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Back Number Apr2004~2005


 FY2007  FY2006  FY2005  FY2004
(The back numbers contain the topics from April of that year until March of the next year.)



Mar 29,2005
Professor Tamura has been elected as the next Director of the International Center

Center for Student Exchange Executive Board has been elected Professor Takeshi Tamura, the Graduate School of Engineering, as the next Director of the International Center.
 The website of the International Center    

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Mar 25,2005
Vice-President Matsushige nominated as the first Director-General of the International Innovation Organization and vice-president

President Oike nominated Dr. Kazumi Matsushige, a professor of Graduate School of Engineering, as the first Director-General of the International Innovation Organization and Vice-President. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.

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Mar 25,2005
Professor Matsuyama nominated as the first Director-General of the Institute for Information Management and Communication

President Oike nominated Dr. Takashi Matsuyama, a professor of the Graduate school of Informatics, as the first Director-General of the Institute for Information Management and Communication. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.

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Mar 25,2005
Professor Onishi nominated as the first Director-General of the Library Network

President Oike nominated Dr. Yuzo Onishi, a professor of the Graduate school of Engineering, as the first Director-General of the Library Network. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.

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Mar 25,2005
Professor Oshima nominated as the Director-General of the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management Organization

President Oike nominated Dr. Koichiro Oshima, a professor of the Graduate school of Engineering, as the first Director-General of the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management Organization. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.

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Mar 4,2005
Overseas Students Trip

The Foreign Student Division went on a trip to Kyushu from the 1st to the 3th of March.
The trip was for overseas students who had commenced their studies after March 1st, 2004. There were 77 people in the group comprised of 71 overseas students from 33 different countries, 4 Japanese tutors, one member from the Foreign Student Division and one staff member from the Public Relations Division. We all assembled at 7 o'clock in the evening around the Clock Tower and traveled by bus to the port of Kobe. There we joined up with the director of the Center for Student Exchange and took an overnight ferry heading for Kyushu.

The next morning we traveled again by bus from Beppu Harbor in Oita Prefecture and visited firstly the blood red Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond of Hell) and the blue Umijigoku (Sea of Hell). At the Chinoike Jigoku some of the students first went to the footbath at the side of the pond. After that we visited the Nakadake crater and the Volcano Museum that shows the history of Aso. Nakadake shows its power by spewing out volcanic smoke and many of the students took photographs to remember their trip. That night we had a Japanese style party and after enjoying some Japanese food and karaoke, ended the evening with "ippon-jime" (a single clap).

On the third and final day we visited Kumamoto Castle and the Fukuoka Tower, before getting on the road back to Kyoto via the Shinkansen.

This trip provided an excellent opportunity for those students who haven't been in Japan long to make some friends, and the opportunities to experience things like the ferry, the Shinkansen, Japanese bathrobes and hot springs were significant. It was great that such excellent student tutors participated and actually, this trip would not have been a success without their cooperation. Many students said that they would like to have trips like this in the future, but there are some issues to deal with such as the number of people who would be involved, the budget, and the issue of getting Japanese students to participate too.
 Photograph 1      Photograph 2      Photograph 3

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Feb 18,2005
Professor Makino has been elected as the next Director of the International Innovation Center

The International Innovation Center Executive Board has been elected Professor Keisuke Makino (biotechnology) as the next Director of the International Innovation Center. The term is for one year, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The website of the International Innovation Center

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Feb 17,2005
Professor Kim has been elected as the next Director of the Institute for Research in Humanities

The Institute for Research in Humanities Professors Council has been elected Professor Bumkyo Kim (Chinese literature) as the next Director of the Institute for Research in Humanities. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The website of the Institute for Research in Humanities

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Feb 17,2005
Professor Tanaka has been reelected as the next Director of the Field Science Education and Research Center

The Field Science Education and Research Center Executive Board has been reelected Professor Masaru Tanaka (marine organism resource study) as the next Director of the Field Science Education and Research Center. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Field Science Education and Research Center Website    

