Category: Newsletter 30

FUTI has recently begun accepting scholarship applications for 2024. Information is available at friendsofutokyo.org/scholarships-grants. The scholarships are offered to qualified students of UTokyo aspiring to study in universities in the U.S. and to students at universities in the U.S. interested in studying at UTokyo, regardless of nationality. Short-term studies are awarded with funding made available through the Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship and the FUTI Global Leadership Award programs. However, an applicant need only submit their application through a single portal. FUTI prepares one set of procedures for application, criteria, selection, and awarding, and will notify recipients as to which scholarship will be awarded after assessing the best fit to fulfill the focus of each scholarship. The Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship, administered by Friends of UTokyo, Inc. (FUTI) is funded by a generous donation made to the University of Tokyo New York Office (UTokyoNY) by Dr. Hsun Kwei Chou and Mrs. Aiko Takizawa Chou. The FUTI Scholarship is funded by three sources: Donations from Shintech Inc., which is the US subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd; donations from the UTokyo New York Office called UTokyoNY; and donations from UTokyo alumni and individual supporters of FUTI. There are several scholarships in the mid- to long-term studies category including the ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A.-FUTI Scholarship, IF Ikuei Scholarship, Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship, and the FUTI Scholarship. As in the case of the scholarships for short-term studies, FUTI prepares one set of procedures for application, criteria, selection, and awarding. The ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A. was established in the US by its founder and chairman, Mr. Masatoshi Ito, who is the honorary chairman of Seven and i Holdings Co. He is also the founder and chairman of the Ito Scholarship Foundation which has a long history in Japan of supporting an extensive range of students with scholarships for their studies. We welcome applications from interested students.

The 2023-2024 FUTI Campaign is underway! Since the inception of Friends of UTokyo, Inc. in 2007, 272 scholarships have been awarded to support University of Tokyo students to study in the US and US university students to study at UTokyo. These study abroad experiences, whether it be a few weeks participating in a summer internship or a long-term endeavor to obtain a degree, have made a valuable impact on the students’ lives. Students express their gratitude for the scholarship in their reports, often indicating that they would not have been able to afford the study abroad without the scholarship. FUTI’s scholarship programs are made possible through the generous donations from UTokyo alumni and other supporters of Friends of UTokyo who believe in its mission to support the global leaders of tomorrow. Click here to view the greetings from President Iwao Ojima and Vice-President Junji Takegami, and select scholarship recipients’ experiences. For more information and to donate, please visit friendsofutokyo.org/donate.

FUTI has for years encouraged exchange between the University of Tokyo and universities in the US through scholarships supporting short-term study abroad programs and mid- to long-term studies. Now, FUTI proudly announces a new initiative, the FUTI Travel Award for Early-stage Scholars holding positions at the University of Tokyo. Non-tenured, early-stage scholars at the University of Tokyo are encouraged to apply and to spread the word of this award. Undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows are not eligible. For more information, please visit friendsofutokyo.org/ futitravelaward

