Eriko Ishida Kawai (Professor, Shishu-Kan Graduate School, Kyoto University)

Integrating academic foundations

Hearing, Thinking, Practicing

Launched in 2012, Kyoto University's Shishu-Kan is a one-of-a-kind graduate school, providing students the freedom to explore a broad spectrum of fields ranging from medical science, engineering, and information science to economics, law, and the humanities, and to think deeply and widely about contemporary issues facing societies around the world.

Eriko Ishida Kawai, Professor at Shishu-Kan, is part of a multidisciplinary faculty dedicated to fostering the next generation of global thinkers and doers. With her background in finance and experience at international organizations, Kawai now specializes in teaching communication skills essential for top-level negotiation, debate, and presentation. Here she talks about the advantages of studying and working in Kyoto, the opening of Shishu-Kan's new premises, and what it takes to succeed on the global stage.

First of all, could you please describe your current role at Shishu-Kan?

Kawai: My work at Shishu-Kan primarily involves advising graduate students about their future career paths and options. This year, I'm teaching communication skills to first-year to third-year students. I think there is a gap between Japanese students and overseas students in terms of their focus on developing leadership skills. I aim to help bridge this gap and encourage students who are prepared to take up new challenges.

I understand that you obtained a Bachelor of Arts at Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration at INSEAD in France. Could you please describe your experiences at these institutes?

Kawai: At Harvard, I was actually the first student to attend from a public high school in Japan. In those days, I think I was always studying to catch up, without spending much time on extracurricular activities. Other students did drama and sports, but I spent nearly all of my time on study. On reflection, I can see that balancing academic and non-academic activities is important. At INSEAD, I recall there were many assignments and group study sessions held in the evenings. These study groups were made up of people with very different backgrounds, in engineering, law, accounting, and so forth. I think this format encouraged everybody to communicate and develop a "can do" approach.

What would be your advice to those currently facing new transitions and career challenges?

Kawai: It's important never to give up. Focus on success, not on failure or shortcomings. Accept the fact that no one is perfect, learn from everyone, and be open-minded. In Japan, sometimes negotiation is viewed as a bad thing, in the sense that persuading somebody can create a lose-or-win situation. However, good negotiation can create win-win situations.

I also think that learning from theory is not enough. That's why I advise my students to learn from practice; collect as much information as possible and, most importantly, know what you want. That's the real art of negotiation -- understanding the minimum and the maximum, and finding something in between. I'm planning new classes that involve discussing real-life cases where negotiation is critical.

In your view, what are some of the key characteristics needed to succeed on the global stage?

Kawai: Communication skills and being able to adapt to change are essential. Also, I would advise my students that having curiosity, networking with diverse people, and engaging in teamwork projects are all equally important. Transferable skills, for example at UK universities, are also currently a hot topic. I would advise students to consider many different options and develop core professional skills.

I understand that you served as moderator for The Third Global Collaboration Symposium on Human Survivability: An Initiative of Global Leaders. Could you please tell us more about it?

Kawai: Yes, the symposium was held at Kyoto University Shiran-Kaikan on 21 November 2014. It came about as a way to stimulate discussion about global issues such as the environment, global warming, water, food, poverty, and education. We invited speakers from international organizations including the OECD, UNEP, FAO, and UNESCO. We also invited panelists from NGOs including BRAC and the NPO International Institute of Global Resilience. We discussed current activities, common issues of concern, and possible areas of collaboration between different sectors. The event provided excellent opportunities for students to engage in discussions about current issues and to develop new perspectives. We are planning to host another symposium in 2015.

What would be your advice to students based overseas who are interested in applying for graduate studies at Kyoto University?

Kawai: It's worth bearing in mind that the University is now actively focusing on efforts to promote internationalization. I understand that there are good scholarship opportunities for students overseas. There are an increasing number of English-taught degree programs and various workshops and classes conducted in English at Kyoto University.

In your view, what are the advantages of being based in Kyoto?

Kawai: From a cultural perspective, Kyoto offers unparalleled opportunities to explore temples and gardens and observe traditional arts. Unlike larger cities such as Tokyo or New York, you can virtually go anywhere in Kyoto if you have a bicycle. It's very eco-friendly. I would encourage anyone who visits Kyoto to explore the culture, history, and architecture by bike and on foot.

Published: 17 March 2015

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