FUTI has grown steadily over the years and continues to contribute to the globalization of UTokyo. Since its inception in 2007 FUTI has cumulatively supported more than 245 UTokyo students to study in the US and US students to undertake internships or studies at UTokyo, providing them with invaluable experiences. These students include recipients of the Mid- to Long-Term Scholarships (66 students) and FUTI Global Leadership Scholarships (179 students).Read more…
For academic year 2023-2024, FUTI has provided scholarships for short-term study abroad programs between The University of Tokyo and universities in the US, and mid- to long-term scholarships supporting primarily UTokyo students to study at universities in the US for one semester or more. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, about ten students were selected from dozens of applications from US students to study at UTokyo for short-term summer programs. In 2023, after the slow-down caused by Covid-19, 11 students were selected out of 32 applicants. Three of those selected participated in science-related internships in the UTRIP program, four were for the UTSIP Kashiwa-related internships, two were from Harvard as part of a partnership with UTokyo’s International Research Center for NeuroIntelligence (IRCN), and two were part of the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), of which one was in the sciences and the other in engineering. Before the Covid 19 pandemic, in short-term summer study abroad programs in the US for UTokyo students, each year around seven UTokyo students were selected from a pool of about 20 applicants. The drop in participation due to the coronavirus pandemic still continues, with only four students selected out of seven applicants for 2023. Of those selected, two are part of the GLP-GEfIL program, an extracurricular leadership education program taught in English where only a hundred UTokyo students are selected out of the entire school in the fall of their sophomore year. In this program, participation in a short-term study abroad is required each summer with roughly half of the tuition fees paid for by UTokyo. The other two recipients found their study abroad programs on their own. It is a coincidence that all four students will be studying at Harvard. The mid- to long-term scholarship category was not as affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with numbers holding steady at around 10 students selected out of approximately 30 applicants before the pandemic, and in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, 13 students were selected out of 31 applicants. The reason for this may be that those who wished to study abroad at a US university in the mid- to long-term perhaps had a stronger motivation than those in the abovementioned short-term category. Of those selected for 2023, four scholarships were limited in amount. One reason is that some were awarded in conjunction with a scholarship from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) which stipulates that additional scholarships be limited to the same amount as the JASSO scholarship, and the other reason being that PhD students are only awarded an amount that is sufficient to cover initial costs as PhD programs are usually amply supported by the university. The 13 recipients are made up of five undergraduate students (only one master’s student) studying abroad at partner universities, two students who went on to study at US universities upon graduation from UTokyo, four students who graduated UTokyo in previous years, and two students currently enrolled in doctoral programs at UTokyo. After the selection process was finished and numbers were counted, it was apparent that four were non-Japanese students. This year marks the official inclusion of the “Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship” to the mid- to long-term study abroad scholarship lineup. The Scholarship Is funded by a donation to the UTokyo New York Office from Dr. and Mrs. Chou, who after studying at the Graduate School at UTokyo, had many successful ventures in the semiconductor-related business. As a result, FUTI’s mid- to long-term study abroad scholarship program is made up of three parts: 1) The ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A.-FUTI Scholarship which has been central to the program since 2016; 2) The aforementioned Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship; and 3) The FUTI Scholarship which is funded by individual donations from UTokyo alumni and donations from Shintech Inc., the US subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical. FUTI will make the most of the donations received by continuing to focus in earnest on its mission of supporting and nurturing future leaders through scholarships.