The annual online gathering for mid- to long-term scholarship recipients took place on December 9, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET. The purpose of the meeting was to encourage a friendly and informal exchange/sharing of experiences and opinions among awardees as well as with representatives of donor foundations and FUTI/UTokyo members. At the meeting, 2023-2024 award recipients were joined by: Hidekazu Fujioka, Executive Director of Ito Foundation and ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A.; Asako Yamamoto, Administrator of Ito Foundation and ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A.; Asuka Sakai, Senior Director of UTokyo Division of External Relations; Yuichiro Kuwama, FUTI Vice President and CFO; Yuki Haba, President of FUTI Alumni Association; Eri Furusawa, FUTI Advisory Committee member, and members of the FUTI Scholarship Committee (Nobuko Sakurai, Miwako Hosoda, Shohei Koide, Shig Matsushita, Iwao Ojima, Masako Osako, and Junji Takegami). Nobuko Sakurai, FUTI Scholarship Committee Chair, led the meeting and began with a brief greeting, thanking all for attending the meeting. Iwao Ojima, FUTI President and CEO, gave a brief introduction on the format of the meeting and welcomed Executive Director Fujioka and Ms. Yamamoto of Ito Foundation/ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A.  Mr. Fujioka, who was appointed executive director of the Ito Foundation and ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A. as of September of this year. introduced himself, speaking of the many years of management work in the airline industry prior to his appointment at the Foundation, and how rewarding the last several months have been for him working with students and researchers. He briefly outlined the work of the Foundation and in anticipation of its 30th anniversary next year, he committed that founder Masatoshi Ito’s legacy providing sustainable support to students and researchers will live on.  The meeting proceeded with short presentations by each of the scholarship recipients followed by a lively question and answer session. They discussed challenges, inspirations, and a sense of satisfaction in studying in the US. Selected quotes are given below. [A UTokyo graduate student studying at Princeton]  “My time at Princeton gave me many opportunities to work with celebrated scholars in physics, visit other universities, and build connections in the US. Although I will return to Japan in January, I plan to continue the collaborations in the US. After my anticipated completion of the  PhD degree in September of next year, I hope to get a postdoc position in the US.” [A UTokyo graduate student studying International Public Policy at Columbia University]  “Currently I am studying gender and its intersection with public policy. My studies are about how gender is integrated or present in all domains of life and how it can be made visible. SIPA at Columbia is one of the rare schools in the world that has a program dedicated to gender and public policy. I have been taking courses on gender mainstreaming and global affairs and reproductive health policies where I did a comparative study about different reproductive policies across the world and their intentions. “ [A UTokyo graduate student in economics studying at Harvard]  “My decision to come to the US was based on two challenges I faced when doing research in Japan, one of which was data scarcity in Japan due to bureaucratic obstacles. Because of data scarcity, one must depend on small scale, non-administrative data or simulation-based data which leads to small data biases or results that do not reflect actual reality. The other challenge I faced was that my advisor at UTokyo was retiring and he was one of very few people in Japan who was able to advise me on the method I was developing which is the non-parametric method where statistical assumptions are relaxed in order to provide inference based on data. At Harvard, I am able to overcome these challenges because of ample availability and access to data, and access to human resources. FUTI Alumni Association president and past FUTI scholarship recipient, Yuki Haba, concluded the meeting by thanking the recipients for their interesting presentations and expressed that he is looking forward to meeting them in person at the year-end gathering the next day, noting that the connection between scholarship recipients, board members, and advisory committee has become an important part of being a Friends of UTokyo scholarship recipient. Note: Reports submitted to FUTI by scholarship students can be found on the FUTI Recipient Roster page.