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Feb 16,2005
Professor Isozumi has been reelected as the next Director of the Radioisotope Research Center

The Radioisotope Research Center committee has been reelected Professor Yasuhito Isozumi (atom, atomic nucleus physics, and radiation measurement study) as the next Director of the Radioisotope Research Center. The term is for one year, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Radioisotope Research Center Website    

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Feb 15,2005
Professor Okada has been nominated as the next Director of the Counseling Center (Reappointment)

President Kazuo Oike has been nominated Professor Yasunobu Okada (character psychology and psychotherapy and sand play technique) as the next Director of the Counseling Center. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Counseling Center Website    

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Feb 10,2005
Professor Kitamura has been elected as the next Dean of the Faculty of Science and the Graduate School of Science

The Faculty of Science and the Graduate School of Science Professors Council has been elected Professor Masao Kitamura (mineralogy) as the next Dean of the Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Science. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Graduate School of Science Website    

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Feb 10,2005
Professor Yoshikawa has been elected as the next Director of the Graduate School of Energy Science

The Graduate School of Energy Science Professors Council has been elected Professor Hidekazu Yoshikawa (energy informatics) as the next Director of the Graduate School of Energy Science. The term is for one year, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Graduate School of Energy Science Website    

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Feb 10,2005
Professor Kawada has been elected as the next Director of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute

The Disaster Prevention Research Institute Professors Council has been elected Professor Yoshiaki Kawada (disaster prevention system) as the next Director of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Disaster Prevention Research Institute Website    

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Feb 10,2005
Professor Oshima has been elected as the next Director of the Environment Preservation Center

The Environment Preservation Center Executive Board has been elected Professor Koichiro Oshima (synthetic organic chemistry) as the next Director of the Environment Preservation Center. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Environment Preservation Center Website (Japanese only)    

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Feb 10,2005
Professor Uchiyama has been elected as the next Director of the University Hospital

The Graduate School of Medicine Professors Council has been elected Professor Takashi Uchiyama (hematology, tumor study, immunology, and virology) as the next Director of the University Hospital. The term is for three years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The University Hospital Website    

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Feb 9,2005
Professor Shigehara reelected as the next Director of the Primate Research Institute

The Primate Research Institute Executive Board reelected Professor Nobuo Shigehara (physical anthropology) as the next Director of the Primate Research Institute. The term is for one year, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Primate Research Institute Website    

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Feb 9,2005
Professor Ogushi has been elected as the next Director of the Center for Ecological Research

The Center for Ecological Research has been elected Professor Takayuki Ogushi (land region interaction ecology) as the next Director of the Center for Ecological Research. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Center for Ecological Research    

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Feb 8,2005
Professor Kawamura reelected as the next Director of the Center for Student Health

The Health hygiene committee reelected Professor Takashi Kawamura (internal medicine department study, epidemiology) as the next Director of the Center for Student Health. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Center for Student Health Website    

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Jan 28,2005
Professor Takahashi reelected as Director of the Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences

The Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences Executive Board reelected Professor Yoichiro Takahashi (researches probability, dynamical systems) as the next Director of the Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences Website    

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Jan 27,2005
Professor Kamon has been elected as the next Director of the Hall of Global Environmental Research and the School of Global Environmental Studies

The Global Environmental Research Professors Council has been elected Professor Masashi Kamon (environmental geotechnics) as the next Director for the Hall of Global Environmental Research and the School of Global Environmental Studies. The term is for two years, starting on April 1, 2005.
 The Hall of Global Environmental Research / School of Global Environmental Studies Website    

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Jan 25,2005
Announcement about the industry-university-government cooperation between Kyoto University and Tsinghua University

The International Innovation Center exchanged a memorandum about industry-university-government cooperation with Tsinghua University International Technology-Transfer Center in Beijing last November and has been discussing the details of the cooperation. Recently, a party including Tsinghua University International Technology-Transfer Center Director and Tsinghua Holdings President Song Jun visited Kyoto University. The Director of the International Innovation Center, Prof. Matsushige, together with President Song Jun, released a general outline of this project, such as forming an organization for municipality/industry cooperation with both universities at the core, and setting up a liaison office in both universities during the summer of 2005.
 Photograph      News release page(Japanese only)      International Innovation Center Website

