Greetings from -U AUTUMN 2012 Issue 22 Raku-Yu Newsletter CONTENTS 1 Kyoto University’s Approach to Internationalization and Globalization Editor in Chief Hiroshi MATSUMOTO, President of Kyoto University Kengo AKIZUKI 2 Features Associate Editor Evolution of Kyoto University Alumni Associations Outside Naoko SAITO — Serving as Bridges with the University — Seifu-so Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan Senior Editors Martin CIESKO Annular Solar Eclipse: An Observation Event and Lecture Takumi FURUTA A Kyoto University Student Team Wins Second Prize at the Third Masaru KOBAYASHI International Contest of Applications in Nano / Micro Technology (iCAN’12) Satoshi MATSUSHITA 6 Forefronts of Research at Kyoto University Kazuya NAKAMURA Recent Solar Activity Hiroshi OKUYAMA Kiyoshi ICHIMOTO, Professor, Kwasan and Hida Observatories, Graduate School of Science Timothy William STEWART Ethics and “Face” Daichi UCHIBORI Yoshiyuki SATO, Professor, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies 10 ESSAY Editorial Collaborator Variety of Economic Policy Outcomes and the Role of Institutions KOSOSHA CO.,LTD. Dimiter IALNAZOV, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Economics Printed by INTERVIEW 11 KOSAIDO CO.,LTD. “This is a very interesting international cooperation project. In addition to promoting a spirit of self-support and independence among local people, the project helps me develop my own view of humankind.” Yusuke MIYAZAKI, the Faculty of Engineering

12 What’s Happening in International Relations © The Committee of Public Relations Introducing The Kyoto-DC Global Career Development Program for International Organizations of Kyoto University Kyoto University Students and Staff Participate in the 13th AUN Educational Forum and Young Speakers Contest at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City A Note on Order of Names As a general rule, names appearing The 18th Kyoto University International Symposium: Partnering Asian Academics toward Human Security in Raku-Yu are written in given Development name/family name order. Chinese Minister of Education visits Kyoto University 14 PROMENADE Takasegawa Canal: A Stream of Calm Throughout Many Upheavals in Kyoto Raku-Yu means to respect, treasure, and enjoy one's friendship. Editor’s Notes In his foreword to Raku-Yu, entitled “Kyoto University’s Approach to Internationalization and Globalization,” President Hiroshi Matsumoto emphasizes the significance of educating “globally-minded individuals who are able to think for themselves and make This name was taken from the assembly hall called "Raku-Yu decisions autonomously.” The cultivation of the qualities he envisions is indeed at the forefront of the challenges facing higher educa- Kaikan" that commemorated the 25th anniversary of the tion today, in both the sciences and the humanities. In their apparently “objective” thinking scientists cannot in fact disengage from founding of Kyoto University. ethical judgment, while those involved in the humanities must not fail to confront the practical realities of the world. Such insights are emphasized in the philosophical tradition of American pragmatism, where the inevitable entanglement of facts and values is richly realized, and they reveal the need, today more than ever, for an interdisciplinary approach in curriculum planning. Dialogue between different perspectives helps cultivate the powers of the imagination, which extend possibilities of education and research beyond the constraints of the culture of accountability. In both the sciences and the humanities, it is the imagination developed in this way that is crucial to the kinds of critical thinking most needed in the 21st century.

Cover Photo: “Ono no Komachi” from “Sanju-roku Kasen” (Thirty-six Poetry Immortals) During the mid-Heian Period (794-1192), Kinto Fujiwara, a poet and scholar of poetry, compiled a collection of poems by selecting works by 36 poets, who subsequently became well known as the sanju-roku kasen (thirty-six poetry immortals). Henceforth, many books and picture scrolls were created, highlighted by sets of their portraits and poems. The Kyoto University Library owns one such book. The cover of this issue displays a portrait of Ono no Komachi (Komachi Ono), one of the 36 poets, who is well known in Japan as a beautiful court lady and an author of passionate, romantic poems. In fact, she is commonly known in Japan as one of the three most beautiful women in the world, the other two being Cleopatra and Yang Guifei (the latter having been loved by the Chinese Emperor Xuan Zong of the Tang Dynasty). The real life of Komachi Ono, however, remains a mystery. Excepting that she once served at the Imperial court, we do not know when she was born or when she passed away. In various parts of Japan, there are many legendary tombs of Ono, together with associated legends. Like many of her contemporary poets, she primarily composed romantic poems, in which she depicts in passionate and at times sorrowful tones her fear of change in her lover’s sentiments over the passing of time. In other poems, she laments the decline of her own beauty. In the poem on the cover of this issue, she describes her bitterness toward the instability of her lover’s mind. H-ii Hiroshi MATSUMOTO Since assuming the top position in 2008, President Hiroshi Matsumoto has been committed to various initiatives, including reforms of existing systems and inauguration of new programs, to advance the internationalization of Kyoto University, on which he places utmost priority. These commitments are driven by his strong aspiration to foster future leaders. President Matsumoto is deeply concerned about the present situation of both individuals and society. His observation is that people are losing their power to think as a result of advanced technologies that have automated so many tasks in our daily lives. At the same time, he believes in the power of “educa- tion,” which, according to President Matsumoto, connotes “bringing out various things from within an individual.” “I believe that the education at Kyoto University should aim at fostering individuals who are able to think for themselves, create value, and act autonomously,” he com- mented. To the question of in what ways Kyoto University has changed over the past four years, he replied, “A large rock has just begun to move, since the force we have been applying has overcome consider- able static frictional force. The rock will continue to roll steadily, since the rolling friction will be relatively small.” Indeed, there is no stopping the huge rock once it begins to roll.