On February 28, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the selection of two astronaut candidates, Makoto Suwa, 46, a disaster prevention specialist at the World Bank, and Ayu Yoneda, 28, a surgeon at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center. The two candidates were selected out of 4,127 applicants after a series of exams and will join JAXA on April 1 for two years of training, according to JAXA’s February 28 press release statement. Ayu Yoneda is the youngest candidate to have been chosen by the space agency and will become the third Japanese woman to go into space, following Chiaki Mukai and Naoko Yamazaki. Once the two candidates are officially certified as astronauts, they will have the opportunity to join missions to the International Space Station and participate in the Artemis program. In 2019, Japan joined the Artemis program with a renewed outlook to lunar and space exploration. According to media reports, upon learning of JAXA’s decision, Yoneda commented, “I felt a sense of responsibility and calling, which was a very sobering experience, and eventually a sense of gratitude to the people who have supported me thus far.” In 2018, Ayu Yoneda, then a fifth-year medical student at UTokyo, was selected as a recipient of the FUTI Global Leadership Award to help support her participation in the Clinical Clerkship Program at Harvard Medical School. A report of her experience at the program can be viewed on our website here. Friends of UTokyo is very proud of her achievements and look forward to her future endeavors in space. Dr. Iwao Ojima, President of FUTI, commented, “This is fantastic news. Our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Yoneda! The emergence of a ‘Star’ will certainly stimulate many young women pursuing their dreams at the University of Tokyo and beyond!”
On January 27, 2023, Prof. Atsushi Tsuda, Executive Director and Vice-President of the University of Tokyo gave a talk titled, “University of Tokyo and Athletics: How Can Sports ‘improve’ the entire University?”. The event was co-sponsored by Satsuki-kai America and Friends of UTokyo. A total of 30 participants from the U.S. and Japan attended the event, including many alumni who were members of sports teams/clubs (“Undo-bu”and “Aiko-kai”) during their undergraduate years. The gathering was hugely successful with a lively discussion. First, Mr. Kenichi Kawamoto, President of JETRO New York, who was a member of the track and field team at UTokyo and remains an avid marathon runner to this day, made opening remarks. He was followed by Prof. Tsuda who spoke for about 40 minutes after which he fielded questions and comments from the panel and audience. Arguing that athletics have great potential for multifaceted growth at the University of Tokyo, Prof. Tsuda focused mainly on five points: 1) The current state of athletics at UTokyo, 2) The University’s relationships with sports team/club alumni, 3) Promoting the development of athletics at UTokyo, 4) Presenting the research findings of the UTokyo Sports Science Initiative (UTSSI), including the “FUSION” concept and cooperation with local communities, and 5) The improvement and outreach activities of sports at UTokyo. Following Vice-President Tsuda’s presentation 1, panelists including UTokyo swim team alumnus, Takeshi Komoto (Google Japan G.K.), and UTokyo volleyball team alumnus, Yasuhiko Takanashi (Kyoto Sangyo University), spoke about their personal experiences with UTokyo athletics and addressed the following topics: Komoto: 1) My motives for joining the team, 2) The benefits of joining a sports team/club, and 3) What should be done to invigorate athletics at UTokyo. Takanashi: 1) The importance of setting a goal to strengthen sports at UTokyo, 2) The need to publicize/share UTSSI findings with the outside world, 3) Future topics such as bringing sports science researchers in contact with athletes on the field. In the Q&A session that followed the presentation and panel discussion, interesting questions were raised and a lively exchange ensued as many of the participants had played an active part in sports while at UTokyo. Below is an excerpt from the discussion. Q: What is your thought about setting a concrete goal for strengthening athletics at UTokyo? Tsuda: Setting a goal to promote sports at UTokyo is a frequent topic of discussion for the University, and continues to be so as it is a highly complex issue. Some reasons for its complexity include the fact that there are many stakeholders in the University, and there is no department that coordinates sports at the University. However, this is an issue that needs solving, and the fact that discussion has commenced over the need for a “UTokyo Sports Charter” is already a huge step. With the “UTokyo Sports Charter,” it is our expectation that setting a goal for promoting and supporting sports at