Raku-Yu

KyotoUniversityNewsletter

Greetings from Kyoto-U SPRING 2002Issue 1

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Kyoto University – with its Eyes on the FutureMakoto Nagao, President of Kyoto University

Forefronts of Research at Kyoto UniversityTasuku Honjo, Professor, Graduate School of Medicine

Kohei Tamao, Professor, Institute for Chemical Research

Takashi Shiraishi, Professor, Center for Southeast Asian Studies

Shoichiro Fukao, Professor, Radio Science Center for Space and Atmosphere

Takeshi Setoguchi, Director, The Kyoto University Museum

FEATURES

Kyoto University International Symposiumon the Changes in the Japanese Economy Facing the New Century

The TIDE Project – A First Step Toward a New Partnership

A New Triangle is Born – The Katsura Campus and Kyoto University's Strategy for the 21st Century

Essay – Bruce Auld, Visiting Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture

Interview – Xiaoqing Luo, Graduate School of Law

Activity – Aikido Club, Paul Smith, Graduate School of Engineering

Report – Academic Sightseeing in Uji

PROMENADE

Yoshida Shrine – The Ancient Shrine Continues to Watch Over Kyoto University

"Tamamo-no-mae," a Tale from the Otogizo-shiPaper with illustrations in color, manuscript, 2 volumes, author and publisherunknown, 24.0 18.4 cm

The Otogizo-shi is a collection of more than 400 short stories written between themid-fourteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Most of the stories are byunknown authors and were handed down through oral retelling among thecommon people, a process through which they eventually arrived at their finalforms. Kyoto University has in its collection about 150 copies of the Otogizo-shi,in both scroll and booklet format, representing a total of about 90 variants.

The cover of the first issue of Raku-Yu features an illustration of a scene from "Tamamo-no-mae," one of the most memorable tales from the Otogizo-

shi. Set some 850 years ago, it is the story of a court lady at the palace of the ex-emperor Toba named Tamamo-no-mae, who was both incomparablybeautiful and extremely learned. In reality, however, Tamamo-no-mae was a several hundred-year-old fox who had assumed human form. The scene onthe cover portrays a visit to Tamamo-no-mae by some young court nobles, who have heard of her great renown. Tamamo-no-mae and the young noblesare discussing music. Tamamo-no-mae is seated behind the vermilion screen. The carefully executed illustration employs the traditional techniquesused to illustrate the literary classics of the Heian period, such as the Genji Monogatari. Together with the exquisitely ornamented paper, it conveys to ustoday a sense of the dazzling world of the court in those days.

Editor's notesFor the first time since it was established in 1897, Kyoto University is starting a newsletter in English aimed toward people outside Japan. Prof. Makoto

Nagao, president of Kyoto University, realized the necessity to publicize the activities of the university to make it more widely known in the internationalcommunity of the 21st century, although it has already gained a high reputation domestically in the 20th century. The editorial committee has chosen thename Raku-Yu for the newsletter. The Kanji (Chinese character) for "Raku," , means "ease or comfort" or "love or like" and the Kanji for "Yu," ,means "friends." This name was taken from the assembly hall called "Raku-Yu Kaikan" (Kaikan meaning assembly hall) that commemorated the 25thanniversary of the founding of Kyoto University. The then president of the university, Prof. Torasaburo Araki, gave the name to the assembly hall, mostlikely hoping that university graduates would socialize with each other there. The first issue of Raku-Yu contains a variety of articles, including reviews ofsome unique research projects under way at Kyoto University, essays by a foreign researcher and foreign students, a guide to the sights that can be seenaround the campus, and introduces Yoshida shrine, where I had my wedding a long time ago! It is my wish as editor in chief that Raku-Yu enablesreaders worldwide to discover what is happening at Kyoto University, and becomes the bridge that unites in friendship the people of the university withworld citizens of the new millennium.

Takashi Endo, Editor in Chief, The Editorial Committee of Raku-Yu

Raku-Yu

Editor in Chief

Takashi Endo

Associate Editor

Fumihiko Sato

Senior Editors

Noboru IshikawaShuji KanekoKenzo NishimakiAtsuko Sehara – FujisawaYoshio ShiomiShinya TakedaTakahiro Tanaka

© The Committee of Public Relationsof Kyoto UniversityA Note on order of namesAs a general rule, names appearingin Raku-Yu are written in givenname/family name order.

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The 20th century was referred to as the "Century of

Science and Technology," one of unprecedented develop-

ment. Although we hoped that a peaceful coexistence on

earth could be realized, the negative aspects of human

society, such as the depletion of natural resources, explo-

sive population increases, global warming, and

environmental pollution, have emerged explicitly and def-

initely.

We have entered the 21st century with many unknowns,

and have no choice but to continue to sail onward through

uncharted ocean. In order to solve these difficult prob-

lems, the world must change its concept of "PROGRESS"

to the concept of "HARMONIOUS COEXISTENCE."

Even though we have no guides before us to chart our

way, we need a compass to reach our goal of this new

concept of "HARMONIOUS COEXISTENCE."

Universities should play the part of a compass to this new

concept, entrusted with the mission of creativity and the

accumulation and utilization of knowledge.

Since its establishment as the second oldest national

university in Japan, its spirit of "Academic Freedom and

Independence" has allowed Kyoto University to expand

and grow for over a hundred years as a comprehensive

university. It now has fourteen Graduate Schools, ten

Faculties, twelve affiliated research institutions and nine-

teen affiliated research and educational centers. During

this period, it is remarkable that the university has pro-

duced five of the seven Japanese Nobel Prize Winners in

natural science from our alumni. In order to meet the

demands of society in the new century, the university

recently created six new Graduate Schools such as the

Graduate Schools of Biostudies, Informatics, Energy

Science, Human and Environmental Studies, etc., as well

as several advanced centers including International

Innovation Center and Venture Business Laboratory to

cooperate with industry.

Kyoto University has many foreign students and visiting

researchers. It is intensifying the international relations

with representative universities in the world and unfolding

research activities all over the world. It has overseas

liaison offices particularly in Bangkok and Jakarta in

order to form a base for research and researcher exchange

in Southeast Asia.

