese company who came to Silicon Valley for a have many opportunities to listen to and speak the language. There is no training course. Since he was fluent in English, I asked him if he had lived better approach than that. Even if you are in Japan, there are many ways to abroad, and he told me that once he found out he would be attending the communicate with foreigners to improve your English ability, such as teaching training program he decided to practice English conversation every day online. Japanese to foreigners in your community or interacting with international Things have changed so much from the time I was learning Japanese over 20 students. years ago, so I’m a bit jealous. I thought that such opportunities should not Today there are also many ways to easily encounter English through the be missed. Internet, such as online English lessons or language exchanges, as well as

Creating a more refined impression by expanding your English vocabulary

If you aim to not simply be a global human resource but a “global elite,” it I am often asked what can be done to expand vocabulary knowledge and will widen the scope of your activities. To do that it is vital to expand your refine English speaking skills, and some of the things I always recommend English vocabulary. Knowing a wide range of vocabulary shows that you are people watch are TED Talks, films from the 1950s and 1960s, and the well educated and makes it possible to better understand others. Entrance speeches of President Kennedy and President Obama. Such English is quite exams for American universities test vocabulary knowledge as well. Since refined and is appropriate English to take as a model when aiming to become English vocabulary is so rich, reflecting the influence of so many languages, a global elite. notably Latin, German, and French, it is crucial to be able to select the appropriate words.

Seizing opportunities to interact with foreigners

Some Japanese mistake globalization for “Americanization.” But in fact, “global” of course encompasses the entire world, not just America. Sometimes Japanese are rather self-effacing, but their own country, Japan, is also very much part of the global world, so there is no reason to put down their own country. You can seek to understand how people from other cultures are different, while at the same time establishing your own identity as a Japanese, and then consider how to bridge those differences. There are many methods to acquire the necessary grounding to become a global human resource, but one extremely important thing is to have the experience of living in a foreign country while you are young. I think that coming into contact as a student with people from other countries and learning from that experience allows you to develop the sort of habits that will put you on the path toward becoming a business person who can be active on the global stage.

12 IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 Global Human Resources Training Program

Profile of 6 people who are Presentations on the experience of diversity living their life the full First “KIZASHI” event

IIBC, together with the Tobitate! (Leap for Tomorrow) Study Abroad Initiative and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), held the first “Consider the Future Talk Event—KIZASHI,” in order to give young people raised in the highly conformist Japanese culture a chance to experience the world’s diversity. The six featured speakers in the event, who are active in fields that transcend various boundaries, conveyed their own experiences.

One of the speakers was Mizuto Aoto, founding Sayaka Uchiyama started up a company CEO of DAncing Einstein Co., Ltd., which engages to cultivate herbs in Myanmar, but it did not go in business related to neuroscience. At the event, he smoothly ad she had to abandon the company. explained how he had been a high-school dropout She explained how she had often felt down after in Japan but later enrolled in UCLA and was able that, but then realized that had not really lost to graduate ahead of schedule. He emphasized anything. The experience made her realize what that what he learned from his experience was to be is truly important. She asked the students what “excited about the unknown future and know that was important to them and whether they were Mizuto Aoto Sayaka Uchiyama chances will come your way.” nurturing such things. Another speaker, Hiroki Katanaka, was a soccer The next speaker, Mare Kasuga, a musical player who was talented enough to be chosen as actor, explained how her dream is to appear in a representative on Japan’s under-15 team, but a Broadway performance. But even if a dream quit his university soccer team in the second year. can change your future, she said, it’s important Attending a university course raised his interest in the to “follow your heart and live in a way that suits issue of refugees, which led him to study about the you.” At the end she brought the event to a issue in Italy and South Africa on the Tobitate! Study climax by performing together with her friend and Abroad Initiative. He spoke about the daily struggles colleague Harue Suzuki, he experienced that made him wish for a society in Hiroki Katanaka A reception attended by many of the Mare Kasuga which he could lived according to his own style. participants followed the speakers’ presentation, allowing both sides to Mai Hoai Giang, a native of Vietnam living in engage in lively interaction. Some of the comments from participants Japan, talked about her company Cyclo Limousine, included the following: “I just quit my sports club, so to hear someone which provides a taxi service around the area of talk about a similar experience gave me confidence about my decision” Tokyo Station and Ginza using the traditional (first-year female university student); “I have been worrying about my three-wheel “cyclos” of her native country. She own identity, so what I heard was encouraging” (fourth-year male explained how, even though running a business university student); “I took part in the event because the theme of was hard at times, she is thrilled to be able to use diversity and conformity interests me. The presentations made me realize a beautiful aspect of Vietnamese culture to serve that I had not seriously thought about what is most important to me” Mai Hoai Giang as a bridge between Vietnam and Japan. (female company employee in her 20s). Such comments reveal how the David Yano, another speaker, explained about event really struck a chord among the participants. how he was raised in Japan by his Ghanaian mother and Japanese father, and later went to Ghana in search of his identity. He did not find the answer there, however, which made him realize Photos of the event and information on the global human that it could only ultimately be found within resource training program can be found on the Facebook page: himself. He encouraged the students to “look http://fb.com/iibc.GHRD inside themselves, rather outside.” Many of the The IIBC global human resource training program TV broadcasts participating students were strongly moved by his (from March 2019) can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/2UVlbUF David Yano unique way of expressing himself.

IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 13 My turning point brought about by English (Part 5)—Katsura Kaishi—

Confidence comes through repeated performance for both rakugo and English Katsura Kaishi, who has earned a name for himself as the premier raconteur of rakugo comic tales in English, delivered his first performance in America just four years after debuting as rakugo artist. He continues to perform energetically around the world, while also teaching at the university level. In our interview with Mr. Katsura, he talked about what inspired him to try rakugo in English, the difficulty of translating Japanese comic stories into English, and how he teaches the art of rakugo to Japanese students.

Rakugo artist Katsura Kaishi

Bringing Japanese comedy to the world

I always loved to make people laugh, so after graduating from university I but there was a lot of laughter in the audience and I think that I helped to wanted to work in the entertainment industry. After considering various options, overturn the image many had that Japanese are “silent and serious.” After such as plays or standup comedy, I encountered the rakugo artist Katsura Bunshi that performance, I received many requests to perform in the English-speaking V. I was captivated by the depth of this comedic art and decided to become his world, as well as in such countries as India, Brunei, and Malaysia. So far I have apprentice. performed English-language rakugo in 25 countries. The system of rakugo in Edo (Kanto region) is different from that of One performance that really sticks out in my mind was in Saudi Arabia. Kamigata (Kansei region). In the case of Edo rakugo, there are three different For religious reasons, men and women were not allowed to sit face to face, so ranks, zenza, futatsume, and shin’uchi, each requiring several years of training, a wall separated them in the theater, with me sitting in between. It was a new but for Kamigata rakugo, of which I am a part, a rakugo artist is free to perform experience for me to perform to an audience separated like that. Moreover, as he likes after spending a certain number of years as an apprentice. since the women were wearing veils, I could only detect their laughter by a As a university student, I liked English and would go to bars where there slight movement of their heads. It was a bit of an uneasy feeling to not know were a lot of foreigners from ships traveling through Japan. Once a foreigner the audience’s reaction, but that was a valuable experience. asked me to perform a bit of rakugo. Asked to perform on the spot I could not Last year I was invited to the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival. There speak well, and he said, “I can’t really imagine what Japanese people find were many Japanese-Americans in the audience, so when I performed the funny.” That comment stuck with me and inspired a desire to make foreigners story Hatsutenjin, about a father and son who set out to a festival hand in laugh by performing rakugo in English. hand, many of the older people in the audience told me later that the story Around that time, an offer came from the Japan Society for Laughter brought tears of nostalgia to their eyes. The younger ones in the audience often and Humor Studies to perform Japanese comedy in the United States. And, of did not know much about Japanese culture, so I was happy to hear that the course, I welcomed that chance. After around a year of preparation, I performed performance could give them a better idea of their Japanese roots. rakugo there in English for the first time. I was nervous before the performance,