UTokyo will be possible. Q: Do you have any thoughts on training elite athletes at UTokyo? Tsuda: When considering the brand/mission of UTokyo, training elite athletes should NOT be the priority. However, since contributions to society by UTokyo alumni are of the utmost importance and given that the social influence of UTokyo is significant, the University plans to give wide and balanced support for sports activities on campus. Q: Please tell us about sports science at UTokyo and its contribution to society. Tsuda: UTSSI was established to be the internationally preeminent center for sports science research. Providing support for competitions and strengthening teams are not the only purpose of this research facility. Through sports science research and development, the center aims to explore a wide variety of ways to contribute to society such as through improving public health on a community level and promoting the well-being of the elderly and/or disabled. Lastly, Mr. Kenichi Sugiyama (former general manager of the External Relations Division of the University of Tokyo), who was a member of the university’s American football team and the General Section for Athletic Affairs during his undergraduate years at UTokyo, gave the following closing remarks: Until this discussion, I was largely unaware of Prof. Tsuda’s commitment to athletic matters. However, I now see that his enthusiasm for the development of athletics at the University is clearly demonstrated by his proposal to create a “Charter on University of Tokyo Athletics.” His discussion today clearly explained the University’s policies and stance in this area. As an alumnus, I appreciate the contribution of the University to wider society as well as the latter’s support for the former. Reflecting on FUTI’s accomplishments/activities, I realize the enormous impact of the contribution of its benefactor, Mr. Chihiro Kanagawa, (formerly Chairman of Shin-etsu Chemistry, Ltd.) who passed away in January 2023 2. Just as he did, we must also endeavor to support the development of our alma mater. After the lecture and dialogue, many of the participants remained to continue the stimulating discussion. The hosts of the event commented, “On top of thanking all the participants, it would bring us great joy if this event, with the support of UTokyo alumni, becomes an impetus for societal progress through sports and further invigorates UTokyo. Friends of UTokyo/Satsuki-kai America Event Team 1 A presentation by one of the panelists, Masako Osako, was not given due to time running out. For those interested in seeing the slide presentation, “What does it take to rally a university through sports? A venture by the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) University-wide 5K,” please contact satsukiamerika@gmail.com. 2 See Dr. Chihiro Kanagawa’s obituary. Endnote: Translated by the Event Team. For the original article approved by the lecturer, please refer to the Japanese version.
UTokyo has agreed to two partnerships for the development of quantum technology research with UChicago & IBM, and UChicago & Google. The signing ceremony was held in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 21, on the occasion G7 Summit, in the presence of President Teruo Fujii of UTokyo, President Paul Alivisatos of UChicago, Dr. Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, and Dr. Hartmut Neven, VP Engineering, Quantum AI of Google. The signing ceremony began with opening remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in Education between U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Japanese Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Keiko Nagaoka, confirming the two countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in the field of education. Alongside the signing of the Memorandum, the signing of partnerships was also held between UTokyo-UChicago-IBM and UTokyo-UChicago-Google in the quantum field, and Micron Technology, Tokyo Electron, and 11 U.S. and Japanese universities to collaborate on semiconductor research and development. Participants enjoyed discussing the future of the partnership after the signing ceremony. We are pleased to quote the words of Mr. Takeshi Komoto (Advisory Committee member of Friends of UTokyo and the Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google Japan in Tokyo) below: “Quantum computing has the potential to dramatically advance scientific and technological research and solve the problems facing humankind in areas such as medicine that have so far been unsolvable. I am very pleased that the University of Tokyo, the University of Chicago, and Google have partnered to create a new global stage where researchers and students of our alma mater can further develop and demonstrate their abilities. I hope that the University of Tokyo will continue to lead the world in quantum computing research.”
