Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

FEATURE: JSPS Prize R T O P I C S

● JSPS Prize ...... 2 ● JSPS Office Opens in Beijing ...... 6 ● Messages from JSPS Overseas Office Directors ...... 7 ● ERC Launch Conference Attended by JSPS President ...... 8 No.20 ● Seminar Held with India’s DST ...... 8 ● Trilateral Workshop Held between Japan, China and Korea ...... 9 2007 ● Tenth Meeting Held of Japan-India Science Council ...... 9 Summer ● AAAS Symposium Supported by San Francisco Office ...... 9 ● First JUNBA General Assembly ...... 10 ● Stockholm Office Holds Sixth Science Forum ...... 10 ● Second Conference for Bridging Japan and the UK ...... 10 ● Science Dialogue ...... 11 ● Message from Former JSPS Fellow ...... 12 ● Introducing JSPS Overseas Offices: Cairo ...... 13 ● Research and Life in Japan by a JSPS Fellow ...... 14 ● Introducing Japan: Kitakyushu ...... 15 FEATURE Third Award of JSPS Prize

On 2 March, a ceremony was held to JSPS’s Research Center for Science an opening message, followed by a re- award the third JSPS Prize. Selected Systems, directed by Dr. Yoji Totsuka, port on the selection process from Dr. were 25 talented young researchers the former director general of KEK Esaki. Prof. Ono presented the 25 re- with excellent records of scientific in- (High Energy Accelerator Research cipients with a certificate of merit, a quiry and exceptional promise to be Organization). Based of the results, the medal and purse of ¥1.1 million. trailblazers of scientific research in Ja- JSPS Prize Selection Committee, pan. The ceremony for the FY2006 Prize chaired by Dr. Leo Esaki (president of A ceremony was, then, held to confer was held at The Japan Academy in the The Science and Technology Promotion the Japan Academy Medal on five of presence of Their Imperial Highnesses Foundation of Ibaraki and of Yoko- the JSPS Prize recipients. First, Prince and Princess Akishino. hama College of Pharmacy) and com- Japan Academy president Dr. Saburo prising 13 members, made the final Nagakura delivered welcoming re- Selection of JSPS Prize Awardees decision on the 25 awardees. marks, after which Dr. Masanori Otsuka, chairman of the Academy’s JSPS sent out requests for Prize nomi- Award Ceremony selection committee, explained the nees to 3,028 Japanese research vetting process. Then, Dr. Nagakura institutions and academic societies, The ceremony for awarding the JSPS presented the medal and a commemo- from which it received 275 names in Prize was held in conjunction with the rative gift to each of the awardees. June. Adding the 140 carryover nomi- awarding of the Japan Academy Medal. nees from the prior year, 415 re- At the ceremony on 2 March, JSPS Prince Akishino offered remarks, fol- searchers were screened by the staff of president Prof. Motoyuki Ono offered lowed by Mr. Akio Yuki, Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, who read a congratulatory message from the minister. To conclude the meeting, a message of appreciation on behalf of the Prize recipients was delivered by Dr. Kenji Ohmori, profes- sor, Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences.

After the ceremony, a celebration party was held. Attended by Prince and Princess Akishino, the Prize recipients, their guests, and the ceremony attendees, an atmosphere conducive to pleasant conversation was enjoyed by all.

JSPS Prize The Prize is awarded to Japanese researchers and to overseas researchers who have conducted research at a Japanese research The JSPS Prize was established in FY 2004 with an objective institution for five years or longer. They must have published pa- of helping to raise the level of scientific research in Japan to the pers or articles in scientific journals and other publications in world’s highest standard. It does this by recognizing at an early Japan and/or abroad, and obtained excellent scientific research stage in their careers young researchers rich in both talent and achievements. As of 1 April of the Prize year, they must be (1) creativity. The Prize is meant to encourage the young recipients under 45 years of age and (2) have obtained a doctorate degree in advancing their work. (or possess an equivalent level of scientific research expertise).

Remarks by Dr. Leo Esaki at Award Ceremony for 3rd JSPS Prize As chair of the JSPS Prize Selection an approximately 5-month period. The talents. Use this Prize as a catalyst to Committee, I wish to describe the selec- results were used by the 13-member challenge anew your capabilities and to tion process of the 3rd JSPS Prize and Prize Selection Committee, which was expand the margins of your endeavors. I offer some words of encouragement to the convened on 9 November to choose the 25 say this to you having myself been so young recipients. recipients. As there were many excellent admonished when I was your age.” candidates, the vetting process was at In April 2006, invitations to nominate times impassioned, but ultimately the To be successful, I believe there are three candidates for this year’s Prize were sent awardees were selected based on a strict attributes that are essential for a re- out to universities, research institutions and careful deliberation of their respec- searcher to possess: (1) An ability to get and related academic societies. Alto- tive research achievements. to the heart of the matter, (2) a rich gether 415 were received for the 3rd JSPS imagination coupled with an ability to Prize. Preliminary screening was con- To the Prize recipients, who successfully discern the essence of things, and (3) the ducted by the program officers of JSPS’s passed this rigorous selection process, I kind of vision or foresight that engenders Research Center for Science Systems over say: “Have confidence in your superb the creation of new ideas. In addition,

2 SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ there are “five don’ts” that I would sug- Rule number three: Don’t hold on to what Over ten years ago, I gave these princi- gest one might observe in giving full you don’t need. The information-oriented ples to a couple of hundred graduate expression to his/her creative potential. society facilitates easy access to an students attending a Lindau Meeting in enormous amount of information. The Germany. Also there was Prof. Carl Rule number one: Don’t allow yourself to brain can be compared to a personal Nordling, a member of the Nobel Com- be trapped by your past experiences. If computer; we must constantly be input- mittee for Physics. He turned around and you allow yourself to get caught up in ting and deleting information, so save introduced them in the Swedish academic social conventions or circumstances, you only that which is truly vital and relevant journal Physica Scripta as “Dr. Esaki’s will not notice the opportunity for a dra- to you. Five Golden Rules for Winning a Nobel matic leap forward when it presents itself. Prize.” It was as if receiving a seal of Rule number four: Don’t avoid confronta- approval. Rule number two: Don’t allow yourself to tion. At times, it is necessary to put your- become overly attached to any authority self first and to defend your own position. Needless to say, these five rules are meant in your field. By becoming closely in- for young researchers, such as yourselves. volved with even a great professor, you Rule number five: Don’t forget your spirit I look forward to each of you pursuing risk losing sight of yourself and forfeiting of childhood curiosity. It is a vital com- your work with even greater vigor and the free spirit of youth. ponent of imagination. achieving milestone research results.