[With the permission of the UTokyo NY office, we are pleased to include this article here which originally appeared on the UTokyo NY Office website.] In a groundbreaking two-day symposium held on December 14 and 15, 2023, the University of Tokyo B’AI Global Forum delved into the profound implications of AI technology in higher education. Hosted at the UTokyo New York Office with support from the Institute for AI and Beyond and the UTokyo New York Office, the event was live-streamed via webinar. The video recordings will soon be accessible on the B’AI Global Forum website.  On Tuesday, December 14, Professor Yuko Itatsu, from the Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies (GSII) at the University of Tokyo, set the stage. She provided insights into the B’AI Global Forum and introduced the distinguished speakers. In her opening remarks, Professor Itatsu emphasized the critical examination required to understand how AI shapes university curriculum design, influences educators, and necessitates ethical, inclusive usage.  Following this, Associate Professor Ai Hisano, from the GSII, presented a detailed overview of the newly published book, AI kara yomitoku shakai: Kenryoku-ka suru saishin gijutsu [Understanding AI in society: How technology exerts power] (University of Tokyo Press, 2023). Co-edited by B’AI Global Forum, Yuko Itatsu, and Ai Hisano, the book explores cross-disciplinary topics related to AI, emphasizing its societal impact. The discussion laid the groundwork for the symposium’s subsequent conversations.  The event featured presentations from Professor Lauren Goodlad at Rutgers University and Associate Professor Julia Stoyanovich at New York University. Unfortunately, Senior Lecturer Alexander Gil from Yale University, originally slated to speak, could not attend due to health concerns.  Professor Goodlad, who specializes in English literature and serves as the editor-in-chief of the academic journal Critical AI, the first volume of which was published this October, shared insights on “Critical AI Literacies, Critical AI Studies, and Design Justice Labs.” She underscored the limitations of AI, emphasizing the importance of teaching students to critically evaluate sources and analyze information from diverse perspectives. She also highlighted the integration of AI systems into global capitalism by citing instances such as potential errors and reinforcement of stereotypes in image labeling with AI and the creation of harmful labels, including violent representations, by workers in the Global South, contributing to the expansion of so-called digital sweatshops. The next speaker, Associate Professor Stoyanovich specializes in Computer Science and is the director of the Center for Responsible AI at New York University. In her talk, “Responsible AI (in teaching & learning),” she discussed the benefits of AI while highlighting the significance of understanding that machines make mistakes. She emphasized the potential harm AI mistakes can cause, using examples such as self-driving cars, and the cumulative impact of biases and hate speech. It is hence crucial, stressed Professor Stoyanovich, that we humans retain full agency and keep control over AI.  A panel discussion, moderated by Professor Itatsu, followed the presentations. The panel included the aforementioned speakers and Professor Yujin Yaguchi, Vice President of the University of Tokyo. They tackled diverse issues, ranging from the rising interest in AI-based English education to potential marginalization of women and minorities by AI. The discussion emphasized the need for cross-disciplinary dialogue on sustainable use of AI and the challenges of meaningful interdisciplinary communication.  Professor Kaori Hayashi, Executive Vice President of the University of Tokyo, delivered closing remarks on the first day. She urged a critical examination of AI norms and structures, advocating for a reevaluation of AI use on micro, meso, and macro levels.  On Friday, December 15, educational consultant Anna Esaki-Smith moderated a conversation between Professor Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo, and Professor Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University. The discussion ranged from general higher education topics to preparintg for AI technology, including how students should be mentored, what kind of guidance they should receive, and the impact of AI on their choice of major and research topics. Both speakers stressed the importance of being vigilant about AI-generated misinformation, biases, and the role of learning beyond the classroom. Moreover, they underscored the pivotal role that business could play due to the substantial need for data and financial resources in the utilization of AI. Emphasizing that business invovelment could generate both tensions and new possibilities, they delved into the dynamic landscape of AI implementation.  During the Q&A session, the audience sought insights on using AI for education to reduce the teaching load for university faculty and ensuring inclusivity in AI use. The discussion emphasized the need for universities to cater not only to current students but also to those engaged in lifelong learning. The importance of embracing a diverse student body and meeting individual needs was also highlighted.  Professor Hayashi concluded the symposium with closing remarks, underscoring the significance of issues covered in the conversations. The dialogue between the presidents highlighted the necessity for higher education to integrate diverse disciplines into the curriculum and enforce AI governance. The symposium emerged as a pivotal platform for scholars from diverse backgrounds to explore the possibilities and tensions in higher education amidst the AI age.