Kyoto University’s Approach to Internationalization and Globalization

Before discussing the “internationalization” of Kyoto At the same time, we must also study the long histories of University, I would like to point out that there are no national the earth, the human race, and Japan. In other words, we must borders in learning. When researchers are searching for hold a historic perspective as our time axis, so as to build our truth, their brains work independently from their respective capacity to anticipate future trends. At Kyoto University, I nationalities or ethnicities. Since research activities at Kyoto believe that our efforts towards internationalization should be University have earned a considerable reputation worldwide, geared toward improving our capacity to prepare for radical we can say that the University has achieved an academic social changes in the future, while maintaining these spatial level recognized by international society. and time axes as our basic framework. If we consider the extent of the “internationalization” I once heard that the progress of civilization has allowed of Kyoto University in terms of personnel exchange with people to do many things without thinking. If everything overseas universities, however, it is difficult to assert that becomes automated, as a result of the progress of civiliza- the University has achieved an advanced level of “inter- tion, and if people lose their power to think, this would be a nationalization.” For instance, we do not have sufficient negative impact of civilization. At Kyoto University, we hope personnel exchange programs with leading universities in to foster globally-minded individuals who are able to think the world, including Harvard and Oxford universities. We for themselves and make decisions autonomously, some of cannot underestimate this factor even when we take into whom will develop into global leaders in their chosen fields. consideration the geographical disadvantage of the University, To this end, we are currently committed to various initiatives, situated in the Far East. including the reform of the entrance examination system, Before delving into this issue, however, we must first the International Advanced Educational Institute Program, define “internationalization” and “globalization.” In my the Graduate School of Advanced Leadership Shishukan, view, internationalization refers to developing our ability and the Hakubi Project. to respond to globalization, which can be defined as an ongoing process towards building a single united entity on the earth. We absolutely need a global perspective when we address the environmental problems of this planet. In the Hiroshi MATSUMOTO present age of globalization, it is imperative to hold a global President of Kyoto University perspective as our common spatial axis.

1 Features1

Evolution of Kyoto University Alumni Associations Outside Japan —Serving as Bridges with the University—

1. Kyoto University Alumni Alumni to a tapestry, we can liken the countries. At the same time, many gradu- Associations alumni associations of departments/ ates from the university are studying at At the end of the 19th century, when faculties/colleges to vertical threads, overseas universities and research insti- Kyoto University was established as and regional alumni associations to hori- tutes. In addition, many alumni reside one of Japan’s imperial universities, it zontal threads. Since the regional alumni in various parts of the world, engaging comprised four colleges: the colleges of associations are organized by former themselves in research programs or in Law, Letters, Science and Technology, students residing in specific coun- business activities. and Medicine. Graduates of these tries, regions, or cities, their members At present, there are nine associations colleges formed their own respective comprise graduates from diverse facul- formed by alumni who once studied at alumni associations, including Yushinkai ties or colleges of the university. This Kyoto University as either international (law), Ibunkai (letters), and Shirankai enables members to foster friendships students or researchers. In addition, 11 (medicine). and inspire one another by sharing associations have been formed primarily Over the long history of the univer- knowledge and information, tran- by Japanese businesspersons, who gradu- sity, individual faculties, graduate scending the boundaries of the academic ated from the university and are currently schools and courses have formed fields they specialized in. residing in overseas countries. (See the alumni associations, but there had been Kyoto University hopes that alumni table below.) no alumni association for the entire residing in various regions in the world Kyoto University hopes that alumni in university until November 2006, when will organize many more regional various regions in the world will maintain a federation of all alumni associations alumni associations, to promote infor- their friendly relations and strengthen worldwide—the Kyoto University mation exchange and foster friendships mutual ties. If there is an alumni asso- Alumni—was established with the aim in their respective regions. ciation in your region, we hope that you of contributing to the development of will become a member. If not, we hope the entire University. This is the seventh (1) Present Situation that you will form one by combining the year since the establishment of the new Kyoto University receives a total of efforts of alumni in your region, and that organization. over 2,500 international students (the the new regional association will join the The Kyoto University Alumni loosely majority being graduate students) and Kyoto University Alumni. unites various existing alumni associa- researchers annually from more than 100 tions: those formed by former students Alumni Associations Formed by Former International Students Alumni Associations Formed by Japanese Businesspersons and researchers of individual faculties, Country Alumni Association Country Alumni Association colleges, graduate schools, etc.; regional Kyo-Kyo-Kai (Kyoto University alumni associations formed in and Rakuyukai@San Francisco Beijing, China Alumni) outside Japan, and alumni associations Kyoto University Washington,D.C. China Kyoto University China Alumni U.S.A of various student circles and clubs. Alumni The Kyoto University Alumni, with a Kyoto University Hong Kong Alumni New York Rakuyukai membership that now exceeds 180,000, Association Himpunan Alumni Kyoto University Kyosen-kai (Kyoto University China, works to maintain good communications Indonesia China (HAKU) Shanghai Alumni) and foster friendly relations among those Korea Kyoto University Korea Alumni Europe Euro Rakuyukai diverse organizations. Laos Kyoto University Network in Laos Indonesia Kyoto University Jakarta Alumni At present, the Kyoto University Kyoto University Malaysia Alumni Alumni comprises 47 alumni associa- Thailand Kyoto Union Club (KUC) Malaysia named Dark Blue no kai tions of departments/faculties/colleges, Kyoto University Manila Alumni 39 regional alumni associations (19 Taiwan Kyoto University Taiwan Alumni Philippines named Nohsei-kai in Japan and an additional 20 outside Japan), and three associations of student Vietnam Kyoto University Vietnamese Alumni Singapore Singapore RAKUSEIKAI circles. Thailand Kyoto University Bangkok Alumni Kyoto University Hanoi Alumni Vietnam 2. Alumni Associations outside Japan Association named Yoshida-kai If we compare the Kyoto University Alumni Associations outside Japan (as of August 1, 2012)

2 (2) Activities of Regional Alumni Associations Members of regional alumni asso- ciations enjoy close mutual ties and friendships, which they strengthen on such occasions as information exchange meetings and social gatherings. In this issue, Raku-Yu will introduce activities of a regional alumni association formed ©2012 Google, INEGI, MapLink, Tele Atlas by former international students of Kyoto University, and another alumni association formed by Japanese busi- January 30, 2012, its members held a associations there as possible. nesspersons. meeting in Singapore with Executive We hope that close communication Vice-President Yuzo Ohnishi and will be maintained between overseas [1] On January 28, 2012, Himpunan other members from Kyoto University. alumni associations, Kyoto University, Alumni Kyoto University (HAKU, The meeting began with a briefing by and the Kyoto University Alumni. an alumni association in Indonesia) Executive Vice-President Ohnishi on the Through such networks, we hope to played a leading role in organizing the current status and recent news regarding share up-to-date information and the 9th Kyoto University Southeast Asian Kyoto University. Participants then latest knowledge obtained by researchers Forum, held at Mulawarman University held lively discussions on a variety of of Kyoto University in diverse academic in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, topics, ranging from global political and fields. We believe such knowledge will Indonesia. HAKU was established in economic issues to challenges that some be helpful for alumni engaged in various 2007 by former Indonesian students of participants had encountered in their activities that benefit people in their Kyoto University. daily lives outside Japan. respective countries. Moreover, we hope Since 2007, Kyoto University that their activities will stimulate interest Southeast Asian Forums have been (3) Conclusion among young students and researchers organized annually in both Indonesia Since the Kyoto University Alumni in the advanced education and cutting- and Thailand, with the aim of sharing was established only a few years ago, edge research programs available at with Southeast Asian researchers the it still remains in the early stage of its Kyoto University. academic outcomes of Kyoto University, evolution. Even though many alumni Finally, the university truly hopes thereby benefiting Southeast Asian reside or work in Africa, the Middle that overseas alumni associations will society with world-class academic East, and Oceania, there are no alumni serve as bridges between their respective achievements of the university. organizations in these regions (See map societies and Kyoto University, and that [2] In September 2011, Singapore above). Seeking generous cooperation we can work together to forge ahead Rakuseikai was formed by Japanese from alumni in these regions, Kyoto towards a bright future. alumni residing in Singapore. On University hopes to establish as many

