August 31, 2010
Regional Seminars have been held since 1997 to introduce the accumulated intellectual properties, results of current educational and research activities, etc. to all over Japan so as to benefit the society in general. Seminars have been held in a total of 19 cities, and this time, it was held in Sapporo.
The Sapporo Seminar was sponsored by Hokuyo Bank, and was held in the Seminar Hall on the fourth floor of the bank building. Main theme was "the mind," and Graduate School of Medicine Professor Toshiya Murai (psychiatry) spoke on "The boundary between passion and dependence," and Kokoro Research Center Director Sakiko Yoshikawa spoke on "Cognitive science of dialogues: the challenge of Kokoro Research Center." Participated by 223 citizens, the packed venue was filled with enthusiasm, and the seminar was a great success.
After the seminar, a social gathering with the Kyoto University Hokkaido Alumni was held at Sapporo Grand Hotel. The gathering was participated by about 40 people, and participants of Kyoto University were President Hiroshi Matsumoto, Executive Vice-President Yuzo Onishi, Executive Vice-President Shuzo Nishimura, and also Director Yoshikawa of Kokoro Research Center who spoke in the seminar. After the greetings by President Matsumoto, Kyoto University Hokkaido Alumni Chair Ryuzo Yokouchi (president of Hokuyo Bank) greeted everyone and gave a toast. The gathering came to a close with everyone singing the song "Biwako shuko no uta" lead by Hokkaido Alumni Secretary General Masahiro Sawada.
 From left, greetings by Executive Vice-President Onishi, Seminar venue, and Professor Murai | |
 From left, Director Yoshikawa, Greetings by President Matsumoto at the social gathering, and greetings by Kyoto University Hokkaido Alumni Chair Yokouchi | |
 Kyoto University Hokkaido Alumni Secretary General Sawada |  Everyone singing "Biwako shuko no uta" |