Difficulty of translatingrakugo into English

I translate the rakugo stories into English myself, and then have a native speaker distinctive mannerisms, such as eating something for instance, so that the story check my translations. But more than just translating into English, it is necessary development will be clear. to adjust the content to suit the audiences. For example, the classic rakugo story With just a certain word or way of speaking it is possible in rakugo to “Manju Kowai” talks about bean-filled buns and green tea, but for the English make something much more interesting. For example, I wanted to know what version it was easier to understand by changing that to pizza and cola. a character should say in English for a situation in a story where a character Japanese has many different first-person pronouns as well as dialects barely avoids to run into a rickshaw, and one foreigner suggested using the that can be used to distinguish characters, so it is possible to have a story expression, “I almost peed my pants.” Following that sort of advice has made with many characters. But in English, it gets a bit too confusing if there my performances much more interesting to foreign audiences. Whether in are a lot of characters. So in English it is important to give each characters English or Japanese, the way of saying something is key.

14 IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 My turning point brought about by English (Part 5)—Katsura Kaishi—

During the Taisho period (1912–1926), foreign writers visiting Japan had Japan the audiences sometimes said that I was the chance to see performances of kabuki, so that art, with its flamboyant going too far, and I couldn’t get so many laughs. costumes, makeup, and other visual charms, was presented outside Japan at an Japanese like something that “pulls” you in, like early date, with the word entering the dictionary. But rakugo was completely the moment just before a firework explodes in overlooked. I think this is because the depth of rakugo, as an art that only uses the sky or before two sumo wrestlers square words for expression, is not easy to convey to others. off; whereas in the English-speaking world it is Rakugo is known for making people laugh through little strange things more the “push” and the “statement” that are about a character, but some of the audience members in America pointed out emphasized. The two cultures are quite different that I didn’t seem to have confidence in my English. I tried various things to so artists thinking of performing in front of an bridge the gap in understanding, and gradually my way of expression became English-speaking audience may need have to take more exaggerated. To hone my skills, I spent around a year performing in the a step or two forward compared to what they do United States. And whenever I used over-the-top expressions or gestures it got in front of a Japanese audience. big laughs, so that became engrained into my act. So when I came back to

The thrill of making a foreign audience laugh

Currently, I am a visiting professor at Osaka Shoin Women’s University and a awakens in some the ambition to become performers, and they make great part-time instructor at Nagoya University. At the former, I teach kobanashi and strides forward. By the time they get up on the stage at the end, not only can rakugo in English, and the class culminates with a performance on campus in they speak more English than before but they also have acquired performing front of an audience of around 200, including foreigners. At the beginning of skills. It is very satisfying for them to not only convey the meaning in English but the class, many of the students can barely introduce themselves in English, but I also get a laugh from the audience members. Many of the students do well later start by having them split into pairs to practice kobanashi storytelling, and over in their job-hunting, apparently, and there are even some who have gone on to the 15 classes they improve greatly, under a lot of praise from me. The class become professional rakugo artists.

The more you preform, the more confidence you build

In performing overseas I’ve come to realize that nothing is more useful than For my overseas shows, the stories in English I have honed over 20 or so using English as a tool. Even if your words are not skillful, the key thing is to years of experience can be performed without almost any glitch. I think that convey an idea in your own words. There are all sorts of accents that differ shows the power that comes from the experience of repeatedly performing in between country and region, and native speakers are the overwhelming minority front of an audience. But when it comes to performing a story for the first time, among people using English. So even if your pronunciation is not so good, whether overseas or in Japan, I get nervous. I always wonder if the jokes will there is no reason to hesitate to speak. It’s important to be proactive. If you can work or not. I think the same is true with a self-introduction or a presentation in speak in your own words, you’ll be able to express your ideas better than if an terms of the peace of mind that comes from building up experience. Once you interpreter were intervening for you. And if you can speak English, you can have can see that there is a good reaction, you can settle down and relax. fun on your travels and life become so much more interesting. It is often said in the world of rakugo that performing a joke in front of a When I was staying in New York, I created a new rakugo story. The theme live audience one time has the same value as practicing it 50 times by yourself. is how strange it is that some things are considered polite and others aren’t, like I think the same is true of learning English: you need to actually use it and get a how Japanese will continue to bow even after someone has exited an elevator response, rather than just speaking it in your mind. and the doors have shut, but at the same time slurp their noodles. The story got a lot of laughs and is now an integral part of my regular act.