FY2006 JSPS Prize Awardees Humanities and Social Sciences

Aeka Ishihara Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Commerce, Keio University “Goethe’s "Buch der Natur": Reception of Natural Sciences in German Literature during the 18th & 19th Centuries”

Atsushi Kajii Professor, Institute of Economic Research, Kyoto University “Microeconomic Theory of Uncertainty and Information”

Associate Professor, Graduate School of Education and Human “Comparative Study on History Education Policies as Factors of International Takahiro Kondo Development, Nagoya University Relations”

Mitsuru Fukue Curator, Tateyama Museum of Toyama “The Actual Development of Tateyama Beliefs during the Edo Period”

Associate Professor, Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, Koji Mizoguchi “Theoretical and Methodological Development of Social Archaeology and Its Kyushu University Applications” Chikako Esther Associate Professor, Department of International Studies, Osaka Gakuin Watanabe Junior College “Narratological Interpretation of the Art of Ancient Mesopotamia” Mathematics; Physical Sciences; Chemistry; Engineering Sciences

Takeshi Ohkuma Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University “Development of Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ketones”

Professor, Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Kenji Ohmori Sciences “Development of Attosecond Coherent Control and Its Applications”

Masashi Kawasaki Professor, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University “Exploration of Oxide Electronics through Perfect Epitaxy”

“Development of New Organo-Rare-Earth-Metal Polymerization Catalysts and Zhaomin Hou (China) Chief Scientist, RIKEN Novel Functional Materials” “Theory of Lie Groups—Their Infinite Dimensional Representations and Toshiyuki Kobayashi Professor, Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto University Discontinuous Groups”

Naoshi Sugiyama Professor, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University “Theoretical Studies on Cosmic Microwave Background”

“Ferromagnet-Semiconductor Hybrid Structures and Their Applications to Masaaki Tanaka Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Spin-Electronics” Noritatsu Tsubaki (Fan Li) Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Toyama “Development of New Catalytic Processes of Alternative Energy”

Kenji Doya Principal Investigator, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology “A Computational Approach to Network and Molecular Mechanisms of the Brain”

Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Akira Furusawa Tokyo “Basic Study of Quantum Information Networks” Biological Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; Medical, Dental, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Takashi Araki Professor, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University “Studies on Regulatory Mechanisms of Flowering in Plants”

David Blow Chair of Biophysics and Director of Centre for Structural Biology, So Iwata Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London “Crystallographic Studies of Membrane Protein Complexes”

Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University “Discovery of Novel Inter-organ Communication in Glucose and Energy Hideki Katagiri Homeostasis” “Cellular Proliferation, Differentiation and Migration in Neural Development and Kazunobu Sawamoto Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Keio University Regeneration” Associate Professor, Information Center for Medical Sciences, Tokyo Shinji Tanaka “Development of Molecular Therapy for Digestive Cancers Based on Surgical Medical and Dental University Analysis”

Takahisa Furukawa Head, Department of Developmental Biology, Osaka Bioscience Institute “Analysis of the Molecular Mechanisms of Vertebrate Retinal Development”

Atsushi Miyawaki Group Director, Team Leader, RIKEN “Multidisciplinary Research and Development of Fluorescent Proteins”

Shinya Yamanaka Professor, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University “Generation of Pluripotent Stem Cells by Nuclear Reprogramming”

Associate Professor, Faculty of Marine Science, Tokyo University of Goro Yoshizaki Marine Science and Technology “Development of a Novel Fish-culture Method Using Germ-cell Transplantation” Titles and affiliations current as of 1 December 2006 - Research Fellowship Division

SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 3 Young Researchers at Vanguard of FEATURE Science in Japan Awardees Speak about Their Work and Aspirations

Humanities and Social Sciences

Walking with Goethe Along My Research Path

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) Continuing that study, I am now looking into considered nature to be an open book, one applied astronomy in Goethe’s days from that can be read and should be understood. literary-historical and natural-scientific per- As a poet, to Goethe nature and poetry were spectives. Of further interest to me are the inseparable from each other. He reflected concurrent development of meteorology on his perception of nature in his treatment of one hand and the spread of geological various scientific manifestations, such as surveying on the other. the telescope, the hot-air balloon and the rainbow, in his poems and literary works. These days, there is a strong tendency to create interaction between disciplines. New In my work Goethes Buch der Natur. Ein findings often lead to revising old ideas Beispiel der Rezeption naturwissenschaftlicher previously considered to be valid knowledge Erkenntnisse und Methoden in der Literatur and open interfaces with other disciplines. seiner Zeit. [Goethe’s Book of Nature: Re- That’s why I think it is very useful to refer to the Dr. Aeka Ishihara ception of Natural Sciences in German interplay of ideas in the 18th and 19th Present: Associate Professor, Faculty of Busi- Literature of His Days] (Würzburg 2005), I century. ness and Commerce, Keio University surveyed 18th and 19th century develop- 2002: JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow for Research Abroad ments in Europe focusing especially on the This Prize is said to be awarded to scien- six selected fields of geology, astronomy, tists who still have the greater part of their 1999: Lecturer, Faculty of Business and Com- merce, Keio University physics, chemistry, botany and zoology. I careers ahead of them. The path of re- 1998: JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow investigated Goethe’s preoccupation with search work is a difficult one. But as Goethe 1998: Received Ph.D. from University of Cologne natural science, his reaction to new develop- said, “The extraordinary doesn’t happen on 1994: JSPS Doctoral Course Fellow ments, and how he translated his ex- a smooth and straightforward trail.” So, I am perience into literature. quite prepared to carry on. 1992: Graduated from Keio University

The Pivotal Role of History Education Policy in International Relations

The so-called “historical problem” that Ja- project both internally and externally. These pan has encountered over several postwar images exert significant influence on inter- decades is one that should be solved state relations. Therefore, to move the critical through cooperation among scholars in process of historical reconciliation forward such fields as history, political science, and in Asia, I am investigating the results education from Japan and each East Asian achieved through history textbook dialogues country. between two or more European countries revolving around Germany. In analyzing the As a researcher in educational science, my processes involved in these dialogues, I use primary focus has been on Europe, which a concept of “history policy.” I hope my gave me insights into ways that historical findings will contribute to successful col- issues have and can be treated. My current laboration in Japan-Korea and Japan-China study is aimed at making a contribution to historical research, while also advancing the developing more effective methods of China-Korea discussion on the historical problem solving by analyzing various cases border issue between them. Dr. Takahiro Kondo of international confrontations over the Present: Associate Professor, Graduate School interpretation of past events and the re- Most recently, I have embarked upon a of Education and Human Development, spective approaches taken to overcome comparative study of similarities in history Nagoya University these differences as a manifestation of textbook dialogues in European and Asian 1996: Associate Professor, School of Educa- modern international relations. countries. It focuses on concepts and prac- tion, Nagoya University tices of political education, which Germany 1993: Received Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo Historical imagery taught in public education has shown to be a key factor in establishing is usually inseparable from the historical a history policy for facilitating international 1991: JSPS Doctoral Course Fellow interpretation that governments wish to history textbook dialogues. 1986: Graduated from The University of Tokyo