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Jan 6,2005
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research awarded for "Investigating the overall picture of the Earthquake-Tsunami Disaster off the coast of Sumatra Island"

The research project submitted to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology was "Investigating the overall event of the Earthquake-Tsunami Disaster off the coast of Sumatra Island in December, 2004" by the Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute. The research received ,500,000 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (special grant for research promotion).
 News release page(Japanese only)      Disaster Prevention Research Institute Website    

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Dec 21,2004
"Reception for foreign researchers" held

A "Reception for foreign researchers" was held at the Clock Tower Centennial Hall and the International Exchange Hall, Kyoto University. This event was sponsored by the President for foreign researchers involved in education and research, President,Vice-President,Dean and the staff of the university in order to socialize. There were about 300 participants. At the reception, after the greeting by the President, visiting professor Susan Hanley of the Institute for Research in Humanities gave a speech, representing the foreign researchers. The speech, with a sense of humor, told stories such as, "it has been 40 years since I visited Kyoto University and I am surprised at the improvement of the campus amenity." After Vice-President Irikura gave the toast, the crowd was filled with laughter and everybody had a nice time socializing.
 Photograph    

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Dec 16,2004
"Let's Make Rice Cakes !"Student Lounge 'KI-ZU-NA' monthly event : December

Participants in this event were 27 students, Dr.Tamura, Director of The Center for Student Exchange, teachers of the center, and staffs of Foreign Student Division.
They enjoyed mochi pounding and tasting freshly made rice cakes with a variety of tasty sauces.
 Photograph    

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Dec 16,2004
Event "Mochi-Tsuki shimashou! (Let's make mochi!)" held by the exchange student lounge "Kizuna"

An event "Mochi-Tsuki shimashou! (Let's make mochi!)" was held at the exchange student lounge "Kizuna". Twenty-seven Japanese / foreign exchange students, Mr. Tamura (head of the Exchange Student Center), faculty of the Center for Student Exchange, and staff of the Foreign Student Division gathered at this event, held on the terrace next to "Kizuna". They enjoyed the event by experiencing mochi-tsuki and eating mochi with toppings such as anko or kinako.
 Photograph    

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Dec 16,2004
Event "Mochi-Tsuki shimashou! (Let's make mochi!)" held by the exchange student lounge "Kizuna"

An event "Mochi-Tsuki shimashou! (Let's make mochi!)" was held at the exchange student lounge "Kizuna". Twenty-seven Japanese / foreign exchange students, Mr. Tamura (head of the Exchange Student Center), faculty of the Center for Student Exchange, and staff of the Foreign Student Division gathered at this event, held on the terrace next to "Kizuna". They enjoyed the event by experiencing mochi-tsuki and eating mochi with toppings such as anko or kinako.
 Photograph    

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Dec 6,2004
Opening ceremony held for the convenience store "Natural Lawson Selection Kyoto University Store"

An opening ceremony was held for the completion of the first convenience store built within a national university, located on the ground floor of the Yoshida South Comprehensive Hall, Northern Wing within the Yoshida Southern Grounds. During the ceremony, the store opened after greetings by President Oike and Lawson Kinki Branch President Shinozaki, as well as a tape cut by President Oike, Vice-President Homma, Vice-President Maruyama, Dean of the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies Professor Tomita, a student representative, Lawson Kinki Branch President Shinozaki, etc. After the opening, the store was busy with ceremony participants, media reporters, and students already there to shop.
 Photograph      Business Hours, Guide to Services(Japanese only)    

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Nov 25,2004
Area Lecture Held by Kyoto University in Gifu