Participants in the 9th Kyoto University Southeast Asian Forum with Singapore Rakuseikai members held a dinner party at an open terrace Executive Vice-President Ohnishi restaurant, with Executive Vice-President Ohnishi 3 Features2

Seifu-so Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan (July 9, 2012)

On July 9, 2012, Seifu-so, a former guests), first inner gate, second inner the Meiji Period (1868–1912) and the villa of Duke Kinmochi Saionji, now gate, and the front gate. early Taisho Period (1912–1926), as a possessed by Kyoto University, was The Agency for Cultural Affairs, private villa of Duke Kinmochi Saionji designated as an Important Cultural responsible for Important Cultural (1849–1940, who served twice as prime Property of Japan. In Japan, of the Properties, commented in the Council minister). In 1944, the Sumitomo family, various tangible cultural properties, such for Cultural Affairs Report as follows: who owned the villa, donated it to Kyoto as structures, art works, and handicrafts, Seifu-so, comprising sukiya-style houses University along with its garden. Since those with particularly high historic, of outstanding design and attached facili- then, the University has been using the artistic, or academic value are designated ties, represents the essence of modern villa as a guest house, and as a facility as Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese architecture. The sukiya-style for education and convention purposes. Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, houses feature highly sophisticated In 1951, the garden was designated as Science and Technology. architectural technology, along with a Place of Scenic Beauty by the national The Minister designated the following exclusive timber and other building government. In 2007, Seifu-so was 12 Seifu-so structures: the main building, materials. registered as a tangible cultural property annex, storehouse, adjunct facility, under the “structures” category. As a guard box, barn, tea-ceremony house, [About Seifu-so] result of the recent designation, Seifu-so tomomachi (waiting room for attendants/ Seifu-so comprises a group of has become the first group of structures drivers), hakamatsuki oyobi machiai structures in the modern Japanese archi- at Kyoto University recognized as an (waiting facility for tea ceremony tectural style, built between the end of Important Cultural Property.

The front gate Guest room of the main building The garden

Hakamatsuki oyobi machiai

The main building (left), annex (right) and the garden Tomomachi and tea-ceremony house

4 Features3

Annular Solar Eclipse: An Observation Event and Lecture (May 21, 2012)

During the early morning of May Because of the fine weather, which 21, 2012, an annular solar eclipse was ideal for the observation, some was visible in many areas in Japan, 8,000 people gathered at this event, including Kyoto, where it was observ- exceeding the number predicted by able for the first time in 282 years. the organizers. At the venue, special On that day, an observation event was glasses, designed to protect the eyes, held from 6:30 a.m. on the grounds of quickly sold out. Accordingly, many the Faculty of Agriculture through joint participants shared glasses, using them efforts of the Kyoto University Museum in turn; others viewed the eclipsing sun and Kwasan and Hida Observatories of using other means, such as solar projec- The annular solar eclipse viewed from Kwasan the Graduate School of Science. tors, pinhole projectors, and telescopes. Observatory When the sun began eclipsing, lecture was given at the Clock Tower participants felt the temperature began Centennial Hall. The 500-seat hall was to drop. When the eclipse reached its filled to capacity, with the audience also climax, they cheered and applauded in enjoying a live music performance by excitement as they viewed the thin outer Kitaro, and beautiful video images of ring of the sun, shining like a golden space. In addition, a remote presen- ring. tation was offered by the Hida Following the observation event, a Observatory in Gifu Prefecture. Observation event

A Kyoto University Student Team Wins Second Prize at the Third International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology (iCAN’12) (July 6—7, 2012)

In the contest, participants proposed prototypes at their respective booths. various application ideas for Micro In addition to the judges who evaluated Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) the participants’ presentations, visitors and demonstrated the performance of to those booths voted for products they their prototypes. regarded as being the best. TBT Team The TBT Team developed the Multi members believe that they were able to Exercise Assist System (MEAS), a win second prize because all members system that assists in communicating an fulfilled their tasks according to their instructor’s advice accurately to trainees respective roles as well as the schedule Prize awarding ceremony in sports and rehabilitation training. To set for each task. A team of Kyoto University engi- use this system, both the instructor and neering students (the TBT Team) won trainee wear ultra-compact acceleration second prize at the third International sensors on their arms, legs and waist. Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro The sensors measure the movements of Technology (iCAN’12), held in Beijing both the instructor and trainee, and if the on July 6-7, 2012. The team comprised trainee’s movements differ from those of five freshmen (Atsushi Nakano, Junya the instructor, the MEAS offers verbal Suzuki, Naoyuki Tamura, Daimon instructions to the trainee. In this way, Matsui, and Daisuke Takagi), all from the system assists the trainee to imitate the Nano/Micro System Laboratory the instructor’s motions precisely. in the master’s course of the Graduate During the two-day contest period, Multi Exercise Assist System (MEAS), developed School of Engineering. participating teams displayed their by the TBT Team 5 Recent Solar Activity

