End-of-Year party hosted by the FUTI Alumni Association
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
FUTI President Ojima’s visit to UTokyo and Ito Foundation strengthens bonds with partners
A three-week sojourn in Japan presented an excellent opportunity for FUTI President Ojima to engage with important partners and express gratitude to them. Beyond lectures and laboratory visits at the University of Tokyo, RIKEN and others, a primary goal for the President was to reconnect with key partners and convey gratitude for their unwavering support. Unfortunately, due to scheduling constraints, a planned visit to Shin-Etsu Chemical could not materialize. FUTI is grateful to Senior Director Asuka Sakai, Division for External Relations, UTokyo for her instrumental role in coordinating and facilitating various meetings. Meeting with President Fujii and Executive Vice President Tsuda of UTokyo In the afternoon of October 24, President Ojima had a meeting with UTokyo President Teruo Fujii in the President’s Reception Room together with Executive Vice President Atsushi Tsuda (FUTI Director) and Dr. Shigenori Matsushita (FUTI Director). President Ojima expressed deep gratitude to UTokyo for its efforts in co-hosting the memorial service of the late Professor Hisashi Kobayashi, a former FUTI President. President Ojima reported on the establishment of the “Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship,” which supported one student during the transitional period last year but grew to provide scholarships to five students this year as a result of the substantial donations from the UTokyo New York Office (NYO). The ensuing discussions covered a range of topics including the radiant accomplishments of numerous scholarship recipients and the resumption of the “FUTI Travel Award” for the current fiscal year. President Fujii commended the contributions of FUTI and gave glowing praise and admiration to the esteemed members of FUTI who work tirelessly on a volunteer basis. In a discussion regarding the future direction of the NYO, UTokyo’s hope was to assess the current state and further develop its use such as for joint research projects between UTokyo and US universities. When asked whether NYO would be used for promoting projects collaborating in the US through the “University of Tokyo Edge Capital,” a venture capital firm that started at UTokyo and actively promotes domestic startups that originate at UTokyo, the response was that UTokyo’s current plan is to go through a separate corporation in the case of expansion into the US. After the meeting with President Fujii, discussions continued with leaders of External Relations at the subsequent meeting in the adjacent Vice President’s Reception Room, including Vice President Tsuda, Mr. Hiroshi Hirano (Director), Ms. Yasumi Tezuka, (Manager) and Ms. Ikue Shiraishi (Associate Director) and Senior Director Asuka Sakai. Director Hirano and Ms. Tezuka are invaluable supporters to FUTI as they set up the FUTI booth at the annual Study Abroad Fair at UTokyo. Thus, Director Matsushita and President Ojima expressed sincere appreciations for their support. Discussions covered various topics in a cozy atmosphere, including a new organization, GlobE (Center for Global Education globe.u-tokyo.ac.jp). GlobE was launched in April this year as the “university-wide platform for globalized education”, and Vice President and Director of the Global Education Center, Professor Yujin Yaguchi, is central to the program. In addition to the existing system supporting study abroad programs, 24 “Global Liberal Arts Courses” relating to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are offered in English by 30 or so specially appointed lecturers and professors. The program is open to sophomores and above who have already decided on their major, graduate students, and exchange students, and providing credit for the courses will be decided by each department on a case-by-case basis. Meeting with Mr. Hsun Kwei Chou In the evening of October 24, Dr. Chou and his wife (of “Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship”) and their daughter (Ms. Trina Whiteley) came to the Ito International Research Center to receive an award from UTokyo for their significant contribution to the University. Thanks to arrangements made by Senior Director Sakai, President Ojima and Director Matsushita were able to meet with them before the award ceremony. Director Mishima (Director, External Relations) also joined the meeting. Despite his advanced age of 87, Dr. Chou was in good health and looked happy with his family. At this meeting, President Ojima expressed his deepest appreciation for the “Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship” which was established using a portion of their generous donation to the NYO, providing scholarships to five recipients this year. Dr. Chou was delighted that the donation is being put to good use and asked for FUTI’s continued support. Dr. Chou graduated from the Tokyo Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and then went on to the University of Tokyo Graduate School, where he received a Ph.D. degree in engineering. Then, he made the foundation of his successful career at Stanford University. He is well known as a serial entrepreneur and investor, and as an avid philanthropist has donated a great deal mainly to education. When asked about the secret to his continued success, Dr. Chou said, “I have never started a business in a field that I know.” This statement clearly indicates his courage and exceptional talent to sense opportunities and invest in and help forge new businesses. Dr. Chou also said, “The future of Japan’s semiconductor business is promising. This is because Japan is a rarity in the world in that it has everything domestically available, including design, manufacturing, and application, as well as materials and facilities.” The meeting with Dr. and Mrs. Chou and their daughter went in very warm atmosphere, which is reflected nicely in a group photo. Ito Foundation In the morning of October 30, President Ojima, Director Matsushita, Advisory Committee Member, Professor Miwako Hosoda, and UTokyo Senior Director Sakai, visited the Ito Foundation. The Foundation supports Japanese high school students through four years of college, some through graduate school. Its US counterpart, ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A., sponsors the “ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A. – FUTI Scholarship” for Japanese students studying in the US. Both foundations were established with assets in Japan and the US of the late Mr. Masatoshi Ito, former Honorary Chairman and Founder of Seven & i Holdings Co. With the passing of Mr. Masatoshi
Dialogue with Yukio Tanaka: “Reflection of a World Bank Professional on the Changing World and Japan”
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.
Lecture by Dr. Yuichi Shimada: “Interacting with Doctors in the US: From the Viewpoint of a Practicing Clinician”
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.”
New Appointments to the FUTI Advisory Committee
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.
FUTI Spring Campaign
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…
The Status of 2023 Scholarships
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.
FUTI Scholarship Recipient, Ayu Yoneda, Selected as an Astronaut Candidate by JAXA
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!”
UTokyo Vice-President Atsushi Tsuda Gives Talk Titled “University of Tokyo and Athletics: How Can Sports ‘Improve’ the Entire University?”
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.
Launch of Quantum Partnership between UTokyo-UChicago-IBM, and UTokyo-UChicago-Google
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.”