The Tech for Peace Symposium 2023 was held on March 26, 2023, at the NY Office of the University of Tokyo. The symposium aimed to discuss technology-enabled peacebuilding and brought together participants from various fields, including domestic and international experts, academics, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. The program included keynote speeches, panel discussions, high school student exploration presentations, and round discussion tables. In the keynote speech, Professor Hidenori Watanave of the Graduate School of the University of Tokyo introduced the development of digital archives for peace. He highlighted the activities of digital archives to remember various calamities. He introduced ways to utilize valuable memories of the past. In the panel discussion, Mr. Tsutomu Kono, Senior Political Officer, United Nations Office for Regional Disarmament, Information & Outreach Branch Office for Disarmament Affairs; Mr. Taichiro Fujino, Associate Expert, Office of the Technical Envoy, United Nations Secretariat; Mr. Tatsuru Sakamoto, Japanese Language Teacher, United Nations International School, and Mr. Tomohiro Kawase, Partnership Specialist, Japan Unit, External Relations Advocacy, UN Development Programme NY Headquarters They participated as panelists. After each panelist introduced what they are working on at UN agencies, they discussed the diffusion of technology, how to deal with the younger generation, the use of technology from a cross-sectoral perspective, and the profession’s response to peaceful use. The high school students’ exploratory presentations covered various topics, followed by round discussion tables where participants freely exchanged ideas and opinions. Speakers and high school students brought their own experiences and perspectives to the discussion, which was free and vigorous. New ideas and solutions were generated by examining the relationship between technology and peacebuilding from various angles. Of particular note were opinions on the importance of active participation of the younger generation and the importance of countries and regions working together to achieve common goals. After the symposium, participants further exchanged ideas and shared their activities and initiatives. The event was a valuable opportunity to promote the use of technology in peacebuilding efforts and is sure to accelerate Tech for Peace’s activities in the future. Tech for Peace Symposium 2023 was an important event that focused on technology-enabled peacebuilding, leveraging the diverse backgrounds and knowledge of the participants to explore avenues for building peace in the future. We hope these symposiums will continue to increase awareness of the peaceful use of technology and encourage more people to work together to make peace. Request for Support Hidenori Watanave Laboratory, Graduate School of the University of Tokyo, is developing and operating a digital archive to preserve memories of disasters and wars for the next generation. To pass on these technologies to the future, we are seeking donations to sustain our research and introduce advanced technologies. Your support and cooperation in this project are greatly appreciated. https://utf.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/project/pjt158
A major supporter and long-time benefactor of FUTI, the honorary chairman of Seven & i Holdings, Mr. Masatoshi Ito, has passed away of old age on March 10, 2023 at the age of 98, just a month short of his 99th birthday. As the founding director of the ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A., he generously donated every year to FUTI, and has become a “pillar” of the FUTI mid- to long-term study program since establishing the ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A.-FUTI Scholarship in 2016. Looking back at how his daily life was filled with vigor even in his advanced age, we realize what an extraordinary person he was. We would like to honor him with thoughts and prayers filled with heartfelt gratitude. In Japan, Mr. Ito was also founding chairman of the Ito Scholarship Foundation which helped many high school students go to college, and college students to continue on to graduate school through its scholarship programs. Mr. Ito was born in Tokyo in 1924. While Japan was a poor nation at the time, he received support from his relatives, which helped to fund his education at a technical school of commerce. He was grateful of the support as he believed that the education gave him the drive to advance his life and career. As a sign of gratitude, he established a foundation to support advanced education using the assets he gained from his business successes. After the Second World War, his involvement in the family business, a clothing store in Kitasenjyu called Yokado, led to its expansion through the motto, “A business that will make customers happy”. In 1958, he became the president of Yokado, later to become the publicly traded retail giant, Ito-Yokado. After showing interest in the American convenience chain store, 7-Eleven, Mr. Ito opened in 1973 Japan’s first convenience store, Yōkusebun, which later became Japan’s largest convenience chain, 7-Eleven Japan. In 1991, Ito-Yokado bought out 7-Eleven from its American parent company, and also established Denny’s Japan bringing the U.S. restaurant chain to Japan. In his writings and conversations following his successes, Mr. Ito encouraged the younger generations, urging “Let’s keep an adventurous spirit without being afraid to take risks.” We would like to take this advice to heart and live everyday with this mantra.