1. Solar Activity and Earth century was a time when a substantially observed for the first time in history (Fig. Sunspots on the photosphere are large number of sunspots appeared, as 3a). On September 6, the observatory accompanied in their vicinity by eruptions compared with the last 10,000 years. It is also observed a large flare and vibra- known as solar flares. Solar flares emit known that over thousands of years, solar tions of many solar filaments (top view high-energy particles, electromagnetic activity has undergone irregular varia- of prominences) distant from the point waves of all frequencies, ranging from tion. Scientists have discovered that such of flare occurrence. Comparison of the gamma rays to radio waves, as well as a slow changes in solar activity may have observation with ultraviolet images of large amount of plasma accompanying affected the Earth’s climate. For example, the solar corona taken from an artifi- shock waves. The energy release of a global cooling occurred when there were cial satellite revealed the actual state large flare reaches 1025 joule within one few sunspots over a long period of time. of hydromagnetic waves propagating hour or so, which is equivalent to the through the corona, entailing magnetic heat required to boil the Pacific Ocean 2. Recent Solar Activity and Solar field compression. Moreover, the new instantly. On the one hand, the Sun ben- Flare Observation at Hida optical system (high-speed flare imager) efits all species of life on Earth; on the Observatory installed on SMART in a joint research other hand, the Sun’s stormy phenomena, The number of sunspots was low in program between Kyoto University such as solar flares, affect people’s lives 2008 and 2009, an anomalous minimum and the Solar-Terrestrial Environment and the terrestrial magnetosphere, causing for the first time in 100 years. Solar (STE) Laboratory, Nagoya University, geomagnetic storms, auroras, devastating activity resumed in about 2010. Large successfully captured large solar flares damage to power transmission systems, solar flares began appearing in the current on September 6 and 7. The high-speed and artificial satellite malfunctions. solar cycle (Sunspot Cycle 24). The Hida flare imager offers the world’s highest Consequently, it is greatly important for Observatory, Graduate School of Science, temporal resolution for observation, the sustenance of modern civilization to Kyoto University observes solar flares keeping track of extremely short-period be able to forecast plasma and magnetic using the state-of-the-art solar magnetic flare fluctuations. Both flares presented field conditions around the Earth as space activity research telescope (SMART, short-period (some 20 seconds) bright- weather. Studies of large solar flares are Fig. 2). On August 9, September 6 and ening (Figs. 3c and 3d) in the continuum of vital importance from the perspective September 7, 2011 (universal time), the spectra, as well as in the chromospheric of space weather studies. observatory successfully observed large spectra emitted by ordinary flares, sug- The number of sunspots and the fre- flares for the first time in years. gesting the occurrence of extremely quency of solar flares increase and decrease On August 9, 2011 when a large solar high-energy particles. In addition, huge in 11-year cycles (Fig. 1). In the past, flare occurred, shock waves transmitted plasma ejections were observed (Fig. 3b). however, there were periods of several concomitantly with the flare through the A solar flare is considered as a large Forefronts of Research at Kyoto University decades when sunspots seldom occurred. corona, and induced vibrations of the group of energy releases, fluctuating by In contrast, the second half of the 20th solar prominence, were simultaneously seconds. Future studies are expected to

Fig. 1 Number of sunspots in the past 100 years. Fig. 2 SMART telescope at Hida Observatory.

6 reveal details about solar flare eruptions field strength and direction) of through spatially and temporally high-res- the photosphere. Fig. 4 shows olution observations, as explained above. the magnetic field of an active The energy of a solar flare is believed region acquired by the magne- to come from the magnetic field that pen- tograph. In the magnetic field etrates into the photosphere and is present map, black and white areas, Fig. 3. a: Flare on Aug. 9 and propagating shock front; b: Prominence eruption associated with fl are on Sep. 7; c and d: throughout the corona. More specifically, respectively, represent the Continuum (arrow) and Hα emissions from fl are on Sep. 6. it is interpreted that the gas moving in north and south poles. Detailed Forefronts of Research at Kyoto University the photosphere twists and elongates the analysis of these data should magnetic field lines, resulting in accu- enable the researcher to quan- mulation of magnetic field distortion, a titatively determine the energy solar flare being an eruption that relaxes accumulated in the magnetic the accumulated distortion in a burst. field and elucidate conditions Solar flares resemble massive earth- that lead to solar flare eruption. quakes that occur as a result of sudden In Solar Cycle 24, the Sun release of strains accumulated in tectonic has begun to have sunspots plates. To understand the mechanism of and generate flares; however, Fig. 4 Brightness at 6302.6A (left) and line-of-sight component solar flares and forecast their occurrence, sunspot group activity appears of magnetic fi eld (right) of sunspot group on May 22, 2012. close observation of distortions in the to be generally low compared Data taken by the new SMART magnetograph. magnetic field is important. SMART with preceding activity cycles. In some activity will be low for an extended period incorporates a newly developed device reports, solar activity has already reached of time. In addition to studies of solar (magnetograph) designed for accurate a peak in the northern hemisphere. Some flares, what will comprise solar activity observation of the magnetic field (both researchers speculate that future solar in the future remains a focus of attention.

Kiyoshi ICHIMOTO research. Dynamic solar activity involving frequent considerably higher accuracy than before. ・ Born in 1957 explosions and the release of enormous energy Professor Ichimoto is committed to contributing ・ Field of specialization: Solar Physics completely altered his previous impression that to advances in future space studies, and is ・ Completed doctoral program, Graduate School outer space was “static.” enthusiastically working on developing novel of Science, Kyoto University Professor Ichimoto currently spends most of observation techniques and training his successors. ・ Ph.D., Kyoto University the year at Kyoto University’s Hida Observatory in As he says with a smile. “The mysteries of space ・ Professor, Kwasan and Hida Observatories, Gifu Prefecture. The domeless solar telescope of are infinite.” Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University the Hida Observatory offers a world-class spatial resolution among ground-based Through philosophy books, he acquired the observatories. Surface explosions known attitude of a truth seeker, which he maintains as flares occur frequently on the Sun. in his present studies. Shock waves and plasma released into In his childhood, Professor Ichimoto wondered space as a result of solar flares influence about things he encountered in everyday life: “How the geomagnetic field. Professor Ichimoto’s does a radio receiver produce sound?” “How efforts are currently directed toward does a magnet attract iron?” Later, when he was elucidating the mechanisms behind a high school student, he wanted to know the electromagnetic plasma phenomena truth behind things and was absorbed in reading in space and solar activity-related philosophy books, including Descartes’ Discourse phenomena, by analyzing the phenomenon on Method. Driven by his desire to clarify the of solar flares. If it becomes possible to fundamental truth, he became interested in natural predict the timing and scale of solar flares, phenomena and subsequently in outer space. human beings can fully prepare for effects Since he began observing the Sun as a graduate of solar flares on the Earth. There is a student, he experienced a real thrill in conducting possibility of space weather forecasting to