4 SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Mathematics; Physical Sciences; Chemistry; Engineering Sciences

Light Controls Quantum Waves

The wave nature of matter is at the heart of where a spatially localized atom wave, the quantum world. Although modern civi- called a ‘‘wave packet (WP),’’ travels back lized societies are deeply indebted to inven- and forth along the bond axis. Since the tions made possible by quantum mechan- optical phase is imprinted on the WP as its ics, the quantum world is not yet fully un- quantum phase, manipulating the optical derstood. Increasing our understanding phase allows us to manipulate the WP’s may enable novel quantum technologies quantum phase. such as bond-selective chemistry and quantum computation. The matter wave is We have so far developed a high-precision characterized by its amplitude and oscilla- WP interferometry (WPI) by tuning the rela- tion timing; the latter called “phase.” Ma- tive quantum phase of the two WP’s gener- nipulation of amplitude and phase is called ated by a pair of ultrashort laser pulses “coherent control,” which is one key to bet- whose relative phase is exquisitely tuned on ter understanding quantum theory and its the attosecond time scale (atto: 10-18). Us- novel applications. ing this high-precision WPI, we have suc- Dr. Kenji Ohmori ceeded in observing and controlling the very The study for which I was awarded the JSPS moment when two WP’s collide and start Present: Professor, Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Prize and Japan Academy Medal is based interfering with each other. We have also Sciences on the development of ultrahigh-precision succeeded in visualizing such quantum in- 2001: Associate Professor, Institute of Multi- coherent control and its applications. One terference with picometer and femtosecond disciplinary Research for Advanced Materi- promising strategy to carry out coherent spatiotemporal resolution, representing a als, Tohoku University control is to use light to modulate a matter detailed picture of matter-wave interference. 1992: Received Ph.D. from The University of wave with its optical phase. For example, by We will apply our ultrahigh-precision co- Tokyo irradiating a diatomic molecule with an herent control to gas, liquid, and solid 1987: Graduated from The University of Tokyo ultrashort optical pulse on the pico- to phases in an effort to explore and eventually femto-second time scale (pico: 10-12, femto: control what are now various quantum 10-15), one can create a quantum state mysteries.

The Mystic Path to Quantum Information Networks

My research subjects are quantum optics entangled particles, the other will shrink into and quantum information physics, which are a state that is exactly the same as the relatively new research fields. Quantum measured one. optics is a branch of optics, one in which light is quantized. As you know, the world of In our research, we are working to unravel quantum mechanics is pretty different from the mystery of quantum entanglement, and the world we live in. There are a lot of weird have used it to realize “quantum teleporta- things in the QM world. For example, ob- tion” and to develop a quantum teleportation jects are perceived to be in “states” which network. Quantum teleportation is a method can be taken as “superpositioned states,” of quantum state transfer that preserves meaning that they can exist simultaneously (doesn’t collapse) the quantum nature of the in different places. If we attempt to measure input state. As such, it is also a key element such a quantum state, it will “collapse” into in realizing universal quantum information Dr. Akira Furusawa an eigenstate, “eigen” meaning “its own” in processing. As our research advances, I Present: Associate Professor, Graduate School German. Moreover, one of the weirdest hope it will ultimately lead us to developing of Engineering, The University of Tokyo things in QM is “quantum entanglement,” systems for quantum communication and 1996: Visiting Associate, California Institute of which was called “spooky” by Albert Einstein. universal quantum information processing. Technology If we try to measure one particle in a pair of 1991: Received Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo 1984: Graduated from The University of Tokyo

SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 5 FEATURE S D

Biological Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; Medical, Dental, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Membrane Proteins —The Last Frontier in Structural Biology

Membrane proteins govern several basic human proteins occur in cell membranes, cellular processes, including signal trans- and, in fact, over 50% of commercially duction, electrical signal generation, mo- available drugs target these membrane lecular transport, and energy conservation. proteins. However, less than 10 mammalian Despite their abundance, not to mention membrane protein structures have been their importance, to date only the unique determined using X-ray crystallography, structures of about 120 membrane proteins and as yet no human membrane protein have been revealed. My group has been structures have been determined. This is developing X-ray crystallographic tech- because of a litany of technical difficulties niques for determining membrane protein that impede progress in studying these structures. So far, we have succeeded in targets. We are attempting to address these Dr. So Iwata elucidating the structures of some key pro- problems by combining various technolo- Present: David Blow Chair of Biophysics and teins involved in cell respiration, molecular gies, such as new expression systems, Director of Centre for Structural Biology, Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial transport, and photosynthesis. We really crystallisation methods and next-generation College London appreciate having received the JSPS Prize, synchrotron radiation devices, while utilising Concurrently: Research Director, ERATO Iwata which recognises the contributions we are the latest results of human genome projects. Human Receptor Crystallography Project, striving to make to membrane protein For this purpose, we have recently started a Japan Science and Technology Agency structural biology. new project called “ERATO Human Recep- 1999: Professor, Department of Biochemistry, tor Crystallography” in Kawasaki, Japan, Uppsala University Currently, we are working to establish new which is supported by the Japan Science 1991: JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow methods for determining human membrane and Technology Agency. We look forward 1991: Received Ph.D. from The University of proteins. The results of various genome to our new venture bringing us many exciting To k y o projects have shown that up to 30% of collaborations with other Japanese scientists. 1986: Graduated from The University of Tokyo

Ceremony Held to Celebrate Opening of JSPS Beijing Office

On 20 April, a ceremony was held at the latest news on the Office’s initia- the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing to tives, JSPS’s programs, and activities celebrate the establishment of JSPS’s of Japanese universities and institutes tenth overseas liaison office. The Bei- in China. jing Office was opened amidst a rush of building construction in preparation for A reception was held following the the upcoming summer Olympics to be ceremony, at which a toast and remarks held in China’s capital city. JSPS were offered by Prof. Toshiyuki Sato, president Prof. Motoyuki Ono and eight chair, Japanese Higher Education Net- Prof. Ono delivering remarks officials from JSPS’s headquarters in work Association in China (KIHEIKAI), Tokyo came to the ceremony, which Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), followed by congratulatory remarks by was carried out in presence of invited whose message was read by Dr. Jinghua representatives of the National Natural guests from Chinese and Japanese Cao, deputy director, Bureau of Inter- Science Foundation of China (NSFC), universities and government agencies. national Cooperation, CAS. Next, JSPS Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing Office director Prof. Hiroshi Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The event began with a greeting by Fukunishi described the Office’s menu Peking University, Tohoku University, Prof. Ono, who was followed by con- of activities, which includes holding and Keio University. About 180 people gratulatory messages from Mr. Soichiro China-Japan Science Forums, seminars attended the ceremony and reception, Tanaka, deputy minister, Ministry of and convening a summer school for both of which were hugely successful in Education, Culture, Sports, Science young researchers. Also on slate, he launching the new office. and Technology (MEXT); Mr. Zhongze said, are a program for supporting the Wu, vice minister in charge of Super- activities of Japanese universities in visory Affairs, Ministry of Science and China, another for building collabora- Technology of the People’s Republic of tive networks between JSPS and vari- China (MOST); Mr. Hiroyasu Izumi, ous universities and research institutes minister, Embassy of Japan in China; of the two countries, and renewal of the and Prof. Yongxiang Lu, president, Beijing Office homepage to disseminate