The FUTI Alumni Association (FAA) hosted an End-of-Year Party on December 10th at the University of Tokyo New York Office for current and former Friends of UTokyo, Inc. (FUTI) award recipients, as well as its board members and advisory committee members. Sixteen FUTI scholarship recipients and alumni participated from six states, mainly on the East Coast, and gave presentations on their research and academic pursuits. Presentations by the students covered a wide range of topics, including astrophysics, gender studies, urban planning, international politics of war, global health, business startups, and climate research. There were lively discussions among participants from different fields. Seven people from the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee, including Vice President Kuwama, participated in the event. The exchange was very spirited, not only among the scholarship students but also with the FUTI directors and advisory committee members. I was particularly impressed that many of the students who participated talked about how valuable face-to-face and vibrant networking events like this are. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it had been three years since we held an in-person event as FAA. This gathering made us realize that there are things that can only be attained through in-person interaction. We would like to once again express our sincere gratitude to the students who participated, the members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee of FUTI, and the University of Tokyo New York Office for providing the facility. FAA continues to welcome suggestions from everyone regarding the future use of the alumni network. We plan to continue holding the FAA annual meeting in person. We also plan to hold events online in cooperation with other groups within FUTI, so please stay tuned. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact FUTIalumni [at] gmail.com. Yuki Haba, Ph.D.President, FUTI Alumni AssociationAdvisory Committee Member, Friends of UTokyo, Inc.Postdoctoral Associate, Harvard University

On July 28, 2023 (US Eastern Time) (July 29, Japan Time), an online dialogue with Yukio Tanaka, an alumnus of the University of Tokyo who works at the World Bank, was held. This event was organized by Friends of UTokyo, Inc. and Satsukikai America. The event was a great success, with a total of 30 participants from the United States and Japan, representing various backgrounds. (https://blogs.worldbank.org/team/yukio-tanaka) Mr. Tanaka currently holds the position of Senior Water Resources Specialist at the World Bank. Since 2017, he has been involved in World Bank projects in over 30 developing countries. During the dialogue, Mr. Tanaka presented on the following five topics using slides: ① the World Bank, ② the world seen through water issues, ③ sample case studies of World Bank projects, and ④ Japanese individuals venturing onto the global stage. Many participants expressed enthusiastic responses. Their comments included, “I was very inspired not only by the explanation of your specialty but also by your discussion of building an international career,” and “In Japan and the coastal areas of the United States, water resource shortage is not a familiar issue. The lecture was very easy to understand, even for a layperson like myself, and it deepened my understanding of the water resource problem that we need to address.” In the Q&A session that followed the dialogue, many individuals from diverse backgrounds who are active in both Japan and overseas participated, resulting in a meaningful exchange of opinions and questions. Here are some examples: Participant: Which regions around the world are experiencing water shortages? Tanaka: You can easily imagine the Middle East, but surprisingly, China and the United States are also regions where water shortages are a concern. Participant: What is the proportion of natural factors and human factors causing water shortages? Tanaka: Although it is difficult to pinpoint a definitive percentage to answer the question, population growth is a major contributing factor. Participant: Mr. Tanaka, please tell us your opinion regarding irrigated agriculture. Tanaka: Irrigated agriculture is not widely practiced in Africa, which is experiencing serious food shortages, even though this type of agriculture has the potential to significantly increase agricultural production. We believe it is important to create a viable system for areas where irrigated agriculture is not currently common, and this will be a challenge for the future. Participant: Is the use of desalinated seawater being considered in areas with water shortages? Tanaka: Seawater is used for agriculture in some part of the world like Spain. However, seawater desalination requires energy usage and is costly, so we believe there are still many issues to address regarding the use of seawater. Participant: What kind of mindset does someone who received education and worked in Japan need to have in order to have a fulfilling career in an international agency like the World Bank? Tanaka: When a person steps out of the comfort zone of a “homogeneous culture” like Japan to work at an international organization, it is essential for them to actively voice their opinions and make suggestions, rather than simply following what their superiors tell them. Additionally, rather than associating only with people who share similar values and backgrounds, it is important to embrace diversity (including race and gender). I don’t think the observation, “It is only over drinks that we can discuss really important issues,” is valid in the international community. Finally, Professor Atsushi Tsuda, Executive Vice President of the University of Tokyo, delivered the following closing remark: “I believe that we need to find ways to communicate to younger generations the importance of the issues Mr. Tanaka discussed in the second half of the event, including (1) the necessary qualifications for Japanese individuals to be effective on the global stage and (2) the creation of mechanisms to encourage challenge and change. I wholeheartedly wish continued success for Mr. Tanaka, who has built a successful career on the global stage, much like Mr. Shunsuke Mabuchi, who delivered a congratulatory address at the University of Tokyo’s matriculation ceremony this year.” In response, Mr. Tanaka concluded, “Today, I had the opportunity to interact online with a diverse group of people, from experienced senior professionals to energetic young individuals, and it was very stimulating for me. When I have conversations on similar themes with my usual acquaintances, we often arrive at already familiar observations and conclusions. In that sense, it was extremely valuable and refreshing for me to engage with people from different backgrounds in an event like this.” During the social gathering (“Konshinkai”) that followed, many participants remained and continued lively discussions. Author: Satsuki America Event Team (DC/New York) Note: The views expressed at the event represent those of the speaker and not necessarily those of the World Bank.