The annual area lecture series was held at a hotel in Gifu City with the assistance of Gifu Kyoto University Alumni Association, "Rakuyu-kai". This lecture is the 12th of its series since it started at the Centennial Anniversary of Foundation Memorial Lecture in 1997. The lecture hall was a full house with an audience of 240 people, including alumni, general public, university students, high school students, etc. President Oike gave a greeting speech titled "Kyoto University Today", introducing their education, research, international exchange, student activities, etc. After the opening speech, Director of the Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences Dr. Norio Nakatsuji gave a lecture, titled "Regenerative Medicine and Embryonic Stem Cells". He told stories about the struggles to establish human embryonic stem cells for the first time in Japan and explained the character of this cell and related ethical issues. During the Q & A session there were many questions from the audience that anticipated the realization of treatments by human embryonic stem cells, such as how many more years would it take to treat difficult-to-cure diseases by applying this technique.
 Photograph      Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences Website      Link to the Alumni Association(Japanese only)

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Nov 23,2004
Forty Sixth Kyoto University November Festival

The annual November Festival (the campus festival) was held at Yoshida Campus from November 19th (Friday) to 23rd (Tuesday, national holiday). (19th was the festival eve.) The common theme this year is "You lean forward when you fall." Beginning with the festival eve held at Yoshida southern compound on the 19th (Friday), there were various events such as lectures, colorful refreshment stands / flea market, etc.
 Photograph 1 (festival eve)      Photograph 2      Official website of the 46th Kyoto University November Festival(Japanese only)

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Nov 10,2004
Event "Kyoto University IIC Fair 2004 ~ The use of Kyoto University Knowledge~"

The International Innovation Center, which is the window to industry-university cooperation for Kyoto University, held a Kyodai IIC Fair at the Clock Tower Centennial Hall on November 10th, 2004. This fair is a meeting opportunity for people who work for the industry and Kyoto University researchers. During the seeds presentation, faculty members who represent their laboratory introduced research seeds that could be collaborated on with the industry. Additionally, during the industry-university exchange party, there were many poster displays and all of the fair participants and seeds- providing faculty members were given a chance to discuss matters in person. There were 185 participants at the site and lively discussions with the researchers could be seen.
 Photograph    

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Nov 9,2004
The Kyoto Prize 20th Anniversary Forum held

The Kyoto Prize 20th anniversary forum "Future of Mankind and Science" jointly sponsored by Inamori Foundation and Kyoto University was held at the Clock Tower Centennial Hall. During this Memorial Forum, in the morning President Oike and President Inamori of the Inamori Foundation gave the opening speech. After the opening speech, Dr. Sydney Brenner, receiver of the 6th Kyoto Prize and the Nobel Prize, gave a lecture titled "Mechanism of the Complexity of Living Matter", followed by Dr. John McCarthy, receiver of the 4th Kyoto Prize, who gave a lecture titled "Web – the Earlier Vision, the Current Status, and the Grand Future". In the afternoon, a panel discussion, titled "A Scientific Technology and Sustainable Society" was led by Institute of Economic Research Director Takamitsu Sawa. Six panelists animatedly discussed the role of scientific technology researchers from the panelists' point of view. The audience of about 400 took notes and listened earnestly.
 Photograph      The Inamori Foundation Website    

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Nov 2,2004
Kyoto University Study Abroad Fair 2004

At Kyoto University, a Study Abroad Fair was held at the Clock Tower Centennial Hall for the first time to support study abroad efforts by undergraduate / graduate students. There were more than about 900 participants, including Kyoto University students, and neighboring university undergraduate / graduate students. During the orientation, President Oike gave a greeting speech saying, "It is important to have an international perspective from now on." After the speech, two upperclassmen, Ms. Miyamoto Chiyoko (Faculty of Agriculture) and Mr. Katayama Naoki (Faculty of Law), spoke about what they gained during their study abroad experiences and showed some photographs. In the International Conference Hall on the second floor, many students visited the 18 study abroad counseling booths, such as Japan-U.S. Educational Commission, British Council, Japan-Italy Cultural Center of Kyoto, Goethe-Institute (German Cultural Institute), Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Osaka, Japan & Korea Friendship Corporation, Institut Franco-Japonais du Kansai (French-Japanese Institute of Kansai), etc.
 Photograph      Greeting by President Oike(Japanese only)    

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Nov 1,2004
An appreciation fellowship held for Mr. and Mrs. Naonori Sano who donated the Sano Scholarship.