6 SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Program Briefing Given to Chinese Universities

In cooperation with the Japan Science universities on the Office’s agenda of change activities, placing particular em- and Technology Agency (JST) and New activities. It was convened on 17 April phasis on its postdoctoral fellowship Energy and Industrial Technology De- at Peking University. JSPS Beijing programs for overseas researchers. velopment Organization (NEDO), the Office director Prof. Hiroshi Fukunishi Some 100 researchers and graduate stu- Beijing Office held a meeting to brief explained the purpose, objectives and dents attended the briefing. representatives of China’s primary contents of JSPS’s international ex- - JSPS Beijing Office

Mission of JSPS Beijing Office By Prof. Hiroshi Fukunishi, New Office Director

ening collaboration with Chinese uni- search on upper atmosphere and space versities and counterpart institutions; physics at AT&T Bell Laboratories in (2) holding China-Japan science fo- the US, National Institute of Polar rums, seminars, academic summits, Research in Japan, and Tohoku Uni- and summer schools for young re- versity. To investigate auroral phe- searchers; (3) supporting activities of nomena, I participated in four Japa- Japanese universities in China; (4) nese Antarctic research expeditions, building collaborative networks be- acting as the leader of both winter and tween JSPS and various universities summer parties. During the last two Having undergone a 3-year preparation and research institutes of the two years at Tohoku University, I served as period, the Beijing Office was inaugu- countries; and (5) renewing the Beijing a specially appointed assistant to the rated as JSPS’s tenth overseas office Office homepage to disseminate the president for promoting both regional this April. A number of China’s leading latest news on the Office’s initiatives, and international contributions by the scientists have had research experience JSPS programs, and activities of university. In particular, I was respon- in Japan under JSPS’s postdoctoral Japanese universities and institutes in sible for designing strategies for uni- and invitation fellowship programs. China. As the Office’s first director, I versity initiatives in areas of interna- With the support of these former JSPS am committed to working steadfastly to tionalization, community outreach and fellows and JSPS counterpart institu- launch and advance these programs. public relations. I will try to give full tions in China, the Beijing Office is expression to these multifaceted ex- working to implement a wide range of By way of self-introduction, I majored periences in carrying out the manage- activities. Chief among them will be the in geophysics at The University of To- ment and operation of the Beijing following five initiatives: (1) Strength- kyo. After graduating, I conducted re- Office.

Messages from Other New Office Directors

By Prof. Yuko Furukawa, JSPS London Office eration with Imperial College London member of the staff. Occupying another (ICL) and The Japan Society. It was desk at the office is a member of Keio attended by the Duke of Gloucester University’s administrative staff. (cousin of Elizabeth II), Mr. Yoshiji Nogami, Ambassador of Japan to the In terms of international academic UK, and ICL Pro Rector Dr. Tidu Maini. exchange, London is a Ginza of the Just two days thereafter, the office world. The UK, in turn, is a pivotal sponsored another seminar on brain country within the European Union, research together with University Col- Anglo-American Coalition, and the The JSPS London Office was established lege London and Keio University. With Commonwealth of Nations. As such, it in 1994. Its first director the late Dr. another rush of activities just around is a place where cascades of informa- Hiroaki Yanagida and deputy director the corner—meetings with The Royal tion and people converge. The London Mr. Takaaki Iwasa did a marvelous job Society, the Engineering and Physical Office being no exception receives a of launching its initial programs. Since Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and myriad of visitors hailing from all then, each successive director has en- other organizations are slated for directions. hanced and expanded its program May—I’ve found the office’s schedule to menu to a point where the office is now be packed with a literal flood of events. With the support of UK partner agen- not only recognized throughout the UK, cies, UK universities, Japanese uni- but is greatly expected to play an in- To handle this busy workload, the versities and associated institutions, strumental role in promoting Anglo- London Office has a staff of seven: The and the Japanese Embassy in London, Japanese academic collaboration. director, deputy director, two interna- I will strive as the office’s new director tional program associates, one advisor to create yet another milestone in its I arrived in London on 22 April 2007. on secondary assignment from Japan’s program’s development. In this en- The very next day, the office held a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, deavor, I ask for your greatly appreci- seminar on university-industry coop- Science and Technology, and one local ated cooperation and guidance.

SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 7 By Prof. Hiroshi Sano, JSPS Stockholm Office

promoting exchange between Japanese scientists but also in creating basic and Scandinavian scientists. concepts of science in Japan.

“Science” originated from curiosity to- The aim of the Stockholm Office is pri- wards nature; initially people engaged marily to promote information exchange in “scientific research” were not profes- between Japan and the Scandinavian sional. They did not intend to make life countries, thereby broadening and better. What they were doing might be strengthening the scientific relationship My first contact with JSPS was in called “research for discovery.” As time among them. Practically, this can be 1970, when I was awarded a postdoc- passed, science became a tool to develop accomplished by organizing various toral fellowship. Since then I have had technology for improving people’s lives. meetings through which many young a long relationship with JSPS as a Professional scientists appeared, whose scientists can acquire a shared knowl- recipient of various research funds work could be called “research for edge of the science and culture of each including a grant-in-aid and a special solving problems.” In contemporary other’s countries. Learning one another’s grant for a millennium project on plant society, the former is categorized as way of scientific thinking, or scientific science. In this context, JSPS has basic research and the latter as applied concepts, is prerequisite to mutual un- helped me to develop my career as a research, both being indispensable. derstanding, as well as to long-range scientist. Now, I have been appointed Many countries including Japan have planning for scientific research in the as the director of JSPS’s research and set up national projects to intensively international community. I hope that communication center in Stockholm, advance both of them. Thus, the role of this objective can be realized during my where I will serve as a liaison officer in JSPS is pivotal not only in supporting stay at the JSPS Stockholm Office.

ERC Launch Conference Attended by JSPS President

On 27-28 February, an ERC Launch as the first pan-European joint funding ● ERC: a European player with an Conference was held at the Berlin- agency. Within the framework of Ger- international reach Brandenburg Academy of Sciences many’s presidency of the Council of the and Humanities. JSPS president Prof. European Union, the conference was As a member of the third panel, Prof. Motoyuki Ono flew to Berlin to attend organized by JSPS’s partner agency in Ono expressed his views on the topic, it. The conference was organized to Germany, the German Research Foun- describing the stress JSPS places on commemorate the European Research dation (DFG). It was attended by emi- bottom-up support for basic research Council’s establishment on 1 January nent scientists, government officials, advanced upon researchers’ own free funding agency representatives and ideas, and the emphasis it places on others from over 30 countries. fostering young researchers and creat- ing research hubs of a high international Panel discussions were held on three standard. He said that JSPS looks for- topics, each of which engendered spir- ward to working together in partnership ited discussions among the participants. with ERC amidst a friendly rivalry be- ● ERC: a new impulse for top-level tween the two organizations. research in Europe - Research Cooperation DivisionⅠ ● ERC: a contribution to society and the knowledge-based economy

Seminar Held with Indian Government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST)