Photo credit: Asia Nikkei On January 1, 2023, shockwaves spread through FUTI as well as the industrial communities in Japan, as the renowned executive, Dr. Chihiro Kanagawa, the Chairman of the Board of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., passed away at the age of almost 97. In 1992, the Emperor of Japan honored him with the Medal of Honor with Blue Ribbon for his contribution to development of the Japanese industry. He led Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. to acquire large world market shares in silicon wafers and polyvinyl chloride among others. Dr. Kanagawa is an important benefactor for FUTI, making significant contributions which enabled FUTI’s scholarship and research support programs. He was a 1950 graduate from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and received a doctoral degree from the Graduate School of Engineering at UTokyo in 2011 for his dissertation entitled, “Management in the Polyvinyl Chloride Industry: Strengthening Business and Management of a Commodity Chemical Business”. In 2009, responding to the UTokyo community’s request, he encouraged Shintech Inc., a subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical in the US, to give a substantial donation to FUTI. Dr. Kanagawa had greatly expanded and strengthened Shintech Inc. since the 1970’s, and was installed as its President in 1978. Shintech’s donation to FUTI has continued annually since 2009. Its generosity inspired and encouraged UTokyo alumni to donate to FUTI. The donor-contributed fund has supported almost 200 students at UTokyo and universities in the US to study or conduct research abroad. FUTI will forever be grateful to Dr. Kanagawa for his generosity. He will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched.
Prof. Hisashi Kobayashi, former President of Friends of UTokyo, Inc. (FUTI), has passed away on March 9, 2023 (JST) at the age of 84. The death of such a significant figure came as a surprise. As he was dean emeritus of Princeton University’s School of Engineering, flags were flown at half-staff for a week at the university. We mourn the loss of Prof. Kobayashi who devoted himself to the establishment and growth of FUTI. Born in 1938 in Tokyo, after graduating from Toyama High School, he attended the University of Tokyo, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1961 and master’s degree in 1963 in electrical engineering. Subsequently, he was engaged in designing radars at Toshiba, Inc. before receiving a scholarship from both the US and Japan in 1965 to study at Princeton University where he earned his PhD degree in only two years. For the next 15 years, he worked for the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, and, for four years after that, led the initiative to establish and serve as the first director of IBM Research – Tokyo. In 1986, he was appointed Sherman Fairchild University Professor at Princeton University, where he also served as Dean of Engineering from 1986 to 1991. His exceptional mathematical ability and unparalleled focus have enabled him to solve a succession of problems which led to countless accomplishments. For example, for his work on dramatically increasing the speed at which a computer can record on a hard disk, he received the Technology Award from the Eduard Rhein Foundation in Germany in 2005 and the C&C Prize from the NEC C&C Foundation in 2012. After Friends of UTokyo (then Friends of Todai) was founded in 2007 in New York with the initiative of then UTokyo President Hiroshi Komiyama (2005-2009), Prof. Kobayashi was instrumental in the early stages of its development while serving as FUTI’s president from 2011 to 2015. The scholarship program which started in 2011 was also initiated by Prof. Kobayashi. With youthful passion and enthusiasm, he devoted himself to helping the young generation in Japan and the US to become global leaders of the future, thus laying a strong foundation for the organization. With the exception of the short period in the last days of his life, Prof. Kobayashi led such a healthy life that he did not have a need for a family physician. It was his plan to enjoy his retirement in Honolulu, but one day at his residence he suddenly became ill. Although, with the help of several friends, he was able to receive cutting edge treatment at the University of Tokyo Hospital, it was not enough to bring him back. It is with deep admiration and gratitude that we reflect upon his significant contribution to the digital age and the exceptional vigor with which he lived life. Prof. Kobayashi’s vision and belief for FUTI will remain and live on. In this time of sorrow, we would like to turn our feelings of grief into encouragement and hope. He will be remembered forever in our hearts and prayers.