The enterprising spirit of never giving up

A junior high school English textbook used throughout My future goal is raise the awareness of rakugo Japan had a section on my rakugo performances in overseas so that it becomes famous enough to be a English. And currently I am holding live English rakugo regular entry in English dictionary. Some Japanese were events to convey to children in Japan how fun it is to disapproving of English rakugo at first, but many of them use English. I am also trying to promote kobanashi and have finally accepted the idea. rakugo in Engish, such as my hosting of a kobanashi There are other similar examples, like the California contest for junior high and high school students. The roll becoming a famous sushi item in the United States or students participating in the contest really get into judo becoming an Olympic sport. So it is worth giving it studying kobanashi, just like the university students teach, your all, without giving up, to reach a goal. That is what I because nothing can match the satisfaction that comes intend to do. from making someone laugh. For those thinking of studying abroad, I would recommend that they memorize a kobanashi story. As long as you have a bath robe, a towel, and a folding fan Katsura Kaishi’s “Rakugo in English” website: you can easily perform your story overseas. http://eigo-rakugo.com/

IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 15 Using English to convey “an experience with a different culture that changed me” 10th IIBC Essay Contest Award Ceremony

The IIBC Essay Contest was launched in 2009 to mark the 30th anniversary The Grand Prize winner Yuichi Masaoka, a first-year student at of TOEIC, and the 10th contest was held in fiscal 2018. Essays were received Kogyokusha Junior and Senior High School, was chosen among the 181 Final for the “Final Selection” and “Incentive Award” from more than 1,700 Selection essays. In his acceptance speech, he sincerely thanked his family individuals addressing the theme: “An experience with a different culture that and teachers in Japan and overseas for supporting him, as well as expressing changed me.” his appreciation for the contest organizers and officials. On November 10 (Sat.), 2018, the award ceremony for the contest At the reception after the ceremony, the students and teachers present was held at the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo. The ceremony was attended by had a chance to interact to enjoy talking about a range of topics, such as around 50 people, including the award winners, judges, past winners, and the essay writing, living overseas, and future plans. students’ teachers and guardians.

Prize winners

First Prize Yuichi Masaoka (1st year; Kogyokusha Junior and Senior High School)

Yuka Hoshimi (4th year; Koishikawa Secondary Education School) Second Prize Yuriko Kon (1st year; Shoei Girl’s Junior and Senior High School)

Himari Seamans (2nd year; Dokkyo Saitama Junior and Senior High School) Shikoh Hirayabayashi (2nd year; Seiko Gakuin High School) Special Prize Domu Sakai (2nd year; Waseda Shibuya Senior High School) Yudai Tanaka (2nd year; Tsuda Gakuen High School) Rin Yabiku (1st year; La Salle High School)

Double award winner Double award winner America-Japan Himari Seamans Yudai Tanaka Society (2nd year; Dokkyo Saitama Junior and Senior High School) (2nd year; Tsuda Gakuen High School) President's Prize Yu Go（4th year; Koishikawa Secondary Education School）

Special 25 schools, 1,508 students Incentive Price

Schools participating in the Final Selection and Incentive Award are listed in the IIBC website: https://www.iibc-global.org/iibc/activity/essay/2018.html

16 IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 Interview with First Prize winner I focused on the opening, to capture the reader’s attention

After mulling over the structure of my essay for quite some time, I sat down to write it and finished in just two or three hours. After setting it aside for a couple days, I started to revise it. I knew that the contest has many First 優秀賞 特別賞 Prize applicants every year, so I wanted to present an essay that would catch the judges’ attention. To do that, I decided to not stick too closely to the typical structure of introduction, body, and conclusion. I paid particular attention to the beginning of the essay. From my Japanese classes I had learned the Yuichi Masaoka importance of grabbing the reader’s attention from the beginning, so I tried 1st year student to hone my essay toward that end. I also tried to repeat some words at the Kogyokusha Junior and beginning and the end, such as “silence,” to leave an impression in the mind Senior High School of the reader.