7 Ethics and “Face”

One of my research themes con- approaching. If you try to rescue the cerns the thought of Emmanuel boy, you put your own life at risk. Levinas (1906—95), a philosopher It tears at your heart to see the boy who developed his career in France. threatened by approaching death In the spring of 2011, I introduced amidst the flames. You may feel that his thought during a series of public you must rescue the boy, even though lectures at Kyoto University, known as it might cost your own life. According Shunju (spring and autumn) lectures. to Levinas, that sense of obligation In this article, I would like to outline represents your responsibility for the my presentation at that time. boy. Because of that sense of obliga- tion, you are responsible for rescuing Underlying Levinas’ thought is him, even at the cost of your life. his original interpretation of ethics. Levinas believed that if you feel Needless to say, society does not moral responsibility for someone force you to fulfill that responsibility. before your eyes, it will be an ethi- The belief that you must save the Emmanuel Levinas cally fundamental experience for you. boy’s life at the cost of your own is © Bracha L. Ettinger 2007 CC-BY-SA 2.5 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/ He attempts to reconstruct morality based on the assumption that his life on the basis of the analysis of such is more important than yours. This bility to them, because, in a sense, you experiences. One of his key concepts assumption conflicts with the prin- have been “chosen” for the mission. is known as “Face” (visage), which ciple of equality, which modern liberal From among many spectators, you is, roughly speaking, the name he democratic societies uphold as a basic have been chosen to save the boy. You gives for these types of experiences. norm. Levinas, however, does not may desire to know why you have If you encounter someone who is suf- consider that social norms or social been chosen. You might like to ask fering and needs help, you are likely to ethics reflect true ethics. According why you alone should bear the respon- feel that you should help that person, to him, true ethics are revealed to one sibility. What are the grounds for even if you are not responsible for only through one’s own experience of this selection? According to Levinas, his suffering. You are likely to con- “Face,” which is an essential ethical there are no grounds, at least from sider, however, the extent to which experience. It follows that you are not an objective viewpoint, since there

Forefronts of Research at Kyoto University you should help him. Is it enough to equal to the other. Or in other words, is no significant difference between render assistance within the range of your life is preceded by that of the you and the boy, or between you and your capacity? Or must you help him other. This is true, Levinas argues, the other spectators. Like all the other at any cost? To help you understand even though such an asymmetrical spectators, you are an ordinary person, this, I will give you a more concrete relationship is not accepted in liberal neither exceptionally good nor evil. example. democratic society. If there are any grounds for Imagine that while you are strolling At the scene of the fire, imagine that imposing the responsibility on you, along a street you happen to see a there are many other people watching they reside in the very fact that you house on fire. To your astonishment, the fire who hear the boy’s cries for feel responsible for saving the boy’s there is a young boy inside the house. help. Levinas believes that these spec- life at any cost. This feeling is sub- Although the flames are spreading, tators are not responsible. He claims jective, and we know that subjective there are no signs of fire engines that you cannot shift your responsi- feelings are sometimes misleading.

8 Your sense of responsibility might not comply with commonly accepted such denial: objectively, there is no be illusory, created by a sentimental ethics. It is difficult to rationally difference between the value of you mood in your encounter with the understand that you are exceptional, and the other. This notion is sup- critical scene. In any case, subjective because this conception lacks objec- ported by society. On the other hand, grounds are too weak and unreliable a tive grounds. Although there are many if you choose to obey the command basis upon which to risk your life. elements that make the command of of “Face,” guided by your sense of “Face” difficult and unacceptable, the responsibility, you will gain no Forefronts of Research at Kyoto University As I have indicated thus far, it is greatest obstacle resides in the fact support. It is a narrow and difficult never easy to accept the idea that you that it disturbs rational understanding. path to take. You will be guided along are responsible for the other at any You can refuse the command of it only by the feeble voice of “Face.” cost. First of all, this responsibility “Face,” claiming that it is not based This is the path that Levinas encour- demands too much of you, and is dif- on truth. In a sense, it is not diffi- ages you to follow. ficult to fulfill. Next, the concept that cult to deny its being true. You can you are chosen and exceptional does think of many logical grounds for

Yoshiyuki SATO a sensitive boy, who responded seriously to with the attitude of his students. He has said, ・ Born in 1962 books he read. “Students should delve deeper into why morals ・ Field of specialization: Phenomenology, Subsequently, he began to pay keen should be observed, and why they observe Ethics attention to works by Maurice Merleau-Ponty morals. Don’t they feel it strange to be taught ・ Completed master program, Graduate and Emmanuel Levinas. Since then, he has ethics in classes? If they do, they should ask School of Letters, Kyoto University been researching French phenomenological me why, or start an argument. This might ・ Ph.D., Kyoto University philosophy. Kyoto University, for its part, was trigger heated discussions about the essence ・Professor, Graduate School of Human and once home to the Kyoto School of philosophy, of ethics.” Environmental Studies founded by Kitaro Nishida. Fostering many Although Professor Sato maintained a leading philosophers, the University led studies friendly manner throughout the interview, “Do we really need classes on of philosophy in Japan. Even today, this responding to the editor’s questions by using ethics?” Professor Sato would tradition continues to inspire many researchers easy terms, when he gave this final statement, probably be delighted to hear a student at the University to work for the Japanese his eyes revealed the light of a philosopher ask such a question. community of philosophers. “I myself do who questions every issue. When Professor Sato was in junior high not have that strong sense school, he was obliged to stay in a hospital of responsibility for the for several months. Even after leaving the tradition, but being a faculty hospital, his physical exercise was restricted. member of Kyoto University, This naturally led him to spend most of his I feel a sort of pressure of time reading. After entering senior high school, the tradition, that encourages he became increasingly interested in studies me,” Professor Sato has of the inner self, which opened a path to said. studies of philosophy. At first he was deeply The Professor’s lectures impressed by the works by Jean-Paul Sartre, have won high acclaim from whose thoughts of existentialism once swept his students for being easy the world of thought. However, as Professor to understand. For instance, Sato has said, he began to feel that Sartre’s his class on “Introduction to uncompromising approach was more or less Ethics” (a common subject suffocating for him, since Sartre, in searching for students throughout the for the idea of ultimate freedom, rigorously University) is so popular that demanded that each individual autonomously some 200 students attend select an action to take, and take responsibility the classes. On the other for that selection. Professor Sato’s comment hand, Professor Sato himself about his own boyhood indicates that he was is not very much satisfied