A JSPS-DST Asia Academic Seminar invited experts in fields related to the was organized by Tokyo Institute of topic “Molecular and Supramolecular Technology (Tokyo Tech) and its Indian Materials with Designed Functions.” counterpart the National Chemical The aim of the seminar was to school Laboratory (NCL), and held at NCL in the some 40 young Asian participants Pune on 23-28 February. in leading-edge research being ad- vanced in this scientific domain. Poster Leading off the seminar, JSPS execu- presentations were conducted by the tive director Mr. Isao Kiso joined rep- young researchers, adding to the spir- See the following website for the pro- resentatives of Tokyo Tech, DST and ited atmosphere of interaction between gram of the seminar and abstracts of the NCL in offering introductory remarks. them and their senior colleagues, the lectures: http://www.ncl-india.org/dst-jsps/. They were followed by lectures from lecturers. - Asian Program Division

8 SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Trilateral Workshop Held between Japan, China and Korea

On 5-6 March, a “Trilateral Workshop possible avenues of S&T collaboration for S&T Cooperation” was held in the among the three countries in the envi- Centennial Hall of Kyushu University ronmental and energy fields. It was School of Medicine. The workshop was attended by Mr. Toshiaki Endo, Senior sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Edu- Vice-Minister, MEXT, and Dr. Cha-Dong cation, Culture, Sports, Science and Kim, Director-General for Interna- Technology (MEXT) and organized as a tional S&T Cooperation, Ministry of component of JSPS’s Strategic Program Science and Technology, Korea, and for Building an Asian Science and some 30 researchers and administra- Technology Community. tors. They considered collaborations on seven related research topics, and is- Strategic Cooperation Promotion Pro- The meeting was convened by way of sued a joint policy statement. gram—Joint R&D on Common Regional an agreement at the first Trilateral Issues), the Japan side is taking con- Korea-Japan-China Ministerial Meet- Reflecting this statement in the appli- crete steps to implement trilateral re- ing on Science and Technology Coop- cation guidelines of its international search projects. eration, held in January to explore joint research programs (e.g., Asia S&T - Asian Program Division

Tenth Meeting Held of Japan-India Science Council

On 5-6 March, a meeting of the Japan- the purpose of deliberating ways to of views on the latest research thrusts. India Science Council was held in promote scientific collaboration be- Tokyo. This was the tenth time for the tween Japan and India. A 7-member As 2007 is the Japan-India Friendship Council to hold its annual meeting for Indian delegation, chaired by Prof. Year, particular attention was given to C.N.R. Rao, came to Japan to join their celebrating it by adding two special Japanese counterparts in the meeting. research projects and one seminar to the FY2007 program line-up. Four joint At it, the members reviewed the per- research projects on earthquakes and formance of the activities carried out tsunami were also added in follow up under the FY2006 program and se- to the tsunami workshop held in India lected new joint project and seminar in 2005. topics for the next fiscal year. The - Asian Program Division process spurred an animated exchange

AAAS Symposium Supported by San Francisco Office

On 15-19 February, the American As- tion strategies of the three countries Attended by representatives of the sociation for the Advancement of Sci- were introduced and appraised. three East Asian countries and mem- ence (AAAS) held its annual meeting in bers of AAAS’s annual meeting, the San Francisco. During the event, a Not only Japan but also China and symposium provided a platform for symposium, titled “National Innovation Korea considered it very meaningful to exploring the region’s future directivity Strategies in the East Asian Region,” hold this symposium in collaboration and potentiality. From the very begin- was held by MEXT’s National Institute with AAAS, one of America’s premier ning it drew a large audience, with of Science and Technology Policy science institutions. Therefore, the JSPS altogether more than 90 people at- (NISTEP) in cooperation with Chinese San Francisco Office was more than tending. They asked many interesting and Korean counterpart agencies. On happy to lend its support to the event. and probing questions to the speakers. the Chinese side were the National Research Center for Science and Tech- The reception following the symposium nology for Development (NRCSTD) and started with a message of greeting by the Institute of Policy and Manage- Dr. Christopher T. Hill (professor, George ment, Chinese Academy of Sciences Mason University), who had served as (IPM-CAS). On the Korean side were a moderator. It was attended by more the Science and Technology Policy In- than 70 people, who enjoyed conversing stitute (STEPI) and the Korea Institute and networking with each other. of Science & Technology Evaluation - JSPS San Francisco Office and Planning (KISTEP). The innova-

SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 9 First JUNBA General Assembly

On 7 March, the first general assembly JUNBA’s advisory board. Engaging in of the Japanese University Network in an active exchange of views and infor- the Bay Area (JUNBA) was held at the mation, the participants enjoyed a California Office of Kyushu University. meaningful time together at the event. This annual meeting is convened for the purpose of reporting JUNBA’s ac- JUNBA’s first official membership tivities over the past year to its mem- drive began in February. By the time bers and other attendees, while work- this meeting was held just one month ing to build new networks among them. later, 48 individuals and six organiza- It was attended by some 50 represen- visors. The new members were an- tions had already registered as new tatives of universities and corporations, nounced, after which a report on members. Delighted with these initial researchers, and others with activities JUNBA’s FY2006 activities was deliv- results, JUNBA would like to keep in the San Francisco Bay Area. ered along with its operational plan for increasing its membership, expand its the coming fiscal year. network, and ever more vibrantly pur- The meeting began with a message of sue its agenda in the Bay Area. greeting by JUNBA president Dr. At the accompanying reception, a toast Yoshikatsu Murooka, followed by a was offered by Mr. Yuji Muranaga, For more information about JUNBA, please briefing on JUNBA’s programs and an chief executive director, JETRO San see its website at: http://www.junba.org/. introduction of its executives and ad- Francisco Office, who is a member of - JSPS San Francisco Office

Stockholm Office Holds Sixth Science Forum

On 9 March, the JSPS Stockholm Office remarks by the Stockholm Office direc- held the sixth in its series of science tor Prof. Tsuneko Okazaki and former fora at the Nobel Forum, Karolinska Karolinska Institute president Prof. Institute. Since 2001 this forum has Hans Wigzell, followed by presentations been organized to introduce research- from ten speakers. ers in Northern European countries to the latest research being advanced in Influenza research merges epidemiol- Japan on the frontiers of a chosen ogy, medicine and veterinary science in field—this year’s being “influenza re- conducting a range of activities from tions were given on such subjects as search.” This forum between Japan, basic research to elucidate causes and ways to control avian flu and to sup- Sweden and other Nordic countries also epidemiological studies to the devel- press pandemics and on the results of had invited participants from the US. opment of vaccines. From the viewpoint wide epidemiological surveys. Ques- Their number filled the hall to its of universities, national laboratories tions from the floor spawned intense 100-seat capacity. and corporations in Japan, Sweden and discussions, which often flowed over America combining forces in under- into the breaks between presentations. The forum began with introductory taking influenza research, presenta- - JSPS Stockholm Office