In the 21st century, we will need a society in which

people will not only look forward to the development of

scientific technology, but also will coexist with scientific

technology and all the creatures of the Earth. This does

not mean a mere search for civilization's place in scien-

tific technology, but building society where human beings

can maintain their own cultures and values while enjoying

the benefit of scientific technology.

Kyoto University, located in the 1,300-year-old capital

of Japan, has achieved world top-level excellence in the

fields of natural science, engineering, medical science,

and agricultural science, as well as in the fields of

humanity and social science, including philosophy, ori-

ental classics, psychology, law, economics, etc. With this

academic tradition, Kyoto University is challenging to

study yet-to-be recognized research themes from a cre-

ative and unique standpoint.

Thus, Kyoto University hopes to contribute toward a

realization of "HARMONIOUS COEXISTENCE" in the

21st century.

Kyoto University – with its Eyes on the Future

Makoto Nagao Born in 1936 in Mie Prefecture. Dr. Nagao graduated from Kyoto University,Department of Electrical Engineering in 1959 and obtained his MS and Ph.D. from KyotoUniversity in 1961 and 1966 respectively. He was an associate professor from 1968 to 1973. Hebecame a full professor of Electrical Engineering, Kyoto University in 1973.

Dr. Nagao's research activities are in the area of pattern recognition, image processing, naturallanguage processing, machine translation, and artificial intelligence in general. As the director ofthe University Library he started the service operation of a digital library in 1995, which embodiedhis own research work known as "Ariadne", a prototype digital library completed in 1994.

He has been the President of Kyoto University since December 1997, also the President of theJapan Association of National Universities since April 2001.

Makoto NagaoPresident of Kyoto University

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One of the most striking messagesby the complete nucleotide sequencedetermination of the human genomeis that the number of genes in thehuman genome is approximately30,000, which is only 2 folds morethan that of fruit fly. This finding hasraised an important and puzzlingquestion. How can humans accom-plish such sophisticated functions asnervous and immune systems by alimited number of genes?

One strategy to amplify geneticinformation is to alter DNAsequences themselves after birth.The immune system takes advantageof genetic alteration to amplify thegenes for antigen recognition.During lymphocyte differentiation, Tand B lymphocytes generate the Vregion of antigen receptor genes byrecombination of two or three sub-segments of the V region. Since eachlymphocyte recombines a randompair of subsegments, each consistingof multiple copies up to 80, combi-nation of these segments generates ahuge number of antigen receptorgenes. After differentiation intomature IgM-expressing B lympho-cytes, antigen stimulation inducestwo additional types of genetic alter-ation in B lymphocytes whichproduce antibodies. First, somatichypermutation introduces milliontimes more frequent point mutationsin the V region gene responsible forantigen recognition. This mutationcan generate antibodies with higheraffinity to a given antigen, allowingthe antibodies to eliminate a smallamount of the antigen with high effi-ciency. Second, class switch

recombination takes place in theheavy-chain constant (C) regionlocus and replaces the C region withother C regions which are involvedin elimination of recognized anti-gens. Class switch recombinationgives rise to a variety of isotypeclasses such as IgG, IgE and IgA.

Until very recently, the molecularmechanism to accomplish classswitching and somatic hypermuta-tion was a complete mystery. Recentdiscovery of Activation Induced cyti-dine Deaminase (AID) has revealedthat class switch recombination andsomatic hypermutation share acommon mechanism. In addition,AID is speculated to be an RNAediting enzyme from its structure,biochemical reaction and chromo-somal localization. This indicatesthat RNA editing, another mode ofthe genetic alteration system iscoupled with DNA alteration such asclass switch recombination andsomatic hypermutation. Takentogether, our genome informationhas to be diversified and enriched bygenetic alteration to accomplishhigher order biological functionssuch as the immune defense system.Thus, the drama of life is written bya scenario that requires adlib for itssophistication.

Life Drama, a Scenario of the Genome that Requires Adlib: Strategy of the Immune System

Tasuku HonjoBorn in 1942.Graduate of the Graduate School of Medicine,Kyoto UniversityPh.D. and M.D., Kyoto University Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, KyotoUniversityURL http://www2.mfour.med.kyoto-u.ac.jp/English/Engversion.html

"Genes hold within themselves the ability tochange."Prof. Honjo is a quiet man. But when he speaksthere is a strength in his voice that makes one sensea passion welling up from deep within, like thermalenergy. He says he finds immunology fascinatingand began his studies in that field purely out of adesire to unravel its mysteries. He also feels fortu-nate to live at a time when great strides are beingmade in molecular biology. He plans to complete hiscurrent research in three years' time, and is carefullyconsidering what he plans to become involved inafter that. "I may become a professional golfer," hesays. It will be exciting to see what unexpected adlibturns Prof. Honjo's life scenario will take in the yearsahead.

Accumulation of germinal center B cells in AID-/- miceThe germinal center is a site where class switch recombination andsomatic hypermutation take place. In the absence of AID, activated Bcells accumulate and form giant germinal centers.The figure repre-sents spleen from AID+/- and AID-/- mice. Green colour shows activityproliferating germinal center B cells.

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Chemistry is a central, useful, andcreative science, and everythingaround us is made of chemicals.

The Kyoto University COE (Centerof Excellence) project in chemistry,entitled "Elements Science", startedin 2000 is aimed at creation of newfunctional materials, especiallyorganic and inorganic frameworks,which feature the characteristics ofparticular elements. Our concept of"Elements Science" constitutes thebasis for the widely accepted"Molecular Science" and "MaterialsScience", since materials are gener-ally composed of molecules, whichin turn are made of atoms of indi-vidual elements. Thus, it is theproperties of key elements that char-acterize the primary properties ofmaterials. Some new molecules andmaterials have been created by tenresearch groups in this COE project,which would provide the next gener-ation of electronic, optical, andmagnetic devices. Representativeexamples are as follows.

Tamao group as project leader hasprepared certain silicon-containingcyclic molecules called siloles thathave a high electron-accepting prop-erties. These new molecules exhibitthe best electron-transporting proper-ties for electroluminescent devices,being applicable to large-area flat

panel displays as an alternative toliquid-crystal displays. Tamao grouphas also demonstrated a new conceptthat photophysical properties ofboron or silicon-containing pi-conju-gated systems can be controlled bythe coordination state change of theelement, as exemplified by a dra-matic color change or an increase inthe fluorescence by coordinationwith a fluoride ion (see Figure).