Friends of UTokyo Inc. (FUTI) hosted a lecture and social gathering with Dr. Yuichi Shimada, Associate Professor of Medicine at Columbia University on Friday, November 10, 2023 (U.S. Eastern Time, Saturday, November 11, Japan Standard Time). The topic of the lecture was “Interacting with Doctors in the US: From the Viewpoint of a Practicing Clinician”. Dr. Shimada discussed unique features of the medical/health care practice in the U.S. which was of great interest to the audience. His discussion included topics such as 1) the diversity of the MD’s specialty (e.g., primary doctors vs. specialty physicians) and hierarchy in the profession (e.g., interns, residents, attending physicians), 2) healthcare insurance systems, and 3) the role of language interpreters in the U.S. medical practice. Nearly 60 people have registered for the lecture. Their comments included: “The lecture was useful for understanding the complicated medical/healthcare system in the U.S.,” “I wish more Japanese people living in the U.S. could have known about this lecture,” and “In principle, medical interpreters are supposed to be available, if needed, at hospitals and physicians’ offices, but, in actual practice, they are not.” During the social gathering that followed the lecture, the participants were divided into three groups for casual exchanges. Group 1 was led by Dr. Shimada, while Group 2 was chaired by Dr. Yuichiro Kuwama, Vice President of FUTI and Director of the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Tokyo Marine Memorial Clinic. These two sessions discussed medical care in the US. Participants in Group 3 had a good time exchanging recent personal news and topics related to living in the U.S. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Shimada and everyone who supported this event. Organized by: Friends of the University of Tokyo (FUTI) Supported by: Satsuki-kai America, New York Icho-kai, University of Tokyo New York Office, Washington DC Area University of Tokyo Alumni Association, FUTI Alumni Association Brief biography of the lecturer： Yuichi Shimada, Associate Professor of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, USA Dr. Shimada graduated from the University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2007, where he received his U.S. medical license while still a student. After initial training at Asahi Chuo Hospital and the University of Tokyo Hospital, he worked as a resident and chief resident in internal medicine at Beth Israel Hospital. From 2012, he was a specialist resident in cardiology at Harvard University Brigham and Women’s Hospital; from 2015, he was an instructor in cardiovascular medicine at Harvard University Massachusetts General Hospital; and in 2017 was appointed Associate Professor of Cardiology at Columbia University Medical Center. On the research front, he received his Master of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2014 alongside his clinical training, and as the head of a research laboratory since 2021, he has been a recipient of multiple research grants (R01 grants) from the NIH. He is the author of “All About Studying Medicine in the United States” and “All About Studying Medicine Abroad.”

At the Board meeting held on September 30, 2023, the following new officers were appointed: Member of Advisory Committee: Ms. Eri Furusawa, Dr. Yuki Haba, Mr. Yasushi Ono Ex Officio member of Advisory Committee: Mr. Yukio Tanaka (DC UT-Alumni) Appointments of all the Board members and the current Advisory Committee were renewed for one year. For more information on the officers, please visit our website’s About Us page.