Second Conference for Bridging Japan and the UK

On 2 March, the JSPS London Office institutions in the UK. This year’s providing opportunities for British held the second in its series of “Con- meeting was attended by 36 research- students to do research in Japan, and ferences for Bridging Japan and the ers ranging in career stages from junior creating a job-support system for re- UK.” Its purpose was to provide a to senior and specialized in fields searchers returning to Japan from platform for interchange among Japa- spanning the natural sciences to the overseas. nese researchers who are doing work at humanities. universities and other public research In response to a questionnaire survey The meeting began with a follow-up taken after the meeting, most of the discussion on last year’s topic of Ja- participants said they found the con- pan’s S&T systems, followed by self- ference to be a meaningful experience, introductions from each of the partici- especially as it gave them a rare op- pants. Next, everybody engaged in a portunity to meet and talk in depth free discussion of topics of mutual in- with other Japanese researchers work- terest, which included differences in ing abroad in various fields. research and daily life between the UK - JSPS London Office and Japan, various career path options,

10 SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Science The following fellows participated in JSPS’s Science Dialogue Program during the period from February through April 2007. For details about the program, please see its webpage at: http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/e-sdialogue/ Dialogue - Overseas Fellowship Division

Aichi Prefectural Ichinomiya High School Shizuoka Prefectural Iwata Minami High School Date: 3 March Dr. Ghanashyam Sharma (India) Host institution: Kyoto University Date: 16 February Title: “Biodiversity Conservation in the Sacred Landscapes Dr. Tito Akindele (UK) of the Eastern Himalayas” Host institution: Kyoto University Title: “Science: A Planet without Boundaries”

Shizuoka Prefectural Kakegawa Nishi Senior High School

Date: 9 March Dr. Marie-aude Measson Aomori Prefectural Hachinohe Kita Senior High School (France) Host institution: Osaka University Title: “How to Change Matter Date: 7 March Properties by Low Temperature Dr. Ahmed E. Hegab (Egypt) and High Pressure?” Host institution: Tohoku University Title: “Stem Cell and Lung Re- generative Therapy”

Shotoku Gakuen High School (Tokyo)

Date: 6 February Dr. Chamini L. Mendis Fukui Prefectural Fujishima Senior High School (Australia) Host institution: National Insti- tute for Materials Science Date: 16 February Title: “Through the Looking Dr. Jason P. McCormick Glass: Understanding the Nano (USA) World of Magnesium Alloys— Host institution: Kyoto University On the Path to Making Cars Title: “Learning Science in Shed Weight” America and Keeping Buildings Standing”

Yamanashi Prefectural Tsuru High School

Dr. Tao Wang (China) Host institution: Kyoto University Date: 8 February Title: “An Introduction to Earth- Dr. Mark Bowen (UK) quake Engineering” Host institution: The University of Tokyo Title: “Understanding Brownian Motion with Mathematics”

Fukuoka Prefectural Kokura High School

Date: 13 February Date: 6 February Dr. Muhammad Saqib Dr. Thimma R. Thatiparti (India) (Pakistan) Host institution: Kyushu University Host institution: The University of Title: “Polymers in Daily Life” To k y o Title: “Pakistan and My Research”

SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 11 Message from Former JSPS Fellow (8)

My Life as a Scientist Shifted in Japan

I received my doctorate in biochemistry in good school for both undergrads and 1996, after having traveled abroad on a postgrads in my field. Continuing to col- few occasions to enhance my scientific laborate with Japanese researchers, we grounding. Having learned about the JSPS hope to open a scientific channel between postdoctoral fellowship, I felt it would offer Egypt and Japan in the near future. a nice opportunity so I decided to apply. My host appreciated my joint research proposal Inside my university, I have displayed and accepted my request to submit an several posters to announce JSPS’s fel- application for the fellowship on my behalf. lowships and encourage young scientists At the end of December 1998, I was to apply for them. I have also held some pleased to receive a letter of invitation from meetings with my colleagues to explain JSPS and embarked upon what was to be how to submit applications through a host a wonderful research experience with Prof. researcher in Japan, and describe the Kounosuke Fujita at Hiroshima University. opportunities that the fellowships offer them to advance their research activities. Dr. Hany A. El-Shemy Given this opportunity, I shifted the focus Professor, Biochemistry Department, of my research from biochemistry to plant Two years ago, I was asked by the director Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University molecular biology, with an aim to serving of the JSPS Research Station in Cairo to Chair, JSPS Alumni Association in Egypt the hungry people of the world by elevat- help set up an Egypt alumni association ing the essential amino acids in crops with an eye to enhancing collaboration JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow, 1999-2001 using a molecular approach. The fellow- and supporting exchange between young ship gave me the chance to work ener- scientists in the two countries. As chair of getically on this challenge with colleagues the association, I have heartily recom- much my family, who accompanied me in the host laboratory. I was lucky to be mended JSPS to support partnering initia- during my fellowship, enjoyed their stay in accepted as an integral part of not only tives by former fellows from this region. Japan. They still communicate with friends their scientific but also their social envi- they made there, and look forward to a ronment. Hence, the fellowship gave me Last but not least, I must say how very future chance to see them again. the opportunity to make long-enduring friendships. Staying in close contact with my host, we have recently been discuss- ing the possibility of coauthoring some articles on issues of mutual interest.

I must reiterate that it was the JSPS fel- lowship that vaulted me onto my present, very rewarding career path and helped me to advance my initial research in plant biotechnology. After having worked in During Dr. El-Shemy’s stay in Japan as a JSPS Dr. El-Shemy with his colleagues Japan for five years, I returned to my uni- fellow versity in Cairo, where I started to create a

To Past and Present JSPS Fellows: We are in the process of updating our mailing list. If you have changed your address or would like to add your name to the JSPS Quarterly mailing list, please mail your full name and address (including country) to JSPS Fel- lows Plaza, 6 Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8471 or fax it to us at +81-3-3263-1854. Please indicate whether you are a current or former JSPS fellow.

12 SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Introducing JSPS Overseas Offices: Cairo

By Prof. Sadao Sakai, Office Director every year. Now protected from flooding by for me. Fortunately, the Aswan High Dam built 800 kilometers almost every day of The JSPS Cairo Research Station is in a upstream from Cairo in 1971, the JSPS office the year is blessed section of the city called Zamalek, situated is located within a 5-story apartment house with sunny skies in on an island in the south-to-north running of a 90-year vintage. Except for the frequent Cairo. The little rain that does fall rarely Nile River. Although Cairo has an over failure of its plumbing and electrical systems, exceeds ten times a year. Three or four 1,400-year history with Zamalek at its cen- the place has a captivating character about it. sandstorms, called khamsin, hit Cairo every ter, the island wasn’t urbanized until about spring. 100 years ago. Theretofore, all but a small With its 1952 revolution, Egypt became a part of it had been farmland. The reason for standard bearer for national liberation and The Cairo office was established in 1984. its sparse habitation is said to have been non-alliance movement, engendering a Previously, JSPS offices had been opened because the Nile would overflow its banks cascade of new diplomatic relationships. As for short periods in Iran and Turkey before set- and inundate a large area of the island a result, China and other Asian and African tling in Egypt. The office’s first director countries established embassies there. was Dr. Tsugitaka Sato (professor, Waseda Adjacent to the office are located the em- University); I am its 22nd. Dr. Sato is now bassies of Libya, Morocco, Greece, North leading a large-scale project on Islamic Korea and Romania. Area Studies. The tenth director, Dr. Hiroshi Kato (professor, Hitotsubashi University) is The road outside is lined with trees bearing conducting a JSPS-supported project titled rouge blossoms. Akin to dogwood, the “Advancing Needs-driven Area Research— Japanese call them “Egyptian sakura.” A The Middle East amidst Asia.” Both of them kind of locust tree also blooms in fiery red came to Cairo in March to work on their and yellow flowers. This lush tree cover projects. Of late, there have been a lot of provides pleasant shade. Undaunted by Japanese researchers coming here, testifying scads of cars and trash, strolling along the to the upsurge of Middle Eastern and Islamic Zamalek from across the Nile Nile has become an early morning routine studies in Japan.