In an elemento-organic materialfield, Prof. Koichi Komatsu preparednew carbon nano-clusters C120 andC180 from C60 by a mechanochemicalsolid-state reaction for the first time,which are candidates for future mol-ecular electronics. Prof. TamejiroHiyama and Prof. Norihiro Tokitohare very active in creation of novelmolecules containing main groupelements, such as boron-silicon con-taining bimetallic synthetic reagentsand a germanium containing naph-thalene, respectively.

In an elemento-inorganic materialfield, Prof. Teruya Shinjo createdsubmicron nickel-iron permalloydots with a spot of perpendicularmagnetization at each center of thedots, which would be useful for thenext generation high-density mag-netic recordings. Prof. Mikio Takanohas been developing a new scienceof superconducting transition metal

oxides. Prof. Toshinobu Yoko is anexpert in creation of new photonictailor-made glasses.

In a molecular-assembly field, Prof.Gunji Saito has created some sulfur-containing organic super-conductingmaterials, in which weak sulfur-sulfurinteractions play a key role. Prof.Yukio Sugiura has been modifyingDNA molecules based on the zinc-finger proteins. Prof. Naoki Sato isanalyzing electronic structures ofmolecular aggregates by the inversephotoemission spectroscopy (IPES).

These examples clearly demon-strate that synthetic chemistry basedon the "Elements Science" is themost fundamental discipline directlycorrelated with the core science andtechnology such as information-tech-nology, environment technology,nano-technology, and biotechnology.

Materials Science, Molecular Science, and"Elements Science"–– Creation of New Functional Materials bySynthetic Chemists ––

Kohei TamaoBorn in 1942.Graduate of the doctoral program, GraduateSchool of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityPh.D., Kyoto University Professor and Director, Institute for ChemicalResearch, Kyoto UniversityURL http://www.scl.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ ˜tamao/index_e.html

"We synthetic chemists are the only onescapable of creating useful molecules that havenever existed before."It saddens Prof. Tamao that in recent years peoplehave begun to associate negative images such asenvironmental pollution with the word like "chemi-cals." His voice becomes stronger as he says that hewishes the benefits of chemistry were more widelyknown. He points out that organic silicon com-pounds, his field of specialization, are chemicals thatplay a very familiar role in our lives. We are incontact with them every day without realizing it, informs ranging from cosmetics to electronics. "Whena new organic compound is created the mostamazing things become possible, one after another,"says Prof. Tamao. As he laughs impishly, it seemsas if a flame of creative energy more powerful thanthe magic spell of the most brilliant wizard is quietlyburning behind his eyeglasses.

Photophysical properties control based on the coordination number of the main group element.

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Kyoto University has two areastudies institutions, the Center forSoutheast Asian Studies (CSEAS)and the Graduate School of Asianand African Area Studies(ASAFAS). They have a combinedfaculty of 57 members, and its jointlibrary which is now acquiring morethan 20,000 books a year, isexpected to build one of the bestAsian and African collections in theworld in a few years with thefunding of the Center of Excellence(COE) grant. They publish their ownarea studies journals, Tonan AjiaKenkyu (Southeast Asian Studies)and Ajia Afurika Chiiki Kenkyu(Asian and African Area Studies)respectively, and a new internetjournal, Kyoto Review of SoutheastAsia, designed to introduce Japaneseand Southeast Asian language workson Southeast Asia in English.

Since the CSEAS and ASAFAS aremulti-disciplinary institutions andtheir faculty members carry out tensof research projects from medicaland ecological to religious to studieson contemporary politics andeconomies in Asia and Africa, Iwould like to explain some of theresearch activities in which I amdirectly involved to provide someidea about research activities atKyoto University.

One is an international jointresearch project on the formation ofthe East Asian regional system. Theproject examines the rise of EastAsia as a world region, from the cre-ation of Free Asia under Americanhegemony in the 1950s and 1960s,the regionalization in the 1980s and1990s, the financial crisis in the late

1990s and the current attempts atregionalism. The project is fundedby Japan Society for the Promotionof Science (JSPS) and its partici-pants include leading Thai,Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesianand Filipino as well as Japanesesocial scientists both at KyotoUniversity and at other institutions.

Another is a study of Indonesianelite. I have worked on Indonesianmilitary elite for more than ten years,closely looking at organizational andpersonnel changes in the Indonesianmilitary to understand the civil mili-tary relations and intra-militarypolitics. As part of the project, I haveaccumulated files of more than 6,000military officers, their birth dates,places of birth, their ethnic back-grounds, their education, theirmilitary careers and so on. Buildingon this project and in view of theincreasing importance of the parlia-ment, both national and local, wehave started to examine the sociolog-ical profiles of parliamentarymembers and party politicians tounderstand Indonesia's democratiza-tion and decentralization.

While these projects are basicallysocial scientific in orientation, thetwo decribed below are more broadlymulti-disciplinary, the kind ofresearch projects only do-able atinstitutions such as the CSEAS andASAFAS. One is a study of ageingin Southeast Asia. This projectstarted in 2001 with the participationof medical scientists, anthropolo-gists, ecologists, economists andpolitical scientists from the CSEAS.Ageing is a serious problem inJapan, and it is expected that SouthKorea and China, and then SoutheastAsian countries above all Thailandare going to face this problem ofageing in the not too distant future.And yet we have hardly any system-atic, comparative data on ageing.This is the reason we have startedseminars and workshops on thisquestion, and if we get funding fromthe government, we are planning tostart in-depth field research in 2002.

The other is a "Beyond-the-Border"research project, titled Everyday Lifeand Policing in Maritime Southeast

Asia, funded by the governmentresearch grant. In this project welook at the ways people go andinteract beyond borders in maritimeAsia and how the states in the regionpolice their borders and control themovement of people, goods, andmoney. This project also has a strongeducational component, because it isdesigned in such a way that Ph.D.candidates of the ASAFAS can par-ticipate in the project and do theirown dissertation research under thesupervision of their advisers in thefield.

