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Sylff@Tokyo: Bangladeshi Fellow Becomes Full-Time Researcher for Japanese Research Institute

June 24, 2011

Sylff fellow Abu Shonchoy of Bangladesh visited the Tokyo Foundation office on June 8, 2011, after becoming the first non-Japanese to be hired as a full-time researcher by the Institute of Developing Economies of the Japan External Trade Organization.

Shonchoy has been assigned to the Microeconomic Analysis Studies Group of IDE-JETRO and will conduct research into development economics, labor economics, public finance, and applied econometrics.

JETRO is a government-affiliated organization that promotes mutual trade and investment. Established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports, JETRO's core focus in the twenty-first century has shifted to promoting foreign direct investment in Japan and helping Japanese SMEs to maximize their export potential.

Shonchoy received a BA from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and earned a doctorate in economics in 2010 from the Australian School of Business at the University of New South Wales, where he was a recipient of a Sylff fellowship.

"I enjoy teaching, so I considered staying in academia," comments Shonchoy. He was a visiting professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in February-March 2011 and will be lecturing a course on "Development Economics: A Microeconomic Approach" this winter as a member of the practitioner faculty at the University of Tokyo.

"But I also need to do research, which I'm able to do thank to funding from the Institute of Developing Economies. That's why I decided to join the organization. I'm now studying the relationship between access to microcredit and temporary seasonal migration, an issue which is largely ignored in standard research on rural-urban migration.

"Thanks to Sylff, I was able to focus my doctoral research on areas in which I was most interested," says Shonchoy. "I've always been very grateful to Sylff for giving me such an opportunity, but I never thought I would actually come and work in Japan, where the fellowship originated. I hope to return the generosity with research that will contribute to building a better society for all."

The Tokyo Foundation welcomes visits by Sylff fellows or faculty members of Sylff institutions anytime to exchange views with the Foundation's research fellows and program officers. Interested fellows and faculty members should contact Mari Suzuki of the Foundation at scholarship[at]tkfd.or.jp (replace [at] with @).

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Sylff News: UC San Diego Donor Event

June 22, 2011

University of California, San Diego, celebrated its fiftieth anniversary this year, and its School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IR/PS), a recipient of a Sylff endowment, will soon be marking its twenty-fifth year. To mark these milestones, a "Tribute to Friends" event was held on May 26 at the UCSD Faculty Club to honor three early founding donors for IR/PS, including Sylff.

The event, held on a sunny, balmy day typical of Southern California, attracted some 100 donors, faculty members, and students who have received fellowships, including Program Officers Mari Suzuki and Tomoko Yamada from the Tokyo Foundation. Participating Sylff fellows noted that the fellowship they received at IR/PS was instrumental in enabling them to pursue their studies and has made a valuable contribution to their careers.

Dean Peter Cowhey opened the event with a warm welcome message, which was followed by performances by two student groups.

The first was a pop group calling themselves AggaPOPs, comprising students from Japan, China, and Thailand. They sang songs in English, in addition to their respective native languages. The second group was La Buena Vista del Destino Manifesto, whose members sported stylish Panama hats and performed up-tempo Latin numbers.

The two groups exemplified the international nature of the IR/PS's student body.

Dean Cowhey noted that IR/PS students were characterized not only by academic excellence but also by their many talents and deep awareness of social issues. For instance, they helped raise 20,000 dollars in donations for the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan.

A video presentation was made of the IR/PS's three early founding donors, recognizing the contributions they made to research into the Asia-Pacific at a time when the region's importance to the global economy and America's international relations was growing.

In the video, Takeo Hoshi, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Professor in international economic relations who has been involved with Sylff since the beginning of the program at IR/PS, noted that the Sylff goal of developing future world leaders matches the IR/PS aim of nurturing future leaders for the Pacific Rim. Sylff was also recognized as enabling IR/PS to attract the best students: One fellow noted that the Sylff focus on leadership and public service was a major factor in her decision to study at IR/PS.