9 ESSAY

Variety of Economic Policy Outcomes and the Role of Institutions

Although I have been involved in the study of tion down or stabilizing the banking sector were from the Russian sphere of geopolitical influence to various economic issues for more than 25 years, quite successful in Poland, but ended in failure the Western European one. In my view, the success my research does not exactly fit the popular image in Bulgaria and Romania. Later, while I was doing or failure of market transition in Eastern Europe of an economist, i.e. someone who uses abstract research for my Ph.D. at Kanazawa University in can be explained not by the speed of economic mathematical models to analyze purely economic Japan, I encountered the same problem: why has reforms (the so-called “shock therapy vs. gradu- phenomena. Ever since I became a student at the industrial policy in postwar Japan been relatively alism” argument), but by the presence or absence Economic Faculty of Moscow State University in effective in promoting economic development, of an informal institution called “a common project.” 1982, my interests have transcended the borders whereas similar policies have led to disastrous In other words, whether at the onset of transition in a of orthodox economics, reaching toward history, results in Latin America and South Asia? certain society there was or was not a widely shared political science, sociology, culture and interna- My answer to the above questions is that consensus regarding the above-mentioned import tional relations. Since then, I have also been more economic policies or reforms are embedded in of economic policies and institutions, as well as the interested in the practical applications of theories, country-specific institutions. By “institutions,” I geopolitical transformation. rather than in the theories themselves. As I believe mean the durable social rules that shape the incen- I argue that, whereas in countries like Poland and in the importance of finding solutions to real life tives of actors (for instance, company managers, Hungary such “a common project” (also known as problems, I try to better understand the problems government officials, politicians) in a particular “return to Europe”) existed around 1989-1990, it “on the ground” by doing fieldwork, and then giving society. The institutions of a particular country was non-existent in Bulgaria and Romania until the policy suggestions. are not just the formal rules (such as laws or gov- end of the 1990s. The reasons for this are related My longstanding interest in the role of institu- ernment regulations); they are also the informal, to the respective country’s history of socialist rule tions dates back to the years 1991-1992, when I unwritten rules (social norms, prevailing mentality from the end of World War II until the collapse of was a researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies or shared beliefs). Unlike the formal institutions, a socialism in 1989. Furthermore, in Japan from the in Sofia, Bulgaria. This was a time when the first country’s informal institutions are the product of its end of World War II until around the start of the effects of the market-oriented reforms in the former history and culture, and are usually quite difficult to so-called “bubble economy” in 1986-1987, there socialist countries could be felt. I asked myself change in the span of a decade or two. was “a common project” set up in a bid to catch up why, in spite of the fact that they were imple- The market transition in Eastern Europe involved with the US, despite Japan’s almost complete lack menting similar economic reforms, the outcomes the large-scale importation of economic policies and of natural resources. This “common project” was varied so much across countries in Eastern Europe. institutions from the US and Western Europe. It also instrumental in bringing success to Japan’s postwar For example, the reforms aimed at bringing infla- meant a geopolitical transformation, i.e. a switch modernization efforts.

“I teach many international students from various the end of World War II, led to high economic countries. They are all excellent students with growth in a short period, he believed that studying unique perspectives, which helps my own research Japan’s model of capitalism would be helpful for East activities tremendously.” European developing countries. In 1993, he entered Dr. Ialnazov’s home country, Bulgaria, was Kanazawa University, from which he received his formerly under a socialist regime. As a boy, he doctoral degree. Since then, he has been engaged in often played cowboys; the Bulgarian version of research in Japan. Since 2001, he has been teaching Western dramas, however, interpreted Americans as at Kyoto University. He told the editor of Raku-Yu, “I suppressors of indigenous people. After graduating hope to continue working at Kyoto University, since from a prestigious high school, attended by many it has an excellent research environment.” children from families of executives in the Bulgarian Although Dr. Ialnazov has been in Japan for nearly Communist Party, he entered Moscow State University 20 years, he has been too busy to visit temples in 1982. In 1985, when Mikhail Gorbachev, then the and shrines, in which he has keen interest. Despite General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party, his busy life as an academic, he also serves as initiated the perestroika reforms, Dr. Ialnazov became a director of the Kyoto-Nara EU Association—— interested in relations between social changes and an NPO established with the aim of promoting economy and began studying economics from this friendship between Japanese and European people. viewpoint. “Most Japanese people do not know much about Dimiter IALNAZOV Upon completion of a master’s program in European countries other than the UK, Germany and ・ Born in 1962 Moscow, he returned to Bulgaria and began serving France. European people’s knowledge about Japan ・ Field of specialization: Institutional Economics, The as a researcher at Sofia University. In 1989, he is also limited. So, we must try to learn more about Political Economy of Transition experienced firsthand the East European Revolutions, each other,” he said to the editor, smiling broadly. ・ Completed doctoral degree at Kanazawa University which utterly shook the world. Observing his own According to Dr. Ialnazov, he learnt the enjoyment ・ Ph.D., Kanazawa University country undergoing rapid transformation from a of getting to know strangers from his experiences ・ Associate Professor, Graduate School of socialist to capitalist economy, he selected Japan’s in childhood, when he often changed schools. This Economics, Kyoto University capitalist system as his research theme. Since Japan’s may explain why he was so friendly throughout the economic policies, implemented immediately after interview.

10 INTERVIEW

“This is a very interesting international cooperation project. In addition to promoting a spirit of self- support and independence among local people, the project helps me develop my own view of humankind.”