As these examples hopefully show,many different inter- and multi-disci-plinary research projects are carriedout at Kyoto University, often in col-laboration with scholars in Asia andAfrica, making Kyoto University oneof the foremost centers in areastudies in the world.

Area Studies at Kyoto University

Takashi ShiraishiBorn in 1950.Graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences,the University of TokyoPh.D., Cornell University Professor, Center for Southeast Asian Studies(CSEAS), Kyoto UniversityURL http://www.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/index_en.htm

"We hope to create a place where all sorts ofscholars can gather."Prof. Shiraishi says he feels particularly comfortableat Kyoto University. The main reason is the world-class library collections of the CSEAS and ASAFAS.He believes that all that is required is well-equippedresearch facilities that are used effectively. Plans callfor the launch in March of an Internet journal to becalled Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia, and inautumn a large-scale international symposium is tobe held.

The JSPS-NRCT Workshop held in March 2000 atThammasat University, Bangkok on the theme "TheFuture of Southeast Asian Studies.

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The Earth's atmosphere makes agradual change from a dense neutralgas near the surface to an extremelydilute ionized gas (or plasma) as weapproach planetary space. This"inner space" is considered to be theboundary of our environment and thebase from which the human race willdepart for exploration of "outerspace." The Radio Science Centerfor Space and Atmosphere (RASC)of Kyoto University has promotedresearch relevant to space and theatmosphere with advanced radiotechniques. Radar remote sensing isapplied to the part of the atmosphereclosest to the Earth, while in-situmeasurements with satellites andsimulations with computers are uti-lized for space plasmas father out.The ultimate goal of the latterresearch is to establish the basictechniques for a solar power station(SPS). Here, we will introduce pri-marily the SPS and the atmosphericradars which radiate controlled,high-power radio waves into space.

The SPS will ultimately be anenergy source for the human race. Itwill intercept immense amounts ofsolar radiation using huge solar cellsin space to generate electric powerwhich will then be transferred to thesurface along a microwave beam.RASC has been developing the basictechniques of the SPS, focusing onthe microwave power transmission(MPT) aspect. It has been con-ducting various demonstrationexperiments of MPT since it suc-ceeded in an MPT experiment on aspace borne rocket in 1983. AMicrowave Energy TransmissionLABoratory (METLAB) with ananechoic radio-wave chamber specif-ically designed for MPT experimentswas constructed at RASC in 1996.The development of new MPTsystems has since been conducted atMETLAB. RASC plans to perform aspace MPT experiment with a powersatellite in the near future.

Atmospheric radar techniques are

developed and employed for sensingatmospheric dynamics. Winds andother parameters aloft are deducedfrom echoes reflected back from theatmosphere. RASC established theMU (Middle and Upper atmosphere)radar in 1984 and has resolvednumerous mysteries of the atmos-phere with it, especially above 10km in the region once called the"Ignorosphere" due to the scarcity ofobservations from that region. Theregion used to be thought so quietthat no significant meteorologicalphenomena occurred there. However,the MU radar has revealed thatvarious atmospheric waves areraging there, and even the seasonalchange of global-scale winds around60–90 km is controlled by thesewaves propagating upward from nearthe surface. There still remainnumerous questions for the MUradar to investigate regarding thesources and global distribution of thewaves.

The equatorial region, especiallynear Indonesia, is regarded as theprimary origin of global-scalemotions in the Earth's atmosphere.RASC has recently established aMU-like radar called the "EquatorialAtmosphere Radar" (EAR) at theequator on Sumatra Island,

Indonesia. It is expected that anumber of the mysteries of the equa-torial atmosphere will be enlightenedwith the EAR through collaborationsbetween RASC and its Indonesiancounterpart in the near future.

Frontiers of Radio Science in the Study ofSpace and the Earth's Atmosphere

Shoichiro FukaoBorn in 1943.Graduate of the master's program, GraduateSchool of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityPh.D., Kyoto University Professor and Director, Radio Science Center forSpace and Atmosphere (RASC), Kyoto UniversityURL http://www.kurasc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/radar-group/index-e.html

"You must have dreams to do research at theuniversity level."Even at Kyoto University, which is sometimes knownas "Expedition University," the broad scope ofresearch fields covered by RASC stands out. But atthe same time, the center's work is firmly rooted inreal life. For example, it is hoped that observation ofthe atmosphere at the equator will make it possibleto predict changes in weather and climate on aglobal scale, and to thereby contribute to more effi-cient agricultural production. Making use ofground-based radars in his work, Prof. Fukao per-forms research propelled by dreams but with his feetfirmly on the ground. After charming us with hiskindly smile and witty conversation, his facial expres-sion as he turns to check data on a monitor screen isall concentration, a striking contrast with his jovialearlier self.

An aerial view of the MU radar of Kyoto University

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The Kyoto University Museum wasestablished in 1997, to store morethan two million items from thefields of archeology, Japanese andoriental history, natural sciences,education, and also applied fieldssuch as forestry and agriculture. Allof these items have been collectedand studied by the staff at KyotoUniversity during the past 100 years,since the university was founded in

1897. Kyoto University has had along tradition of field science, as itsnickname –Expedition University–tells us. In the exhibition hall,selected facets of collections areshown based on research activitieswith a special emphasis on the fieldof natural science. We hope that themost interesting highlights of ouractivities in various field scienceswill satisfy visitors.

The Kyoto University Museum

Takeshi SetoguchiBorn in 1942.Graduate of the Faculty of Science, KyotoUniversityPh.D., Texas Tech UniversityProfessor, Graduate School of Science, KyotoUniversityDirector, The Kyoto University MuseumURL http://www.museum.kyoto-u.ac.jp/index_e.htm

"The basic concept of the museum is to displayitems collected in fieldwork by Kyoto Universityscholars. By combining sophisticated researchfindings with advanced display technology wehope to present the work of the university in awhole new way."