The Tokyo Foundation's Mari Suzuki then offered congratulatory remarks on behalf of President Hideki Kato and also gratefully noted the many warm messages of support, generous donations, and other assistance provided by the United States in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami.

Inasmuch as the Tokyo Foundation is a think tank dedicated to policy research as well as leadership development through programs like Sylff, she touched upon the possibility of closer contact between researchers at IR/PS and the Foundation.

The IR/PS offered a crystal globe inscribed with the names of The Nippon Foundation and Tokyo Foundation as a token of gratitude. The gift has now crossed the Pacific and graces the office of the Tokyo Foundation.

The donor event concluded with a beautiful song full of hope for the future performed by Kay-Marie Moreno, assistant to Dean Cowhey.

Click below for: Information on IR/PS Sylff fellows More photos of the donor event

 

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Re: Sylff Connect Version 2 Using Facebook

June 22, 2011

Today we announce the transformation of “Sylff Connect”--the social networking service for Sylff fellows--into a version that utilizes Facebook. We have been witnessing the increasing prevalence of Facebook, both in the private and public life of individuals. We believe that there is great potential in Facebook to facilitate communication and networking within the Sylff community. Based on this notion we created the Sylff Group page in Facebook.

The Sylff Group page is an exclusive membership site aiming to facilitate multiple interactions among all members of the Sylff community. In order to use the Group page, you are kindly requested to become a member by clicking “Ask to Join Group” button of this Group page; we will verify your status as a member of Sylff community (Sylff fellow or Sylff administrator) and register you as a member of the Group. Once you become a member you can view the Wall, and share and tag “like” on the Wall. Continue reading →

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Howard University Graduate School Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Sylff Program

June 9, 2011

On April 12, 2011, the Howard University Graduate School celebrated 20 years of endowment from the Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (Sylff), donated by The Nippon Foundation and administered by the Tokyo Foundation. SYLFF fellows and alumni, as well as faculty and staff from across the Howard campus, participated in the event.

Anita Nahal, acting director of the International Affairs Program and director of the Sylff program at the Howard University Graduate School, delivered a welcome address, noting the significance of the event and emphasizing the evolution of the program, both internationally at the Tokyo Foundation and locally at Howard University. In this past year, 11 fellowships were awarded, an unusually high number due to the availability of additional funds. Also, over the last nine years, the Sylff program at Howard has held an Annual Sylff Fellows Research Seminar and published an online newsletter, Frontline (www.gs.howard.edu/financial/Sasakawa/news.htm), to increase the visibility of the fellowship on Howard’s campus. The university has awarded 65 Sylff fellowships since the inception of the program in 1991.

The welcome was followed by remarks from Charles L. Betsey, interim dean of the Howard University Graduate School. Betsey began his remarks by calling for a moment of silence for the victims and survivors of the tsunami tragedy in Japan. His remarks touched upon the importance of leadership in the world. He elaborated on the importance of the Sylff program, especially in a world where leadership is critical in diverse areas. He noted that in 1991, Howard received $1 million to fund student fellowships that would develop global leaders and solve emerging problems around the world.

Betsey stated that the Sylff fellows at Howard come from different departments, including African studies, communication and culture, economics, history, international studies, and sociology and anthropology. He noted that Sylff fellows and alumni are continuing the battle for freedom in many parts of the world, similar to those fought during the civil rights era in the United States. Thus, the Sylff fellowship remains a critical component in finding needed solutions to issues of global concern.

Following Dean Betsey’s remarks, six current Sylff fellows gave presentations, after which there was a short Q & A session. The fellows and their research topics are:

Melvin Barrolle, Department of African Studies and Research “(Re) Writing Africa into History: Thomas Narven Lewis and the Origins of the Bassa Language” Yohannes Haile, Department of African Studies and Research “Current Situation in the Horn of Africa in General and Somalia in Particular”

Marcia Headley, Department of History “Haiti and Public Opinion in the British West Indies”

Ronald Noel, Department of History “African Initiatory Rites and Secret Societies: A Statement on a Wider Triangular Study”

Lonzen Rugira, Department of African Studies and Research “The Cultural Geography of Insecurity in the African Great Lakes Region: Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo”

Chandi Sithole, Department of African Studies and Research “An Evaluation of Development in Zimbabwe (1979-2009) from the Perspective of Peace-building in Post-Conflict Societies”

One common theme that emerged from all the presentations was the identification and positioning of people across the world.

