24-5 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031 Tel: 03-5456-8082 Fax: 03-5456-8388 Mail:
[email protected] Newsletter Vol. 11 Spring 2018 http://www.japancivilization.org/ The 11th Symposium of the Japanese Civilization Institute took place on February 6th, right before the Pyongyang Olympics on the theme of “Japanese People and Sports.” The panelists were Dai Tamesue—bronze medalist of the World Champion- ships for 400 Men’s meter Hurdle, Miyako Tanaka-Oulevey— Seoul Olympic bronze medalist in Synchronized Swimming Duet, sports journalist Seijun Ninomiya and author and direc- tor of the Japanese Civilization Institute Naoki Inose who mod- erated the panel. The discussion revolved around interesting themes including the sumo wrestling world which has long been center of attention due to its scandal, the latest scientific research on sports, the mental capabilities of athletes, Pyong- yang Olympics and its results and the things we need to think about towards the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The following is an extract of the lively discussion that took place. (Reprinted from “Shukan Dokushojin,” 20th April 2018, No. 3236 & Web Doukushojin). Greetings Asuka Tsuzuki Counselor and Director of Japan Economic University The Japanese Civilization Institute has established 2 years ago with the aim to transmit Japanese culture and civilization not only to Japan but also to the rest of the world and has continued its activities ever since. Today, we have Mr. Dai Tamesue and Ms. Miyako Tanaka-Oulevey both of whom are world famous athletes, together with distinguished sports journalist Seijun Ninomiya attending the event, to talk about sports and its relationship to the nation and the Japanese people, which are crucial themes of both Pyongyang Olympics and the upcoming Tokyo Olympics of 2020.