Location: The Kyoto University Museum facesHigashioji Street, a major thoroughfare, and is adja-cent to the university. This location is ideal in termsof easy public access.Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (no admittance after4:00 p.m.)Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (including holidays),New Year's break (December 28 to January 4)Admission fee: General ¥400; high school, univer-sity and college students: ¥300; primary and middleschool students ¥200 (group discounts available)

The retrospective exhibition of Dr. Kinji Imanishi. Primatology at Kyoto University was started with research on wildJapanese macaques by Dr. Imanishi and his students. Since then, the researchers of Kyoto University have played aleading role in primatology with their innovative research methods of individual identification and their long-term studyof specific groups. Although research in the beginning focused largely on the social and ecological aspects of pri-mates, research now has expanded to include studies of morphology, psychology, brain research, genetics, andother areas. It is a unique tradition of Kyoto University that researchers in these disciplines often combine both labo-ratory and field research efforts.

Exhibit of the field studies on the canopy of atropical rainforest. Tropical rainforests arecenters of biodiversity and ecosystem functionin this world. Photosynthesis activity is higheston the surface of the forests, the so-calledcanopy. In Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak,Malaysia, Kyoto University has constructed acanopy access system consisting of tree towersand walkways, which has made a canopybiology program possible. The long-term eco-logical research of tropical rainforest using thissystem was started in 1992, and its fruitfulresults have attracted the attention of tropicalbiologists through the world.

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Trans-Pacific Interactive DistanceEducation (TIDE) is a joint researchproject begun in 1998 by the Centerfor Information and MultimediaStudies at Kyoto University and theCenter for Digital Innovation atUCLA. The project has had aworking system in operation fornearly four years with the assistanceof NTT Corporation. Kyoto Universityand UCLA are linked via a "researchnetwork" (ATM [AsynchronousTransfer Mode] link, 5 Mbps) pro-vided by NTT and the Internet,making distance lectures in real timepossible using two-way video andaudio transmission. The projectallows participants to view universitylectures delivered overseas, and it isquite attractive with students. Thelanguage used is English.

The lecture begins at 8:45 a.m.,which corresponds to 3:45 p.m. atUCLA. On the day we visited therewere about 30 students in attendancein the lecture hall at KyotoUniversity. While the equipment isbeing adjusted, Prof. Kunio Takeyasu(Graduate School of Biostudies) andthe students chat in a relaxed, light-hearted manner.

At last the lecture begins. The firstportion is delivered by Prof. JayPhelan from UCLA. We are startledby the clearness of the audio. Prof.Phelan appears on the screen, punc-tuating his points with exaggeratedgestures. On the "electronic black-board" in the center, notationswritten by Prof. Phelan are displayedin real time. The sense of "presence"is greater than we had anticipated.Multiple cameras automaticallycapture images in the lecture halls inthe two countries, which are trans-mitted in both directions. The systemautomatically selects the appropriateimages as the lecture progresses.Almost everything is automated,though humans can intervene tomake fine adjustments as required.

"The students must first develop acommand of usable English.Nowadays you have to present your

research findings in English overseasin order to be recognized–especiallythose majoring in math and science."commented Prof. Takeyasu. "Even ifJapanese students want to studyabroad they run into difficulties dueto things like the different semestersystem used overseas. In spite of allthe talk about internationalexchange, the essential environ-mental elements are still not thereyet. But it would make a real differ-ence if distance lectures like this onecounted as credits toward graduation.What we are going to do here mayserve as a starting point toward theestablishment of new partnershipswith universities overseas, such asconvertible academic credits."

It seems that the "get together ses-sions," in which participants in theprogram meet each other, are a bighit each year. Friends who recognizetheir differences yet make an effortto understand each other– this maybe the beginning of a new type ofcommunity.(Date reported: November 30, 2001)URL http://www.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp

/distlearn/tide/

The TIDE Project A First Step Toward a New Partnership

A multilateral examination of theproblems facing Japan's economy–the second largest in the world–is animportant and significant task foranyone concerned with the develop-ment of the global economy in the21st century. Based on this idea,scholars from Graduate School ofEconomics and the Institute ofEconomic Research presented papersand participated in the discussion atthe symposium.The Kyoto UniversityInternational Symposium was origi-nally conceived as an effectivemeans to disseminate the findingsfrom research performed at the uni-

versity to scholars overseas. Thelatest sessions mark the second timeit has been held. Scholars from thesession venues were invited to act aschairs and discussants. Both sessionsturned out to be valuable opportuni-ties to discuss research findings andexchange information. The Londonsession was attended by 202 persons,and the Edinburgh session by 88.The symposium was also a part ofJapan 2001, a nationwide projectinvolving events throughout theUnited Kingdom.URL http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/kokuryu/

UKsympo/index.html

Kyoto University International Symposium on the Changes in the Japanese Economy Facing the New CenturyNovember 28, 2001: Brunei Gallery, SOAS, University of LondonNovember 30, 2001: Playfair Library, University of Edinburgh

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The lecture hall is fitted with three screens in front andtwo in back. Video from UCLA and Kyoto University canbe displayed on the right and left, respectively.

Prof. Takeyasu andthe students all seemright at home.

The venue for the Edinburgh session–Playfair Libraryat the University of Edinburgh.

The poster, which used themakeup of kabuki actors as amotif. It had a strong impactwhen displayed against thegray stone walls of the town.

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Since the establishment of KyotoUniversity in 1897, the Yoshida dis-trict in the northeast portion of thecity of Kyoto has been the mainlocus of the institution's activities.From this peaceful campus, nestledin the midst of Japan's ancient "thou-sand-year capital," many greatintellectual creations have origi-

nated. In recent years, however, theuniversity's needs began to outgrowthe limited space available, and theneed to construct a new campusbecame acute. This led in the autumnof 1999 to the decision by the uni-versity to build a third campus in theKatsura district in western Kyoto.The resulting "intellectual triangle"

is the midst of completion and ispoised to become the cornerstone ofKyoto University's strategy for the21st century.URL http://www.kogaku.kyoto-u.ac.jp

/katsura/index.htm (Japanese only)

A New Triangle Is BornThe Katsura Campus and Kyoto University's Strategy for the 21st Century.

The idea that the city of Kyoto,with its rich cultural tradition, isuniquely well placed to disseminateadvanced knowledge and skills to theworld at large is the basis for thechoice of the Katsura district as thelocation for the new campus.Construction is proceeding at a quickpace as the first stage of the reloca-

tion, scheduled for April 2003,approaches. Plans call for theGraduate School of Engineering andthe Graduate School of Informaticsto move to the new campus.Conceived as a "Techno-scienceHill," the Katsura Campus is tobecome a locus where technologyand science merge in exciting new

ways. Soon this new base forexploring fresh areas of knowledgewill open – a place where tech-nology, regions, and nature blendand interact in sophisticated ways,and where research in engineeringand informatics is undertaken basedon a new paradigm for the 21stcentury.