Events Recruitments

London Office Large Scale Symposium For FY 2007 “Mediating Risk in Japan: The State, Market, Societal Matrix” JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Short-term) for North American and and “Mediating Risk in East Asia” European Researchers Wortley Hall and The University of Sheffield, Wortley and Application deadline from host institution to JSPS: 6-10 August 2007 Sheffield, 13-14 July 2007 For FY 2008 JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers (Standard) JSPS Invitation Fellowship for Research in Japan (Short/Long-term) Application deadline from host institution to JSPS: 3-7 September 2007

For details, ask a prospective host researcher or visit our website.

JSPS Fellows Plaza Website

JSPS Fellows Plaza is continually in the process of updating its website, which provides information for present, past and prospective JSPS fellows. Please give us a visit at: http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/ You’ll find pages on “How to Apply,” “Experiences and Messages from JSPS Fellows,” “Program Guidelines,” “e-Orientation,” “Find Nearby Fellows,” “Science Dialogue,” and “Alumni Associations.” The site also carries current and back copies of our newsletter “JSPS Quarterly” and the booklet Life in Japan for Foreign Researchers. If you have any opinions or impressions you wish to share regarding our website, please contact us at the JSPS Fellows Plaza. - JSPS Fellows Plaza

SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 13 Series Research and Life in Japan by a JSPS Fellow (13)

Hailing from Denmark, Dr. Kim Richard quires intense concentration. That said, I Larsen has been doing research under a believe it to be very important work as it JSPS postdoctoral fellowship at the Kita- helps to generate new knowledge related to kyusyu Museum of Natural History & Hu- biodiversity. I have so far published two man History since April 2006. He was papers on some new species of tanaids I introduced to his host, Dr. Michitaka discovered around Okinawa, and now I’m Shimomura, by a colleague in his personal busy preparing for a conference that will be network. Dr. Shimomura praises Dr. Larsen, held here in June. saying that he is a researcher of out- standing ability, who is working diligently to How did you become interested in your advance his studies under the fellowship. research field? After his 2-year tenure ends, Dr. Larsen During my master’s program, which Dr. Kim Richard Larsen plans to continue to pursue his career in focused on faunistic research, I became Ph.D. (Marine Biology, Taxonomy and Systematics), Macquarie University, Australia, 2000 science as a lecturer or curator. aware of the great shortcomings in the current level of invertebrate taxonomy. It M.Sc. (Marine Biology), University of Copenhagen, Denmark, 1994 What is the nature of your research under struck me as highly unfortunate and a waste the JSPS fellowship? of good science that ecological and faunistic B.Sc. (Biology), University of Copenhagen, Denmark, 1991 As a marine biologist my project runs researchers had to do their work without along two lines: traditional taxonomy and being able to identify the species used in Japanese words I learned when I came ecology of a group of small benthic their studies. This is particularly problematic here. I also enjoy viewing the cherry blos- Crustaceans. The diversity of these animals in biodiversity studies, which are next to soms in April. I have to admit, however, that around Japan is very high but very sparsely useless if not based on solid taxonomical my research does not permit a lot of time studied, mainly due to lack of funding. I knowledge. out of the laboratory. hope that my project will help redeem that situation. I am also trying to create more Why did you choose Japan to pursue your Before coming to Japan, what kind of image funding for taxonomic studies by coupling research? of Japan did you have? Has it changed after the taxonomic investigation with an eco- The deficiency in taxonomical knowl- coming here? logical experiment assessing the value of edge of Japanese fauna made Japan an I had heard that one had to be very these animals as bio-indicator species for interesting place to study. When so little is careful not to insult anybody in Japan. I was habitat recovery. known about these animals around Japan, it rather worried about this before coming here, increases the chances of making plenty of as I am not reputed to be a very diplomatic That’s a fascinating field of research. Could new discoveries. I have to admit that the person. I was afraid I might inadvertently you tell us a little more about your work? high level of financial support (both personal insult somebody due to a cultural difference. Among the Crustaceans, my research and for research) provided by the JSPS also Happily this problem turned out to be almost is mainly focused on tanaids. Using a mi- makes Japan an interesting place to work. non-existing. My Japanese colleagues are croscope, I dissect them and observe the of course aware that I am not accustomed shape of their legs and other parts, which I What other merits are there to conducting to Japanese culture. They don’t take of- draw in order to identify differences between research in Japan? fence if I should behave less correctly, like species and to classify them. As tanaids are The merits of conducting scientific for example, forgetting to change slippers extremely small creatures, measuring about research in Japan under the JSPS fellow- when going into the bathroom. 3 millimeters in length, dissecting them is ship are that it allows for more experimental precise, exhaustive work. As it entails mak- (thereby risky) projects, which might be You have given a lecture under the JSPS ing very accurate drawings and annotating difficult to obtain funding for in the EU or the Science Dialogue Program, haven’t you? them with comments, descriptions or de- US. The fellow is given a high degree of What do you think of the program? scriptive analyses to preclude misclassifica- independence and the research funding is Last December, I gave an English tions, the work is highly detailed and re- better than most, if not all, other places. lecture, entitled “Biological Science: The Work and the Wonders,” to high school What do you usually do outside of your students in Kagoshima. I think this kind of research? program is extremely valuable in the long I sleep, eat, exercise, and go out with term. In fact, I am kind of surprised that friends. Pretty much the same things I initiatives like this are not compulsory in all would be doing any other place, although I research programs. The biggest problem in seem to spend an unreasonably long time in science is a lack of funding, and we scientists sushi bars. As Kitakyushu is near the sea, it are largely at fault. How can we expect to has good makings for sushi. I’m particularly get funding from the community if people fond of mackerel and yellowtail. Their are not aware of what we are doing nor do names saba and buri were among the first they know why it is important? We have to Dr. Larsen with his host Dr. Shimomura

14 SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ inform the community about these things. If guage to learn and one should not expect One of the really good things about we cannot do so in a reasonable manner, English to be spoken widely outside aca- working in Japan is that security is a then we ought to rethink our research. demic circles. Also be prepared for difficult non-issue. As Japan is one of the safest and expensive library services. Specialized places on earth, female researchers or What advice would you give someone about to literature can be hard, expensive and researchers with children will have little to begin a JSPS fellowship? time-consuming to obtain in Japan, particu- worry about here security-wise. Be prepared to spend a lot of time ini- larly if the fellow is not based at a major Interview by JSPS Fellows Plaza tially learning Japanese. It is a hard lan- university.