In another component of the day’s program, a special panel of Howard Sylff alumni discussed the topic, “What Is Leadership: Sylff and Us.” The panelists were Nubia Kai Al-Nura Salaam (Sylff fellow, African Studies, 2000-2002), Kari Miller (Sylff fellow, African Studies, 2008-2009), and Ada Vilageliu-Diaz (Sylff fellow, English, 2006-2008). Salaam is a poet, playwright, essayist, and novelist, and is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at Howard University. Miller is currently assistant director of the Sub-Saharan Africa region for the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), which administers the Fulbright Scholars Program for the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Diaz is currently working on a novel and a book on Toni Cade Bambara.

Marcia Headley, current Sylff fellow and student editor of Frontline, moderated the panel discussion. Headley noted that the Howard Sylff alumni were responding to four questions, previously distributed to them. The questions revolved around the Sylff program’s emphasis on leadership. The questions were:

1. How have you epitomized leadership in your professional and personal lives? To what extent do the leadership skills that you practice result from your Sylff experience?

2. As a global citizen, which areas of contemporary global concern are you most impassioned about? How do you share your views about those issues in a positive manner with those younger than you in order to create a productive mentorship?

3. The Sylff program in Tokyo has undergone changes over time keeping in tune with changing needs of the Sylff fellows and institutions. What are your recommendations to the Tokyo Foundation on how to enable the Sylff network to infuse more interactive connections/collaborations between Sylff fellows—past, current, and future?

4. What would be your “elevator pitch” for current Sylff fellows? Any words of wisdom?

Headley read the comments of some of the alumni who were not able to be present at the occasion. For example, Ingar Johnson (Sylff fellow, Sociology, 2006-2008) stated, “As a global citizen, I am most impassioned about the contemporary global concern of cultural disconnectedness. As the global landscape changes, so do our ideas and ways of doing things. Whereas change may be good, it may also have unintended consequences. It is very important to understand the interconnectedness of our actions globally. When I speak with younger people, I ask them their concerns and in what ways might their concerns affect people in other parts of the world, as well as how they see themselves working with others to positively change the landscape at home and abroad.” Or for example, Randy Short (Sylff fellow, History, 2005-2006) stated that he tells young people to “Avail (themselves) of every opportunity to advance and learn about other people. And network always, and continually travel.”

Headley then asked the panelists to respond to any one or two of the questions.

In responding to the questions, Miller pointed to the importance of teamwork and team spirit. She noted that as a leader, seeing the strength in every team member is important. She highlighted the need to determine what is ethically and morally right and the courage it takes to do what is right rather than what one is told. She indicated that as a leader, one needs to know when to lead and when to follow, and as no man is an island, an effective leader must live together with others. She credited Sylff for pushing her to do research outside her area of specialization. Lastly, she noted that there are still other opportunities that are available to Sylff fellows and alumni and that the Sylff programs can assist in many ways in locating those opportunities.

Nubia Salaam highlighted such leadership skills as compassion and effective empowerment. In addition, she expressed the importance of traveling overseas and using the experience positively. She indicated a deep concern for the human condition, human desire, and human spirit.

Ada Vilageliu-Diaz noted that her leadership role has been to encourage youths to focus on attaining higher education. She believes that as a woman of Latino heritage with a doctorate, she is a role model for young Latinos who wish to attain higher education. She noted that the Sylff program has helped bring together women of color in shared experiences through research and travel. Fellows also stated that the Sylff celebration was an event that provided them an opportunity to present their understanding of the world through research before a community of peers and faculty and to receive scholarly advice. The evening ended with a small reception.