Katsura Campus Creating a "Techno-science Hill"

Features3

The scale model of the Katsura Campus. The campus consists of fourclusters. The clearing of land has been kept to a minimum in the area ofthe site adjoining a bamboo grove in order to preserve a sense of harmonywith the surroundings. The campus is aiming for certification to ISO 14001.

Kyoto University

Yoshida Campus

Katsura Campus Uji Campus

Artist's conception of Cluster A when completed

Cluster A under construction (December 2001)

Cluster A

Cluster B

Cluster C

Cluster D

9

The Yoshida Campus has been atthe core of the university's activitiessince its founding. In particular, thecentral portion of the campus ishome to structures of varying archi-

tecture, ranging from brick buildingsdating back to the time of the institu-tion's establishment – such as theclock tower that serves as the symbolof the university – to modern labora-

tory buildings. It can truly be said torepresent the history of KyotoUniversity in tangible form.

Yoshida Campus Pursuing a Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Progress

The clock tower (completed in 1925) is the symbol of Kyoto University. It is presently in use by the AdministrationBureau. Plans call for the interior to be remodeled in Autumn 2003 and the building newly used as a memorial hall.

The main approach to the Uji Campus. The foreground buildings are the Joint Research Laboratories.

Formerly owned by the ImperialArmy, the site of the Uji Campuscame into the possession of KyotoUniversity in 1949. Full scale devel-opment started around 1965, and thecampus is now home to a collectionof research institutes and centers,and large-scale testing facilities

devoted to work in natural scienceand energy related fields. But eventhough the campus hosts many state-of-the-art laboratories engaged in the

development of cutting edge scienceand technology, it is rich in greeneryand enjoys a tranquil suburbansetting.

Uji Campus Establishing an Outstanding Laboratory Environment

ESSAY

10

I was fortunate enough to make a shortvisit to Japan with my family in 1993,working in Tsukuba and spending a tanta-lizing few days in Kyoto. When aninvitation arrived from Prof. Misako Ito tobe a Visiting Professor at Kyoto University,I felt especially honoured to be asked tosuch a highly internationally respectedinstitution and we were all thrilled at theprospect of spending more time in thisunique city.

It is a great pleasure to visit the beautifulold buildings and their tranquil garden set-tings in Kyoto. Many of the more modest,historically recent buildings, like KawaiKanjiro's house, I find very appealing. Theharmony achieved with scale, proportionand transitions from interior to exteriorcreate a wonderful sense of peace. I alsoappreciate the way history continues to bepreserved and maintained here in thingssuch as the little Ebisugawa hydroelectricplant near the Heian Shrine and the manycolourful festivals.

Contrasts in Kyoto are often diverting: thesmall rice fields with the red Higan-bana

flowers on their levees, adjacent to modernbuildings along Kitayama Street; the horsefrom the riding club at the Universitystrolling past the Yukawa Institute forTheoretical Physics.

My first impressions at the University con-cerned its size and scope, particularly inthe area where I am working, The GraduateSchool of Agriculture. The range of activi-ties being undertaken from landscapearchitecture and farming systems to tissueculture and molecular biology is veryimpressive. Within project areas, the con-trasts between the scope and researchdetail is again often what is striking. Forinstance, in the Laboratory of WeedScience there is a project on the evolu-tionary ecology and genetics of weedbreeding systems relating to herbicideresistance. This has involved a fascinatingstudy of specific insect pollinators visitingdifferent asymmetric flowers on the plantMonochoria korsakowii.

My later impressions are of the closeinteractions between academic staff andthe post graduate students. This seems tome to be stronger here than in many otherplaces and is to be commended. It is obvi-ously productive and promotes a happywork environment, leading to thoughtful-ness for each other and warm hospitalityfor visitors such as me.

Our son, Robin, received a similar wel-coming experience from the teachers whenhe enrolled at a local Junior High School,Shugakuin, where he was also invited tojoin their excellent soccer team. Living atthe University's Shugakuin InternationalHouse is very pleasant, with easy accessto the University, the surrounding hills,Kurama, Yase and Ohara. There are manynice restaurants and fresh food shops inthe neighbourhood too. Although we arefamiliar with Japanese food in the broadsense, it is exciting to experiment withthings we have not had before like shisoleaves(Perilla frutescens var. crispa),myoga ginger and maitake mushroom.

The longer we stay, the more we appreciateKyoto, the University and the people.

The longer we stay, the more we appreciate Kyoto, the University and the people.

Bruce AuldVisiting Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture,Kyoto University"The spirit of cooperation between the upper andlower classmen at Kyoto University creates a won-derful environment for research."

Shugakuin Station on theEizan line, which the familyoften uses. They also enjoyleisurely strolls throughKyoto. They are particularlyfond of a certain shop sellingtsukemono (pickled vegeta-bles).

Prof. Auld and his family.Mrs. Auld has a deepinterest in Japanese pottery.She often visits towns knownfor their pottery, such asHagi and Shigaraki. TheAuld's son Robin playsforward on his school'ssoccer team. The day afterthis picture was taken heparticipated in the finalmatch of the rookie champi-onship.

Professor Bruce Auld

INTERVIEW

11

Ms. Luo came to Japan in 1998 in the hopeof furthering her study of the law. She livesin Osaka with her husband and three-year-old son. When she arrived in Japan threeyears ago Ms. Luo couldn't speak a word ofJapanese. Since then she has adapted wellto life in Japan and says that two of herfavorite things are natto (fermented soy-beans) and rotenburo (open air baths).

To begin with, please tell us aboutyour career in China.

After graduating from law school, I went towork for a judge. For the first four years Iserved as a court clerk and then I was pro-moted to the post of assistant judge. I wasmainly involved in the adjudication of civiltrials.

What made you decide to come toJapan to study?