The Sano Scholarship was started in 1978 for South East Asian foreign students to study at this University. The Scholarship has been managed with the hope to help deepen international ties through scholarship assistance. The funds are provided by Professor Naonori Sano's personal donations. There have been more than 200 foreign students welcomed to this University by this scholarship. An appreciation fellowship was held for Mr. and Mrs. Sano, and President Oike, Vice-President Higashiyama, Vice-President Irikura, Dean of Graduate School of Medicine Professor Narumia, Center for Student Exchange Director Tamura, and other related faculty members, and foreign students currently supported by this scholarship were present. At the appreciation fellowship, after President Oike addressed his gratitude, foreign students were introduced. Each of them thanked Mr. Sano and shared their dream. Mr. Sano gave his encouragement to the foreign students and at the end of the fellowship foreign students presented Mr. and Mrs. Sano with a bouquet of flowers.
 Photograph      Address of Gratitude by President Oike(Japanese omly)    

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Oct 14,2004
The 40th Anniversary Ceremony of the foundation of the Kamitakara Observatory of the Research Center for Earthquake Prediction, Disaster Prevention Research Institute was held

On October 14, 2004, a 40th anniversary ceremony for the Kamitakara Observatory of the Research Center for Earthquake Prediction, Disaster Prevention Research Institute was held. The ceremony venue was at the Kamitakara Village Hall, Yoshiki Gun, Gifu Prefecture. About sixty people showed up, including President Oike, staff of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kwasan and Hida Observatories of Graduate School of Science, and local staff.
The following day, President Oike visited the Hida Observatories of Graduate School of Science and observed the Solar Magnetic Activity Research Telescope (SMART), the largest of its kind in the world, installed in 2003.
 Photograph 1      Photograph 2      Disaster Prevention Research Institute Website

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Sep 14,2004
A new Contribution Field established for the Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences

The Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences announced that a Contribution Field "Department of morphoregulation" will be set up for four years, starting October 1st, 2004. This contributed field department focuses on the mechanism analysis and control study of tissue morphology formation by using epimorphin, which stimulates epithelialmorphogenesis in a wide variety of organs.
 General Information on Contribution Field(Japanese only)      Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences Website    

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Aug 31,2004
Institute of Economic Research renewed the Installation Period of Contribution Research Section

At the Institute of Economic Research, the contribution research section "Research Section for Applications of Financial Engineering (Nomura Security Group)" was established in October 1st, 2001 to accelerate research on high-level financial engineering and its applications to businesses (with a 3 year limit). Recently it was decided to continue research for another 3 years and renew the establishment of the contribution research section.
 Contribution Research Section Renewal Summary(Japanese only)      Contribution Research Section Website    

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Aug 25,2004
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Secretary General Courtesy Visit

Lawrence Loh, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Secretary General (Singapore University President Assistant), and Carol Lee, the Association Secretariat Program Manager made a courtesy visit. They talked with Vice-President Irikura, International Affairs Committee Chairman Endo, and International Affairs Committee International University Association Subcommittee Chairman Takeyasu. After their meeting, the two guests visited the Historical Exhibition Room of the Clock Tower Centennial Hall.
 Photograph      APRU Website    

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Aug 18,2004
The "Day to Feel" Kyoto University Open Campus 2004

About 7,000 people, including high school students and parents, visited Kyoto University during August 17th and 18th Open Campus 2004, the "Day to Feel". The Clock Tower Centennial Hall was the main venue where Vice President Higashiyama gave a welcome speech, President Oike gave a speech titled "For those who aspire to enter Kyoto University", cheerleaders performed, and currently enrolled students sent their message. Additionally, there were information booths of different kinds, simulated lectures sponsored by each department, visits to laboratories, campus tours by student volunteers, and the library, the Kyoto University Museum, the Historical Exhibition Room in the Clock Tower Centennial Hall were open to the public. It sure was a "Day to Feel" Kyoto University for the high school students who participated.
 Photograph (Main venue)      Photograph (Briefing session by each department)      Admission Guide to Kyoto University(Japanese only)