In Kyoto, there is an NPO named Michi-Bushin-Bito* instance - to show local people how to construct, or human beings. However, prior to my travels most (Community Road Empowerment, CORE), which was improve, a road. In fact, we place the utmost priority on people I met were Japanese. In Africa, I encountered founded by Professor Makoto Kimura of the Graduate empowering local people, by inspiring them to master many people who were very different from Japanese. School of Engineering, Kyoto University, and others. The techniques for building or improving their farm roads, This was an experience that completely transformed NPO dispatches its members to rural farming villages and autonomously resolving their problems. As one my previous image of human beings. I said that I felt in developing countries such as the Philippines, Kenya means of enabling local people in this way, the NPO very “refreshed,” because I felt that I had been released and Uganda, to help villagers build and improve farm transfers the donou technique. from my past views of people and life. I could start roads and irrigation ponds. The NPO’s projects are Do local people understand the spirit of “bushin” my life again, revising my old ideas and views about very unique in that, instead of using heavy machines, from the beginning? people, and once more thinking over what kind of life its members use donou** (sandbags), which are They understand the need of repairing roads, so in I truly hope to lead, and with what types of people I traditionally used in civil engineering projects in Japan. the beginning, they are eager to learn from us. However, hope to work. I believe that one’s view of human beings The use of donou enables construction of robust facilities it is difficult for them to continue to work in the spirit determines one’s approach to studies. I have realized at relatively low cost, without the need for advanced of “bushin” unless they understand that the projects that understanding people is essential for my future technologies. Moreover, since building materials and will help improve their own living standard. So we development. tools are locally available, once the donou technique demonstrate best practices, or concrete examples in Do you have any specific plans regarding your has been transferred to local people, they can continue which rural road projects implemented through the future path? working without assistance from overseas. The editor of concerted efforts of villagers led to the alleviation of I want to make my life “interesting,” as Professor Raku-Yu had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Yusuke poverty. We show them, for instance, a case in which a Kimura often states. By “interesting,” I mean something Miyazaki, a student of the Faculty of Engineering, who rural road improvement project enabled the distribution like this: Imagine that some people cannot resolve participated in a project that the NPO carried out in of crops to other districts and helped farmers start their their problems simply because of a lack of appropriate Kenya during the summer of 2011. He told the editor own agricultural business, which in turn brought about technology. If I can offer the technology they need, and about the purpose of the NPO’s activities and what he higher incomes and allowed them to let their children if they can resolve their problems with that technology, has learned from his experiences in Kenya. go to school. Showing such a successful case helps then that would make my life worthy and “interesting.” I Michi Bushin Bito website: http://michibushinbito.ecnet. convince local people to work for road improvement don’t have to lead others or their projects. Rather, I can jp/eindex2.html on a continual basis. just support them in working to resolve their problems *Literally, “michi” means road, “bushin,” autonomous How did you come to be involved with the NPO? autonomously. I still don’t have any concrete plan for projects by residents; and “bito,” people. During my first year at the university, I went to my future. At the moment I am seeking my future path. **Donou: Sandbags, or cloth bags containing sand and Vietnam, Taiwan and Morocco by myself. In my second As the first step in that quest, I will travel along the soil, used in civil engineering projects. year at university I took Professor Kimura’s class— Silk Road by myself. I believe that it is important for I understand that the Japanese term “bushin” Introduction to International Technical Cooperation. me to visit various places, encounter different people, connotes a type of community spirit that is In the first class, Professor Kimura told us that he had ponder what I really want to do, and search for the handed down in Japan. Could you explain in crossed the Sahara Desert by bicycle, so I showed place where I can realize my vision. a little more detail? him a photograph of myself, taken in Sahara Desert. Let me explain by giving you an example. Beside Probably he was interested in me, since he asked if I Honen-ike Dam in Kagawa Prefecture there is a stone would like to join his activity in Kenya. monument bearing an inscription stating that the dam What sort of impression did you get about the was constructed by the local people for the local people. NPO when Professor Kimura first explained Before the dam’s construction, the river had frequently it to you? flooded nearby farms and paddies. Since farmers in I was impressed that its activities are organized the region had worked together to construct the dam, extremely rationally. I found that Michi-Bushin-Bito they were able to increase their crop yields and secure sets concrete goals and guidelines that clearly indicate stable incomes. This is a model case, in which local targets for each respective stage. I learned that members farmers worked autonomously to resolve their common actually follow those guidelines. As far as I know, this problem. In this sense, the dam project embodies is different from the activities of other volunteer groups. the spirit of “bushin” as an autonomous project by In your report on activities in Kenya, you wrote that local people. The essential element of “bushin” is the you felt very “refreshed” because the experience in spirit of autonomy. In Michi-Bushin-Bito activities, Kenya transformed your conventional values. Could Yusuke MIYAZAKI members of the NPO do not simply construct rural you explain that comment? ・ Born in 1991 ・ Currently third-year student at Undergraduate roads for people in developing countries. They go Although I have lived only 20 years thus far, I have School of Global Engineering, the Faculty of to a rural village in a developing country - Kenya for met many people and developed my own views regarding Engineering, Kyoto University

11 Introducing The Kyoto-DC Global Career Development Program for International Organizations February 26—March 6, 2012 In February 2012, Kyoto University US organizations including the World mutual understanding between cultures launched this short-term study abroad Bank, NASA, and National Institute of Dr. Sachiko Kuno, Kyoto University program successfully with generous Health (NIH) and attended lectures and class of 1977 alumna, serves as presi- assistance and cooperation of the S&R seminars by researchers and special- dent.) Foundation and the Washington, D.C. ists. They also had discussion Kyoto University Alumni Chapter. on career development in the The program aims to cultivate talented globalizing world with American individuals capable of succeeding on University student and an inten- the global stage by providing Kyoto sive English lesson. Through this University's students with opportunities experience, the students took a for training at international institutions in great step to be internationally Washington D.C. For the program's first active in the future. year, three graduate students and three (The S&R Foundation is a undergraduate students were selected non-profit organization in through a screening process conducted Washington D.C. that helps by Kyoto University and the S&R young people with exceptional Foundation. talent in the sciences and art who The group visited the international and contribute to the promotion of The group photo at the orientation

Kyoto University Students and Staff Participate in the 13th AUN Educational Forum and Young Speakers Contest at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City June 24—30, 2012 The 13th The ASEAN University featured speeches focusing on this activities, and the Kyoto University Network (AUN) Educational Forum year’s theme of “Global Citizenship delegation introduced several aspects of and Young Speakers Contest was held and Intercultural Competence.” Ms. Japanese culture to the other participants, at Vietnam National University, Ho Tada represented Kyoto University in including the correct way to perform a Chi Minh City on June 24–30, 2012. the contest, her meticulously prepared Japanese bow, and a performance of a From Kyoto University, Ms. Chizuru speech receiving great acclaim from the traditional soran-bushi work song. The Tada, a second year student in Kyoto panel of international judges. cultural exchange event provided a good University’s Faculty of Integrated Human The speech contest was followed by opportunity for the young ASEAN+3 Studies, Mr. Yuji Nakamura, a second the summit-style Educational Forum, representatives to deepen their mutual year student in the Faculty of Education, in which the participants drew on their understanding of each other’s cultures, and one staff member from the Research countries’ diverse perspectives, and and will surely benefit those who go on and International Affairs Department shared ideas, analyses and suggestions to pursue international careers. travelled to Ho Chi Minh City to partici- relating to the event’s theme. pate in the event. Mr. Nakamura was the Japanese As an event open to ASEAN+3 representative in the forum. He member countries, the AUN Educational presented his opinion and anal- Forum and Young Speakers Contest ysis of the forum’s theme, and included participants from Japan, China shared ideas about the future and Korea. In total, Sixty-four students, advancement of ASEAN+3 rela- faculty and staff members from twenty- tions, which he had developed in two universities participated. collaboration with Ms. Tada. The first half of the event consisted The final day of the event was of the Young Speakers Contest, which dedicated to cultural exchange Kyoto University students at the Young Speakers Contest