This summer will mark seven years since I returned to Japan from I have been a member of the English debate club since entering high school, Belgium, but I am trying to maintain my English reading ability in various and I wanted to find some way to test my own ability to express myself in ways, such as attending an English school two hours a week and frequently English. After searching the Internet to find out about such opportunities, I reading English-language news. When I entered the essay contest, I was not came across the IIBC essay contest. The theme of the contest was “a nearby expecting so much. Although I had some confidence in my English writing, cross-cultural experience that changed me.” Since I had an experience of to be honest I was taken aback when I learned of winning the Grand Prize. living in Belgium when I was a young child, I decided to enter the contest to It was surprising to have such an excellent but unforeseen result, but I am so write about it. happy and proud to receive this honor, and I think it will be a great source of motivation in my English study. I moved to Belgium at the age of six when my father was transferred there for his job and spent the first six months in a Dutch-language The supplemental prize of participating in a short-term AFS study- kindergarten. At first it was hard for me to get along with the other kids, since abroad program is a wonderful opportunity for me. I chose to go to the UK I didn’t speak the language, but when I joined a circle that played soccer, I from among the eight destinations. I want to return to my starting point of was able to bridge the gap through that sport. I continued to use sports as the time when I attended a British school, and use that to take a new step a way to communicate beyond language during the three years I attended a forward. I want to keep striving every day to make use of my language ability British elementary school after returning to Japan. Those experiences left such while acquiring useful skills and experiences so that one day I can contribute a deep impression on me that I wanted to write about them in my essay. to society in a positive way.

Essay of First Prize “The Little Ball Moves the Big Ball”

The eastern sun broke the silence of darkness and announced the of last night’s game, and every breaktime we would be laughing at beginning of another winter day to the little town of Leuven, Belgium. our original goal performances. It has been a truly glorious time to be It wasn’t always a pleasant experience, to make my way, through the connected interculturally with one little ball. freezing dawn, to a Kindergarten where I had no one to talk to. To further expand on this, let us look into a historical example of a It was when I was 6 years old that my family moved to Belgium, where sport connecting, not just individuals, but also nations. In 1971, at the I had no choice but to go to a local kindergarten where everyone spoke World Table Tennis Championships in Nagoya, a 19-year old American Dutch, a language that I did not understand at all. Of course, I wasn’t player hopped on to the bus of the Chinese national team. All the completely helpless, for I knew the two words: “toilet!” and “help!”, both Chinese players on board directed an eye of suspicion at the unexpected of which are, needless to say, English. guest, but the silence was soon broken when one of the Chinese players started talking to the American through an interpreter, which resulted in So it was, that I was on my way to another day at the Dutch the exchanging of pictures and T-shirts, despite the Chinese government s kindergarten, not expecting to find out that I had a universal means of ’ prohibition on having contact with the players of the U.S. After this communication: football. As soon as I saw a crowd gathering around a incident was reported worldwide, Chairman Mao Zedong perceived this football in the playground, I made my mind up to join them, and I scored! as a chance, and invited the Americans to a Ping Pong competition in Occupied by excitement and joy, me and the Belgian boys rushed to each China, only 3 days after the event. With the Cold War at its height, this other and embraced one another. This is how my friendship started on tiny connection through sport united political enemies, broke 22 years of that alien planet, and after ten years, it still remains in my mind as an diplomatic silence, and even lead to the visiting of China by U.S. president unforgettable moment. Nixon on the following year. It is more than evident that this experience had taught me a universal It must not go without saying that Japan is lucky to have the and timeless law: sports are a universal language. Communication can opportunity to play the same role it played in the ping pong diplomacy be about conveying and sharing emotions without the use of language: in the next two years: 2019 Rugby World Cup, and the 2020 Olympic which include, playing sports, dancing to music and sharing pieces of art. Games. Now, I strongly feel that it is my job to make use of my experience They are a universal means of communication that allows anyone to get and my linguistic abilities to be of some help in globally connecting our closer to anyone from anywhere of the globe; and that is where I find the world in Japan again, like how I built friendship in Belgium and how Ping- solution to overcoming cultural and language barriers, especially in an Pong once formed international relationships. entangled world as today’s. Let me conclude with Mao Zedong s comment on Ping Pong As I moved onto primary school and joined a British school in Brussels, ’ diplomacy: The little ball moves the big ball. there no longer was a barrier for me, for I knew what to do. I was “ ” especially fortunate, because it was on my first year at the new British I firmly believe that the same goes with football, and every other sport, school that the 2010 Football World Cup was held. Every morning we and that sports are always there for you to break and overcome any would find ourselves highfiving each other to share the excitements intercultural silence. [694words]

IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 17 IIBCIIBC TOPICSTOPICS

IIBC ENGLISH CAFÉ in Kanazawa IIBC × Junior Chamber International Kanazawa IIBC ENGLISH ～ Let’s speak in English! CAFÉ Chat, Challenge, Change ～

October 3 (Wed.) to Harmonie Kanazawa / 7 (Sun.), 2018 Kanazawa Music Bar Terrace

The number of foreign tourists visiting Kanazawa has increased since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, giving local residents more opportunities to encounter foreign languages. The 2018 IIBC ENGLISH CAFÉ in Kanazawa was the first such event to be held in the Hokuriku area. Researching the situation concerning English awareness in Kanazawa uncovered the fact that, although people there realize the need for English, many are beginning level English learners who find it difficult to make progress. In response to this situation, the café event focused on ways for participants to have fun speaking English.

Overview of the event

On the first two days, classes were held on the topics of how to greet people in Over the weekend, “Free Talking Table” a hospitable way and help foreigners sightseeing in Kanazawa. The participants sessions were held that included special guest learned phrases in English to express their hospitality to foreign visitors or give presentations and conversations with native them directions, as well as ways to introduce them to famous spots in Kanazawa. speakers. On Saturday, the speaker was Kenichi In the latter half of the class, the participants formed pairs to practice the Morioka, who introduced himself as once being expressions they had learned. the only Facebook employee who could not speak On the third day of the café, the Hokuriku English Party was held so that English. He explained how he learned English and Japanese and foreign participants could enjoy speaking English in a casual gave the audience some concrete tips. On Sunday, atmosphere. Over 150 participants took part in the “English challenge” of the final day of the café, Ippei Inoue, an instructor from an NHK program on the ordering a drink in English to get it for free. This enjoyable Friday evening event basics of hospitality in English, gave a lecture on the differences in hospitality gave Japanese participants a chance to interact in English with foreigners as well between Japan and the English-speaking world. The presentations inspired many as with each other. of the audience members to study English more.

Comments from participating companies

Nao Yasuda I realized there are more people in Kanazawa who want Director to speak English than I had imagined Slacktide Co., Ltd.

Our company’s focus is on inbound tourism to Japan, and we work to develop TOEIC L&R, and many took part on every single day of the event. The Hokuriku restaurants in hotels and other locations in the Tatemachi district of Kanazawa. English Party on Friday evening in particular turned out to be a big hit even When we received the invitation from the Junior Chamber International though there was not much time to promote it. I had though around 80 people Kanazawa to participate in the IIBCENGLISH CAFÉ, I thought: “This is just what would show up, but in fact we had twice that number. I saw many Japanese I was waiting for!” The event seemed to perfectly match the interests of our speaking English with each other at the event, which gave me a strong sense company and of the Junior Chamber International Kanazawa. of how the desire to use English in the city is much stronger than I had though. In recent years, more foreign tourists are visiting Kanazawa, but apart Our company organizes language exchange events at the restaurants we from a few involved in the tourism industry, not so many people seem to manage, but the IIBC ENGLISH CAFÉ made me realize the importance of setting be interacting with those tourists in English since they feel the hurdle to the bar a bit lower so that anyone can feel free to use English. Collaborating communication is too high. with IIBC gave us the chance to encounter many concepts we would not have The five-day café brought together a wide range of participants, from realized on our own, so I really hope that we can work together in the future. those who could barely speak English to those who had scored 990 points on

18 IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 A limited-time café organized by IIBC. The event IIBC ENGLISH CAFÉ in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture offers participants a chance to enjoy communicating in English in a relaxed setting. In response to IIBC × Mashiki-machi Mirai Talk English-related needs in areas outside of Japan’s main urban centers, the events in 2018 were held in Kanazawa and Kumamoto Prefectures. ～ Let’s encounter English to build mutual ties! ～

December 1 (Sat.) to 2 (Sun.), 2018 Mashiki Farmers Village Fam

Mashiki is a town that was severely damaged by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. This first IIBC ENGLISH CAFÉ in Kyushu was organized with Masiki-cho Mirai Talk, which is carrying out various activities to help revive the community. In the wake of the Kumamoto Earthquake, many of the foreigners living in the community had difficulty with regard to finding evacuation sites or explaining to others what sort of damage they had suffered. The café event prepared contents related to that experience and in preparation for welcoming foreign players and tourists for the 2019 Rugby World Cup games that will be hosted in Kumamoto.

