The U.S.-Japan Research Institute (USJI) Symposium, "Japan as a Tourism Nation: What Kyoto Can Do", was held at the Kambaikan Building of Doshisha University on 6 December 2014. Approximately 200 participants attended, including delegates from the higher education, industrial, and government sectors, as well as members of the general public. The U.S.-Japan Research Institute, the organizer of the symposium, is based in Washington DC, and is jointly operated by eight Japanese universities, including Kyoto University. Kyoto University was represented at the symposium by Prof Junichi Mori, vice-president for international relations and director-general of the university's Organization for the Promotion of International Relations (OPIR). Prof Mori also serves as vice-chair of the USJI.
The symposium featured keynote speeches by Prof Seiichi Kondo, a visiting professor in Doshisha University's Faculty of Economics and former minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Dr Koji Murata, president of Doshisha University. After the keynote speeches, Mr Daisaku Kadokawa, the mayor of Kyoto City, gave a presentation introducing the city's ongoing efforts to preserve its historical scenery and structures. Following the speeches, a discussion session was held, with a panel comprising six members representing various aspects of academia, religion, traditional culture, and industry in Kyoto. The panelists included Dr Yoshikazu Maegawa, associate professor in Kyoto University's Graduate School of Management, Rev Daiko Matsuyama, deputy chief priest of Taizo-in Temple, and Ms Yuki Ikenobo, headmaster designate of Ikenobo ikebana school. The panelists discussed the appeal of, and challenges facing, Japan as a tourist nation, as well as efforts which could be made to further promote tourism.
Information about the organization's activities, including this symposium, is available in both Japanese and English from the USJI website (address below). Kyoto University is an active participant in the organization, and the university's researchers and students frequently participate in USJI programs held in the US.
Opening address by Dr Masako Egawa, chair of USJI and executive vice-president of the University of Tokyo
Keynote speech by Prof Seiichi Kondo, visiting professor in Doshisha University's Faculty of Economics and former minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Keynote speech by President Koji Murata of Doshisha University
Dr Yoshikazu Maegawa, associate professor in the Graduate School of Management, at the panel discussion session
The audience listens to a speech by Mr Daisuke Kadokawa, mayor of Kyoto city
Panel discussion session
U.S.-Japan Research Institute (USJI)
The U.S.-Japan Research Institute, a non-profit organization established in Washington DC in 2009, is jointly operated by Kyushu University, Kyoto University, Keio University, the University of Tsukuba, the University of Tokyo, Doshisha University, Ritsumeikan University, and Waseda University. The USJI is engaged in research to develop academically-based policy recommendations, and implements a wide range of programs for research activities, human resource development, and community building. Through holding seminars and other activities, the organization seeks to strategically provide information as an advanced research institute. Kyoto University has dispatched one administrative staff member to the USJI Headquarters through the John Mung Program (the Kyoto University Young Scholars Overseas Visit Program). The university is also involved in various other activities, including USJI Week (a research-oriented event held twice a year) and human resource development programs such as the TOMODACHI Program and KAKEHASHI Project.
Related link
- U.S.-Japan Research Institute (USJI)
http://www.us-jpri.org