The Chinese economy is presently devel-oping at a rapid pace. Free economicactivity is becoming more and moreintense, and transactions involving foreignenterprises are increasing. Nevertheless,the legal system is not keeping pace withthis rapid development. Lawsuits to settledisputes between companies or betweencompanies and workers occurred fre-quently during my time working for thecourt, and I found that in many cases itwas difficult to reach a judgment. Thismade me want to go abroad to study whatsorts of laws have been established inother countries.

Why did you choose Kyoto University,and what are your impressions of theschool?

In my discussions with friends and olderclassmates I was told that Kyoto Universityis one of the leading universities in Japan.And once I learned of the high academiclevel of the Faculty of Law I decided thatKyoto University was where I wanted tostudy. What I found after coming here – somany celebrated teachers and diligent stu-dents – was exactly what I had hoped for.And more than anything I love the campus.I like the way that there are so many build-ings still standing that tell of the history ofKyoto University, such as the lovely bricklecture halls.

Tell us about your studies.Right now I am studying the differences incredit law between Japan and China. Mysupervisor, Prof. Yoshio Shiomi, is a well-known authority in the field of credit lawstudies. It was through meeting him thatmy interest in this field was sparked. Prof.Shiomi is young and brimming withknowledge, and I learn all sorts of thingsfrom him every day. The other members ofmy seminar group also give me plenty ofhelp. Whenever there is something aboutthe Japanese language or Japanese lawthat I don't understand I can ask them, andthey explain things to me patiently. I don'tknow what I would do without them. Theyare very kind to me in non-academic waysas well, such as when we go out on thetown together or go on trips during thesummer vacation.

What are your dreams for the future?In the years ahead economic interactionbetween China and Japan, and many othercountries as well, is sure to become moreand more active. I want to become anexpert on the laws of both China andJapan so that I can build bridges that willcontribute to the creation of ever betterrelations between our two countries.

To sum up, what is your most memo-rable experience since coming toJapan?

Last year my parents came to visit me inJapan, and our whole family climbed Mt.Fuji together. The day before the climb wewere relaxing in a rotenburo near LakeKawaguchi, and I'll never forget looking upand seeing Mt. Fuji rising in the distance. Ithink Japan is really a very beautifulcountry.(Date reported: November 10, 2001)

I hope to become a legal expert and build bridges betweenJapan and China.

Xiaoqing LuoBorn in Shanghai, China in 1969.Presently in the first year of a master's program at theGraduate School of Law, Kyoto University.In front of the Center for Student Exchange. The centerprovides general support services for all aspects of thelives of international students and also provides instruc-tion in Japanese language and culture. It is locatedinside this brick building, which was built in 1898.

In the seminar room. In front of the deskis a photo of Ms. Luo's son.

Courtyard of the LawBuilding. Studentsgather here betweenclasses to chat andrelax.

Xiaoqing Luo, Graduate School of Law

ACTIVITY

12

The air in dojo (the practice hall) is coldand clear, and the mood tense. The twomartial arts students, one of whom willtake the offensive posture and the other thedefensive, kneel formally, facing eachother, and bow deeply. Then the trainingbegins. Even as they strike each otherforcefully, their breathing is synchronized,and their movements have the beauty of aformalized dance. This is why Aikido hasbeen called "a dance, a method of self-defense, and the essence of the martialarts." After the match is over Paul sits onceagain in a formal pose. He does not relaxhis ramrod-straight posture once duringthe interview that follows.

"I first visited Japan at the age of 15. Then,when I was 19, I spent one year as anexchange student at a high school inHakodate, Hokkaido," relates Paul. He saysthat his time as an exchange student was awonderful experience. "The people werevery warm, and they immediately openedtheir hearts to me, their foreign visitor. I'llnever forget participating in the town's fes-tival along with the local people. I helpedcarry the mikoshi (portable shrine) all overthe town wearing nothing but a red loin-

cloth." He says that theexperience made him "want tolearn more about Japan." Aftergraduating from AdelaideUniversity, Australia, Paulreturned to Japan to enter grad-uate school at Kyoto University.

Another valuable experiencePaul had in Hakodate wasencountering martial arts. He isparticularly interested in Aikido.

"The object is not to defeat your opponentbut to protect him/her while safeguardingyourself. Through the training you temperboth body and mind, with the ultimate aimbeing to achieve 'spiritual harmony,' whichmeans being at one with the world, withhumankind, and with the universe. I likethis philosophical aspect of Aikido."

Though he is very busy studying, Paulrarely misses practice, which takes placesix times a week. Yohei Shirakawa, thecaptain of the Aikido Club, has this to sayabout him: "Paul practices very hard. Histechnique is quite solid, and our instructoroften praises him." Daisuke Hayashi, oneof the senior members of the club, says,"What's great about Paul is that he is moreserious than anyone else during practice,but he's also the most cheerful once prac-tice is over. He really sets the mood of theclub, telling lots of jokes and makingeveryone laugh." Though sports clubshave a special culture that is quintessen-tially Japanese, Paul seems to feel right athome. He puts it this way: "Participating ina club is a good way to learn Japanesesocial rules, such as the importance ofgood manners and to respect those whoare senior to you."

Paul says that he has also deepened hisunderstanding of other countries bygetting to know Japan. "There are lots ofwonderful countries in the world. If you arewilling to respect and accept other cul-tures, you can overcome barriers oflanguage or nationality and establish arapport with others. I have experiencedthis firsthand in the Aikido Club."

When asked about his dreams for thefuture, Paul replies, "I'd like to make use ofmy experiences in a job that contributes tointernational cooperation." Then he laughsand says, "I'm still thinking about it. Ireally don't know."Paul turns to head back to the dojo. Butfirst he leaves these words regarding theearnestness with which he engages inAikido practice: "My goal is not to improvemy technique. In Aikido the spirit is theimportant thing. Right now I enjoy Aikidovery much."(Date reported: December 11, 2001)

Aikido teaches us to respect other cultures and techniques,for establishing a rapport between people.

Paul SmithBorn in Australia in 1977.Presently in the first year of a master's program in CivilEngineering Systems at the Graduate School ofEngineering, Kyoto University.

The Aikido Club practicing in the base-ment dojo of the Central Gymnasium.

The beauty of the moves is one of the attractions of Aikido.