Introducing Japan: Kitakyushu

JSPS fellow Dr. Kim Larsen has favored the 622-meter summit of Mt. Sarakura, the Kanmon Straits that is known for a fa- us with an article on his impressions of where the views of the city and harbor are mous samurai duel. The local hero Kojiro the city where he is conducting his spectacular. There is also a hiking trail up Sasaki had a sword fight with the more research at the Kitakyushu Museum of the mountain for the more energetic visitors. famous Musashi Miyamoto (the guy with the Natural History & Human History. Popular particularly with the younger audi- wooden sword) but lost. Local historians ence are the large dinosaur skeleton collec- are inclined to suggest that foul play was Kitakyushu is located on the northern tip of tion at the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural involved. Kyushu Island, the southernmost of Japan’s History & Human History and the Space main islands. As the gateway to Honshu, World amusement park with its daredevil Kitakyushu is connected to Shimonoseki by rollercoaster rides. both a bridge and a tunnel as well as nu- merous ferries and water taxis. Early spring and autumn are the best sea- sons to visit Kitakyushu, as summer is hot Kitakyushu is a fairly large town (a little under and humid. Snow may fall in winter but will a million inhabitants) by western standards. not last throughout the day. Kitakyushu’s This size provides all the comforts and surrounding mountains provide good shelter entertainments of city life on one side, while from typhoons. Earthquakes are also very Dinosaurs at Natural History Museum on the other, does not give an impression of rare here. swallowing up the individual like the huge metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka. Kitakyushu is famous for its sea- food, which is mostly consumed as Kitakyushu is the birthplace of Japan’s sushi in one of the many sushi bars. heavy industries, and was the chosen site Particularly popular are the kaiten for the Nippon Steel Mill. Nowadays, Kita- sushi bars with their revolving con- kyushu is in a state of transition towards veyers that constantly tempt the attracting more high-tech and international guest with a never-ending stream of industries. Despite its reputation as an fresh fish, prawns and other shell- At kaiten sushi bar industrial city, Kitakyushu provides easy fish, not to mention squid and oc- access to nature. Within a 15-minute bus topus. Grilled and fried fish dishes ride from the center of the city (Kokura are also popular, and a deep-fried Station), one can reach nature trails leading meal of the poisonous-if-not-properly- KITAKYUSHU up into the surrounding hill country. Among prepared puffer fish in one of the other attractions are the large limestone many small restaurants at Moji-ko caves and the Kokura Castle. One of the harbor is a ‘must try’ experience for most popular pastimes is to stroll along the the intrepid visitor. river in the center of the city. It is also pos- sible to take a cable car from Yahata up to In addition, there is a small island in

JSPS Alumni Associations

At present, alumni associations with homepages have been ● French Alumni Association established in Germany, the UK, Sweden, France, the US and India. http://assoc-jsps.u-strasbg.fr/

● US JSPS Fellows Alumni Association ● JSPS Club (German alumni association) http://www.jspsusa.org/Alumni_association/alumni.htm http://www.jsps-club.de/ ● Indian JSPS Alumni Club ● UK JSPS Alumni Association http://www.indianjspsalumni.org/ http://www.jsps.org/alumniassociation/aboutus/index.html

● JSPS Alumni Club in Sweden JSPS Fellows Plaza’s Alumni Association homepage: http://www.jsps-sto.com/site.aspx?id=548 http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/20_alumni.html

SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 15 For further information on JSPS’s organization and programs, please visit our website [www.jsps.go.jp/english/], or mail or fax inquiries to JSPS Fellows Plaza using the address or fax number given below. JSPS CoverC photo: Quarterly and our brochure may also be downloaded. KomagataK Lanterns ● JSPS Fellows Plaza Paper lanterns enhance the nocturnal 6 Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8471 ammbience of a summer festival. Tel: +81-3-3263-1872 Fax: +81-3-3263-1854 http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/ Information can also be obtained from our regional offices listed below.

● JSPS Washington Office 1800 K Street N.W., Suite 920, About JSPS Washington, D.C. 20006, USA Tel: +1-202-659-8190 Fax: +1-202-659-8199 The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) was E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jspsusa.org/ established as an independent administrative institution to perform the following main functions: fund scientific research, ● JSPS San Francisco Office foster researchers, and promote international scientific 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 920, exchange. Berkeley, CA 94704, USA Tel: +1-510-665-1890 Fax: +1-510-665-1891 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jspsusa-sf.org/

● JSPS Bonn Office Wissenschaftszentrum, Ahrstr. 58, 53175, Bonn, GERMANY Tel: +49-228-375050 Fax: +49-228-957777 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jsps-bonn.de/

● JSPS London Office 12 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8DT, UK Tel: +44-20-7629-3577 Fax: +44-20-7629-3588 E-mail: [email protected] Crowing Rooster, Emblem of the Japan Society for the http://www.jsps.org/ Promotion of Science ● JSPS Stockholm Office Retzius Vag 3, S171 77 Stockholm, SWEDEN From days of old in Japan, it has been the belief that the vigor- Tel: +46-8-5088-4561 Fax: +46-8-31-38-86 ous cry of the rooster in the gray of the morning augurs the E-mail: [email protected] coming of a new and bright day. As the crowing rooster can http://www.jsps-sto.com/ therefore be thought of as a harbinger of the kind of new knowl- ● JSPS Strasbourg Office edge that promises a brilliant future for humankind, it was Maison Universitaire France-Japon chosen as the emblem of the Japan Society for the Promotion of 42a, avenue de la Forêt-Noire, Science. This emblem was designed in 1938 by Professor Sanzo 67000 Strasbourg, FRANCE Tel: +33-3-9024-2017 Fax: +33-3-9024-2014 Wada of Tokyo Fine Arts School to depict the rooster that sym- E-mail: [email protected] bolizes the breaking dawn in a verse composed by Emperor http://jsps.u-strasbg.fr/ Showa. ● JSPS Bangkok Office 113 TWY Office Center, 10th Fl., Serm-mit Tower, 159 Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok 10110, THAILAND Tel: +66-2-661-6453 Fax: +66-2-661-6454 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jsps-th.org/

● JSPS Beijing Office 616 Library of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) 33 Beisihuan Xilu, Zhongguancun, Request for Reader Comments Beijing 100080, CHINA Tel: +86-10-6253-8332 Fax: +86-10-6253-8664 E-mail: [email protected] We are taking a survey with an eye to reflecting reader http://www.jsps.org.cn/

interests in the JSPS Quarterly. If you have an opinion of ● JSPS Cairo Research Station our newsletters, we would like to hear from you. We would 9 Al-Kamel Muhammad Street, Flat No.4, Zamalek, Cairo, EGYPT also like to know your impressions of the JSPS Fellows Tel & Fax: +20-2-7363752 Plaza webpage. Please e-mail your comments to the JSPS E-mail: [email protected] http://jspscairo.com/ Fellows Plaza at ● JSPS Nairobi Research Station [email protected] 209/346/39 Riverside Drive Chiromo, or fax them to us at Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254-20-4442424 Fax: +254-20-4442112 +81-3-3263-1854. E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jspsnairobi.org/

16 SUMMER 2007 No.20 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/