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July 26,2004
"The First KAGI21 International Summer School on the Active Geosphere"Takes Place in Indonesia

The Kyoto University Active Geosphere Investigations for the 21st Century COE Program (KAGI21) held the "First KAGI21 International Summer School on the Active Geosphere" at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), in Indonesia from 11-26 July, 2004. Six professors, seconded from Kyoto University, led 50 rising young researchers and post-graduate students from 13 countries in Asia and Oceania, including eight post-graduate students from Kyoto University. A series of lectures and practical studies on the theme of the "Active Geosphere" was held for six hours each day for two weeks. The students were then divided into three groups for advanced computer exercises at ITB and for field work at both the Kyoto University Equatorial Atmosphere Radar and at Merapi - one of the most famous volcanoes in Indonesia.

On July 17, the program held an open symposium in collaboration with the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Mineral Technology of ITB. Three emeritus professors from Kyoto University with demonstrated accomplishments in field research in the region were in attendance. Among them was Dr.Kazuo Oike, President of Kyoto University.
They took part in an interesting debate with top scientists from universities and research institutes in Indonesia regarding the science of the "Active Geosphere". Simultaneously, near
 Kyoto Univ.the 21st Century COE Program Elucidation of the Active Geosphere: from Asia and Oceania to the World    

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July 14,2004
The Graduate School of Economics signed a Cooperation Agreement for Overseas Cooperative Fields with Japan Bank For International Cooperative

Dean of the Graduate School of Economics, Professor Nishimura and Development Operation Director, Mr. Arakawa signed a cooperation agreement regarding overseas cooperative field and made a media announcement. This is the first time for Kyoto University to sign a comprehensive cooperative agreement with an internal or external aid organization. Through this agreement there are proposals, such as student internship at the bank, lectures at the university by the bank employees, participation in post evaluation for bank projects by the university professors, assistance of the bank for the Shanghai Center for Economic Research.
 Photograph      Materials Distributed at the Media announcement(Japanese only)      Shanghai Center for Economic Research Website

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May 26,2004
Media Commons opens on the 3rd floor of the Kyoto University Library

At the Kyoto University Library, "Media Commons" was completed for students and professors to relax and enjoy films and music. An open ceremony was held with the presence of Mr. Fumihiko Yokokawa, Vice Director of Pioneer Corporate Research and Development Laboratories, who donated a 50-inch plasma display, President Oike, Vice-Presidents Kinda and Honma, Auditor Hara, and other staff personnel. This "Media Commons" is open from 9:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 16:00 on weekends and holidays. Please call 075-753-2613 for more information.
 Photograph      Kyoto University Library (Japanese only)    

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May 25,2004
Foundation Day (June 18th) was set as a holiday

The Kyoto University Board of Directors decided and announced that June 18th be the Foundation Day and a university holiday. Kyoto University Hospital will operate as usual this year. Additionally, facilities open to the public such as Kyoto University Museum will be open as usual.

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May 25,2004
Welcome Party for Newly Enrolled Foreign Students

A welcome party sponsored by the president was held for newly enrolled foreign students at the Clock Tower Centennial Hall / International Conference Hall. The party started with the President's greeting speech, Salvador Rivera Chequer, representing the newly enrolled foreign students, gave a greeting speech in Japanese, and a toast by Vice-President Irikura. There were orchestra and brass band performances as well as spontaneous participation by foreign students singing their native songs. The party had a pleasant atmosphere with 350 participants including 270 foreign students socializing.
 Photograph    

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May 24,2004
Doctoral Degree Award Ceremony held

With the presence of President Oike, Vice-President Kinda, Higashiyama, and Irikura, and Dean from each Graduate School, the doctoral degree award ceremony was held. During the ceremony, after the recipients received their doctoral degree from President Oike and received their certificate of academic title, an address was made.
There were a total of 61 degree recipients including 43 course doctors and 18 paper doctors.
 Photograph    