Overview of the event

In the session for learning English related to disaster situations, the participants experiences over the past two years picked up ways to use English to explain evacuation procedures and evacuation since the disaster and an appearance sites to foreigners unfamiliar with the area to set their minds at ease. The session by the professional basketball player on basic English greetings taught the participants how to great foreign visitors Tshilidzi Nephawe of the Kumamoto as a way of preparing for the 2019 Volters B.League team, which has Rugby World Cup matches that will be a deep connection to the town of hosted nearby. The students split up Mashiki, as well as other sessions such into pairs to practice greetings and self- as instruction in English on how to introductions. make hamburgers. Residents of Mashiki and nearby communities enjoyed the The event included presentations in event, since normally they do not have many opportunities to use English in English by students and adults on their their daily lives.

Comments from supporting organizations

Event raises disaster awareness among foreigners and Yutaro Togami Mashiki Mirai Talk spurs internationalization and inbound tourism response

Mashiki Mirai Talk is an organization composed of high-schoolers to those And my attitude changed toward thinking that as long as the participants in their 30s who gather to consider the recovery effort in Mashiki and what could enjoy using English it would be a success. I was amazed that it turned can be done to contribute to the town’s future. I am actually a Kumamoto out to be so hugely popular, with a waiting list for participants. We also prefectural government worker who was sent to Mashiki to formulate its received feedback by email from those who told us how happy they were to recovery plan, and I started the organization in October 2016 after noticing have an English event hosted locally. The experience showed me how many in that not many young residents were involved in the public hearings about our little town of 30,000 people are enthusiastic about learning English. The recovery plans. At first we mainly discussed the town’s future, but subsequently Egao Kenko Stadium that will host Rugby World Cup matches in 2019 is just a we launched activities and held a variety of events. The IIBC ENGLISH CAFÉ is stone’s throw from Mashiki, and Kumamoto Airport is also located within our part of those efforts. town, so we will have a rare opportunity to have many foreigners coming to At first, when I heard about co-hosting the café with IIBC, I was a bit the area. I strongly hope that the IIBC ENGLISH CAFÉ will serve to accelerate worried about whether Mashiki would be able to hold a successful English- our recovery and internationalization efforts so that we can take advantage of language event or not. But they more I considered it, the more excited I got. this opportunity.

IIBC NEWSLETTER Vol.137 Mar. 2019 19 Public testing schedule

Test 1 Scheduled date for TOEIC® number Test date Application period* sending test results Listening & Reading Test 238th March 10 (Sun.), 2019 December 14 (Fri.), 2018 to January 29 (Tue.), 2019 April 9 (Tue.), 2019

239th April 14 (Sun.), 2019 February 1 (Fri.), 2019 to February 26 (Tue.), 2019 May 14 (Tue), 2019

240th May 26 (Sun.), 2019 March 1 (Fri.) to April 2 (Tue.), 2019 June 25 (Tue.), 2019

241st June 23 (Sun.), 2019 April 5 (Fri.) to May 14 (Tue.), 2019 July 23 (Tue.), 2019

242nd July 28 (Sun.), 2019 May 17 (Fri.) to June 18 (Tue.), 2019 August 27 (Tue.), 2019

243rd September 29 (Sun.), 2019 June 21 (Fri.) to August 6 (Tue.), 2019 October 29 (Tue.), 2019

244th October 27 (Sun.), 2019 August 9 (Fri.) to September 10 (Tue.), 2019 November 26 (Tue.), 2019

245th November 24 (Sun.), 2019 September 13 (Fri.) to October 8 (Tue.), 2019 December 24 (Tue.), 2019

246th December 15 (Sun.), 2019 October 11 (Fri.) to October 29 (Tue.), 2019 January 14 (Tue.), 2020