12 The 18th Kyoto University International Symposium: Partnering Asian Academics toward Human Security Development May 24—25, 2012 The 18th Kyoto University addresses by Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, plans to further promote education and International Symposium: Partnering deputy executive director of the AUN, research cooperation between the AUN Asian Academics toward Human Executive Vice-President Nishisaka of and academic institutions throughout Security Development (AUN-KU Kyoto University and President Pirom Southeast Asia. The proposals received Symposium 2012) was held at Kamolratanakul of Chulalongkorn the positive approval of the symposium Chulalongkorn University, Thailand on University. participants. Following the wrap-up May 24–25, 2012. During the course In addition to the two keynote session, the symposium was brought to of its two days, the symposium was speeches, four academic sessions were a close by an address by Vice-President attended by over ninety participants from held, each focusing on a different topic Junichi Mori of Kyoto University. Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, relating to human security: Laos and India. infectious diseases, disaster The symposium was held in collabora- prevention, food and water tion with the Asean University Network security, and energy and the (AUN) and Chulalongkorn University. environment. The sessions’ The AUN is a network of twenty-six presentations were followed leading universities from the ASEAN by lively discussions which cut member countries, which was formed across national and academic in 1995 after being proposed at the boundaries. 4th ASEAN Summit in 1992. In 2009, Professor Hideaki Ohgaki of Kyoto University signed a general Kyoto University’s Institute of memorandum of academic cooperation Advanced Energy summarized and exchange with the AUN. the achievements of the sympo-

The symposium opened with sium, and proposed action Symposium participants

Chinese Minister of Education visits Kyoto University May 24, 2012 An eight-member delegation headed by executive vice-president for education; included educational philosophy and H.E. Mr. Guiren Yuan, minister of educa- Professor Ohnishi, executive vice-president university operation, with Minister Yuan tion of the People's Republic of China, for external affairs and alumni relations; sharing some of his experience as a former visited Kyoto University for a meeting Professor Kohei Shiota, executive vice- president of Beijing Normal University. with President Hiroshi Matsumoto. The president for general affairs and personnel; After lunch, President Matsumoto guided Minister's delegation was accompanied Professor Kiyoshi Yoshikawa, executive the appreciative visitors on a tour of the on their visit by seven members of the vice-president for research and Professor Seifuso Villa's picturesque Japanese Embassy of the People's Republic of China Norihiko Akamatsu of the Center for garden. in Japan. the Promotion of Excellence Upon arrival at Kyoto University's in higher Education. After Yoshida Campus, the delegation visited the an introduction to Kyoto university main library, where Professor University and its various facil- Yuzo Ohnishi, executive vice-president for ities by President Matsumoto, external affairs and alumni relations and the members discussed the Professor Takashi Hikihara, vice director- future of academic cooperation general of the Kyoto University Library between China and Japan. Network introduced some of the library’s After the meeting, the visi- valuable holdings. Following that, the party tors were invited to a lunch moved to the Clock Tower Centennial Hall reception at the Seifuso Villa, for the meeting with President Matsumoto. a traditional Japanese villa Joining President Matsumoto for the owned by Kyoto University. meeting were Professor Toshiyuki Awaji, Topics broached over lunch The delegation visits the Seifuso Villa 13 For inquiries regarding Raku-Yu, contact: Public Relations Division KYOTO UNIVERSITY Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, URL http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/issue/rakuyu/ E-mail [email protected] Kyoto 606-8501, Japan PDF files of Raku-Yu may be downloaded from the above URL TEL +81 75 753 2072 FAX +81 75 753 2094 高

Takasegawa Canal: A Stream of Calm Throughout Many Upheavals in Kyoto The Takasegawa, an 8-meter-wide canal, runs from Kiyamachi-Nijo (west of the Kamo River) to Fushimi, a distance瀬 of some 11 kilometers. It was constructed in 1611 by Ryoi Suminokura (1554—1614) and his son, Soan (1571—1632). They funded the project to facilitate water transportation between Kyoto and Fushimi. Shortly after completion of the canal, small buoyant boats with flat bottoms, known as Takase-bune, were used for transporting various goods. In its heyday, the canal functioned as an important transportation artery; its role, however, eventually waned, and it now is only about 10 centimeters deep. 川 A number of historical incidents have taken place in the vicinity of the canal around Sanjo Street, including conflicts between parties supporting the Tokugawa Shogunate government (1603—1868) and other parties intending to overthrow it. Extant historical monuments in this district include a lumber wholesaler shop, named Suya, which served as a branch office of Kaientai, a trading company founded by Ryoma Sakamoto, a leader of the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate, who was assassinated shortly before the Meiji Restoration (1868). Close to Ichi-no-funairi (the first inlet along the canal) in Nijo, there was an official residence of the Choshu domain (now Yamaguchi Prefecture), which led the anti- Tokugawa movement. On the site stands a statue of Kogoro Katsura (also known as Takayoshi Kido), a leading figure in overthrowing the Shogunate government and establishing the Meiji government. Serving as minister of education and internal affairs for the Meiji government, he directed the establishment of various new systems. To the south of his statue are two stone monuments, standing at the sites where two leading figures of the restoration struggle were attacked separately. One is for Masujiro Omura, a military scientist who established Japan’s modern army. In 1869 he was attacked at an inn near the Takasegawa Canal, and died from the wound a few months later. The other monument commemorates Shozan Sakuma, another military scientist, who during the twilight years of the Tokugawa Shogunate government declared that Japan should open to the rest of the world. In his time, he influenced many activists, including Ryoma Sakamoto. In 1864, he also was attacked near the Takasegawa Canal and died on the spot.

Ichi-no-funairi: Along the Takasegawa Canal, several small inlets called funairi were constructed to berth boats. At Ichi-no- funairi (lit. the first inlet), the only inlet extant today, a reproduction of a Takase- bune is anchored. Two monuments commemorating Masujiro Omura and Shozan Sakuma

Suya: On the second floor of this wholesale shop is a room where Ryoma Sakamoto once stayed. Today, the room is open to the public. In front of the shop stands a stone monument, indicating that Ryoma Sakamoto once hid himself there. In 1867, he left Suya for neighboring Omiya. If you follow the canal to the south of bustling Shijo Street, A few days later, he was you will find that the canal side is so quiet that even the assassinated in Omiya, at the sound of the stream can be heard. Because of this calm age of 33. and quiet atmosphere, this area is an ideal spot for strolling.