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Apr 22,2004
President Oike Goes to Mainland China and Hong Kong

Kazuo Oike, President of Kyoto University, and Vice-President Kojiro Irikura attended the 14th Board of Directors Meeting of the Association of East Asian Research Universities(AEARU) in Shenzhen, Canton Province,China, on April 22nd of this year. AEARU is a consortium of important research universities in the East Asia region, linked by shared geography and cultural similarities. Founded in 1996 by a joint declaration of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology(HKUST) and the Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea,the association currently boasts 17 members, including Japanese representatives of Tsukuba University, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Osaka University, in addition to Kyoto University, whose president is serving a two-year term on the Association's Board of Directors that began in January of this year.

There are five Board members, presidents of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Taiwan University and the University of Science and Technology of China, whose president currently serves as Chairman.

At the meeting, the report on the previous year's business was ratified, as was the 2004-2005 operating plan. It was further agreed 13 that the 16th Meeting of the Board and Workshop would be held in Kyoto in 2005.

President Oike also visited the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the University of Hong Kong on April 23rd, engaging in discussions with the chancellors of these universities about academic interchange.

In the course of his visit, the President received positive calls from all of these universities for Kyoto University to enter into scholastic exchange agreements with them. As he believes that it would be worthwhile to enter into partnerships with other major East Asian universities, the President is arranging to have the Committee for International Academic Exchange review the matter.
 The Association of East Asian Research Universities (AEARU)    

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Apr 12,2004
Kyoto University Honorary Doctor Degree presented to Dr. Susumu Tonegawa

The title of Kyoto University Honorary Doctor Degree was presented by President Kazuo Oike for the first time to a Japanese, to the USA Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Susumu Tonegawa, for his exceptionally outstanding contribution to educational instruction for young Japanese researchers in Japan including Kyoto University researchers and to academic culture.
There was also a lecture held and more than 400 young researchers, etc. listened attentively to his lecture.
 Photograph    

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Apr 7,2004
2004 Undergraduate and Graduate Entrance Ceremony was held

On Wednesday, April 7th, from 10 a.m. the 2004 undergraduate entrance ceremony and from 3 p.m. the graduate school entrance ceremony were held at the Kyoto University gymnasium. At the ceremonies there were orchestra performances, the university song was sung, and the President gave an address. The number of newly enrolled undergraduate students is 2,987 (including 38 foreign students and 51 transfer students). The number of newly enrolled graduate students is 2,268 for the master's degree program, 232 students for the professinal degree course, and 1,013 students for the doctoral degree program.
 Photograph    

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Apr 2,2004
The Center for Southeast Asian Studies had an inauguration ceremony

On April 1st, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies was reorganized as the University's 13th research institute. It held its inauguration ceremony with the presence of President Oike and Chairman Honma. The Institute restarts as the core research base for regional studies. With the establishment of this Institute, further progress in Kyoto University's traditional fieldwork research technique is anticipated.
 Center for Southeast Asian Studies Website    

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Apr 1,2004
Inaugurating the "Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere"

The "Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere" has been established in April 2004. Its purpose is to do research on human habitats, forested areas, the atmosphere, and outer space as a collective ecology for mankind, or, a "Humanosphere," in a manner both organized and comprehensive; to make precision diagnoses of the state of this "Humanosphere," to evaluate and learn the right things about the present and likely future conditions of this realm, and also to develop advanced restorative technologies that will be needed to resolve the many issues that threaten not only mankind's prosperity, but also its very survival. In addition to core research departments in various specialties, the Institute's organization also calls for building a department for openended research, and another center for basic academic research into the "Humanosphere." Collectively, these groups will carry out the Institute's fourpart research mission. Efficient operation will allow collaboration between the Institute's researchers and other scientists all over the world. The Institute will also undertake to advance the state of the art in research in its fields and train scientists with the skills necessary for it.
 Web page of Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (Japanese only)    

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(The back numbers contain the topics from April of that year until March of the next year.)