TOEIC® 2 Scheduled date for Test date Application period* sending test results Speaking & Writing Tests March 17 (Sun.), 2019 February 1 21 (Fri.) to March 1 (Fri.), 2019 April 12 (Tue.), 2019 TOEIC® Speaking Test April 7 (Sun.), 2019 February 22 (Fri.) to March 22 (Fri.), 2019 May7 (Tue.), 2019

May 19 (Sun.), 2019 March 22 (Fri.) to May 2 (Fri.), 2019 June 18 (Tue.), 2019

June 9 (Sun.), 2019 April 26 (Fri.) to May 24 (Fri.), 2019 July 9 (Tue.), 2019

July 7 (Sun.), 2018 May 24 (Fri.) to June 21 (Fri.), 2019 August 6 (Tue.), 2019

August 4 (Sun.), 2019 June 21 (Fri.) to July 19 1 (Fri.), 2019 September 3 (Tue.), 2019

September 1(Sun.), 2019 July 19 (Fri.) to August 16 (Fri.), 2019 October 1 (Tue.), 2019

October 6 (Sun.), 2019 August 16 (Fri.) to September 20 (Fri.), 2019 November 5 (Tue.), 2019

November 3 (Sun.), 2019 September 20 (Fri.) to October 18 (Fri.), 2019 December 3 (Tue.), 2019

December 1 (Sun.), 2019 October 18 (Fri.) to November 15 (Fri.), 2019 December 31 (Tue.), 2019

TOEIC Bridge® Test 2 Scheduled date for number Test date Application period* sending test results Listening & Reading Tests 71st June 9 (Sun.), 2018 March 4 (Mon.) to May 9 4 (Thu.), 2018 July 12 (Fri.), 2019

72nd September 1 (Sun.), 2019 May 13 (Mon.), 2018 to July 25 (Thur.), 2019 October 4 (Fri.), 2019

73rd November 17 (Sun.), 2018 July 29 (Mon.) to October 10 4 (Thu.), 2018 December 20 (Fri.), 2019

74th March 15 (Sun.), 2020 November 5 (Mon.), 2018 to January 30 (Thur.), 2020 April 17 (Fri.), 2019

June 2019 launch!

2 Scheduled date for TOEIC Bridge® Test number Application period* Additional application period sending test results Speaking & Writing Tests June 30 6 (Sun.), 2019 May 17 (Fri.) to June 14 (Fri.), 2019 June 17 (Mon.) to June 21 (Fri.) August 2 (Fri.), 2019

September 8 (Sun.), 2019 July 26 (Fri.) to August 23 (Fri.), 2019 August 26 (Mon.) to August 30 (Fri.) October 11 (Fri.), 2019

November 24 (Sun.), 2019 October 11 (Fri.) to November 8 (Fri.), 2019 November 11 (Mon.) to November 15 (Fri.) December 27 (Fri.), 2019

March 1 (Sun.), 2020 January 17 (Fri.) to February 14 (Fri.), 2020 February 17 (Mon.) to February 21 (Fri.) April 3 (Fri.), 2019

*The application periods above are for applications by private individuals. For information on the application period for group testing (excluding the TOEIC Speaking Test), please consult the official IIBC website. Please note that the public testing schedule is subject to change. The latest schedule information is available on the official website. (*1) Internet application period. Please refer to the official website for information on the application starting times and deadlines, as well as applications via convenience store terminals. (*2) Internet application period. Please refer to the official website for information on the application starting times and deadlines.

Inquiries: Tokyo Sanno Grand Building, 2-14-2 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Tel. 03-5521-5901 Nagoya Office Nishiki Park Building, 2-4-3 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi; Tel. 052-220-0282 Osaka Office Midosuji SG Building, 3-6-1 Bakuromachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka; Tel. 06-6258-0222 Media inquiries: IIBC official website: http://www.iibc-global.org Public Relations Office Sanno Grand Building, 2-14-2 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Tel. 03-3581-4761

ETS, the ETS logo, PROPELL, TOEIC and TOEIC BRIDGE are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A., and used in Japan under license. Portions are copyrighted by Educational Testing Service and used with permission.