Aikido Club, Paul Smith

REPORT

13

Several students of "Japanese Studies" arestudying at Kyoto University under aprogram organized by the JapaneseGovernment. A total of 20 students from11 countries were accepted for the 2001academic year, and they have been pur-suing their studies for one year now. InDecember of 2001 they went on an "acad-emic sightseeing" trip to Uji as part of theprogram.

Led by Associate Prof. Mariko Mori (TheCenter for Student Exchange), 17 programparticipants, who had only just arrived inJapan in October, arrived in Uji under rainyskies. They immediately set out for theirfirst destination, Byodo-in Temple.Byodo-in Temple was built in 1052 byYorimichi Fujiwara, then chief advisor tothe Emperor. It is renowned as one of thefinest expressions of the artistic sensibilityof its time, considered to be the goldenage of court culture. As one passesthrough the gate into the garden, theAmida Hall, in which an image of theAmida Nyorai, amitabha is enshrined,comes into sight. It is also known as thePhoenix Hall because of the bronzephoenixes mounted on the two ends of itsroof. Said to represent a castle in paradise,it is both beautiful and dignified. The sym-metrical design of the building is itselfsaid to resemble the outstretched wings ofthe phoenix. Mattias Tommie Bockin, astudent of architecture who hails fromSweden, had this to say: "I came to Japanto study contemporary architecture. Butmy visit here today has gotten me inter-ested in ancient Japanese architecture aswell."

The group next set off for the museum,where cultural treasures from the PhoenixHall are stored. A number of preciousobjects were on display there, including aphoenix from the main temple building,

and Buddhist statues. Standing before atemple bell said to be one of the threefinest in the world, is Woo-jung Yang, astudent from Korea. She remarked whileexamining it intently, "We have templebells like this in Korea, but I have neverseen one with such elaborate designs onit." The Cloud Chamber, with its statues of52 bodhisattvas depicted happily riding onclouds, was another highlight. The stu-dents lost track of the time as they gazedthe statues, which are rendered in flowinglines and each of which has a differentfacial expression.

After leaving the museum, the groupwalked down the road leading to thetemple with the scent of green tea waftingabout them. Their destination was the Taleof Genji Museum. Here scenes from the"Uji chapters" (so called because they areset in Uji) from the latter portion of the taleof Genji are depicted in images andmodels. The tale of Genji is a long novelwritten during the Heian period (794-1185) by a court lady known as MurasakiShikibu. As they traveled through theworld of the Uji chapters in the exhibit hall,

with its many images bathed in an other-worldly light, the visitors had a chance toglimpse the glittering lifestyle of the Heianaristocrats. On display were everydayitems from that time, such as ox drawncarriages and folding screens, as well as alife-size diorama depicting a scene fromthe novel. In the auditorium the visitorswere shown a film depicting episodesinvolving Ukifune, the heroine of the Ujichapters. After watching the film PaulaFarne, a student from U.K., remarked, "It'sdifficult to understand the story right away,but the beauty of the costumes made adeep impression on me."

This was a chance for the visiting studentsto come into contact with a famousbuilding and a story that together sym-bolize the aristocratic culture of Japansome 1,000 years ago. There is no doubtthat this experience will prove an invalu-able one to each and every one of them asthey continue their studies of the Japaneselanguage and culture.(Date reported: December 13, 2001)

Academic Sightseeing in Uji – Masterpieces of Heian Aristocratic Culture:Byodo-in Temple and the Tale of Genji

The students consider the lives of thearistocracy of 1,000 years ago at theTale of Genji Museum.

Shops lining the road leading to thetemple selling green tea, for which Uji isfamous.

Examining the magnificent relief designs on a temple bell.

In front of the Phoenix Hall of the Byodo-in Temple

Public Information Division

KYOTO UNIVERSITYYoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku,Kyoto 606-8501, Japan

URL http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/index-e.htmlPDF files of Raku-Yu may be downloaded from the above URL

E-mail kohho52@mail.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jpFAX +81 75 753 2094

For inquiries regarding Raku-Yu, contact:

P R O M E N A D E

Yoshida Shrine The Ancient Shrine Continues to Watch Over Kyoto UniversityYoshida shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Yoshida, which is part of the Higashiyama mountain range that borders the easternedge of the city of Kyoto. Surrounded by a deep forest, the shrine stands quietly amid an undisturbed stillness. It was foundedin 859, during the Heian period, by the powerful Fujiwara clan. In the latter half of the fifteenth century, Kanetomo Yoshida,as scholar and priest, established there a branch of the Shinto religion known as Yoshida Shinto. Yoshida shrine served as thecenter of this movement, becoming a focus of reverence for people both high and low from all over Japan. The shrine con-tinues to be an important Shinto institution to this day. Kyoto University, which is located adjacent to Yoshida shrine, has longhad a special association with it. Chief Priest Tsutomu Miyashita, who has held his present position since 1949, notes: "Wehave a connection with the university that goes back more than 100 years to the groundbreaking ceremony, which was per-formed by priests from our shrine." He also relates the following anecdote: "An elderly man more than 90 years old whograduated from Kyoto University many years ago once visited the shrine and told me, 'The university has changed completelysince my day; it was only when I visited Yoshida shrine that I felt I had finally returned to my alma mater.''' Now and in theyears to come Yoshida shrine will surely continue to be an ageless, unchanging presence watching over promising youngpeople as they make their start in the world.

The Daigengu structure symbolizes the beliefsystem of Yoshida Shinto. Many of Japan'sNobel laureates are graduates of KyotoUniversity, and one day a newspaper reporterasked Chief Priest Miyashita why this was. "Itmay be a benefit of the constant protection pro-vided by nearby Yoshida shrine," he replied.

The "Kurenai Moyuru" monu-ment. It is inscribed with thewords to "Kurenai Moyuru," adormitory song of the 3rdHigher School, predecessor ofKyoto University. The songextols the beauty of Mt.Yoshida. The monument wasconstructed in 1957 by the3rd Higher School AlumniAssociation in commemorationof the 90th anniversary of theschool's founding.

The vermilion lacquer of the torii gate and the pillars of the main shrine building create a lovelycomplement to the vivid autumn colors of Mt. Yoshida. Many graduates of Kyoto University retain awarm feeling in their hearts for this ancient shrine and the natural beauty of its setting.