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On Groundedness, Preparedness, and Transitions

June 8, 2011
By 19658

Japan resident and writer on ecological lifestyles reflects on the implications of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and offers food for thought on how, as Sylff fellows, the disaster should be interpreted.

* * *

I have three reflections about the March 11 calamity that hit the Tohoku region. The first is that earthquakes and tsunamis are disasters like no other.

How does one describe the unnerving sensation of an earthquake? My husband was with the Navy, and he would be out in the open sea for weeks at a time. At some point, he says, it becomes possible to get used to the incessant rocking of the ship. This motion can increase due to stormy weather, of course, but you can always look forward to the steadiness of walking on land once you disembark.

This reminded me of going on an amusement park ride—a Ferris wheel, perhaps, or a roller coaster. The fun lasts for a few minutes, after which I could always look forward to steadying myself back on solid ground. This comparison may not be appropriate, but it did get me thinking of the many ways in which we anchor the activities of our lives on the immovable nature of land. It makes perfect sense that dry land in Latin is called terra firma.

Imagine, then, the psychological impact of solid ground trembling and quivering beneath our feet and sending our belongings flying. Imagine when our homes, our secure refuge, threaten to collapse. In another article, I reflected on how the earthquake “literally shook the foundation of our lives.” An earthquake is a natural hazard like no other. We do not know when it will strike, how long it will last, whether the rocking will be from side to side or up and down, how strong it will be, or how many aftershocks there will be.

As if earthquakes were not terrifying enough by themselves, they trigger tsunamis that can wipe out everything in their path and alter the landscape. Stripping us of our possessions and decimating everything we’ve known, tsunamis expose our human frailty. When we see photos of people in the afflicted areas scouring the rubble, we grieve for their loss and realize with sadness how small we are in the face of the great forces of nature.

My second reflection is that our best defenses for earthquakes and tsunamis are preparation and prevention.

Immediately after 3/11, my husband (Charles E. McJilton, executive director of Second Harvest Japan, a “food bank” that collects food that would otherwise go to waste and distributes them to people in need) drove up to Sendai. He was so surprised to see that practically all the buildings were still standing. In the following weeks, as he drove to different areas in the Tohoku region to distribute food and supplies, the destruction he saw was largely from the tsunami and not the earthquake. This is truly a testament to the efforts of the Japanese people to construct earthquake-resistant buildings, particularly in the light of lessons learned from the Kobe quake.

But even more important than superior seismic engineering is the strict enforcement of building codes and general intolerance for corruption. People like Hidetsugu Aneha, the Tokyo architect who cut corners—and costs—by falsifying earthquake-resistance data, are roundly condemned for putting the public’s safety at risk. Constructing earthquake-proof buildings is something that cannot be compromised, because an earthquake will eventually expose shoddy structures, such as was the case in earthquakes in Haiti, L’Aquila, Italy, and Sichuan, China. I shudder to think how my own country, the Philippines, would fare in the event of a big earthquake, given the widespread corruption and bribery in the construction industry.

Japan’s coastline is dotted with tsunami warning signs, seawalls, and well-marked escape routes. The country has invested in a sophisticated monitoring and early-warning system. We saw this system at work when mobile phones would beep and warnings would flash on TV a few seconds before the tremors were actually felt. People have made disaster preparedness a way of life, keeping bottles of fresh water and emergency rations on hand and knowing how to react and where to evacuate in case of a major disaster.

Despite this, the death toll from 3/11 has been tremendous. The loss of life and property needs to be put in perspective, though, given the sheer magnitude of the earthquake (the most powerful to ever hit Japan) and the strength of the ensuing tsunami. One can only imagine how much longer the list of casualties would have been had Japan not pushed for preparation and prevention.

My third reflection is that there is a renewed sense of purpose throughout the nation.

There is definitely something different in the air these days. Before the earthquake and tsunami, Japan seemed to be languishing—politically, economically, and socially—for decades, and getting out of this rut had appeared almost impossible. It took an earthquake and a tsunami of unimaginable scale to literally shake Japan out of its lassitude. Suddenly, everything came to a halt, and it was impossible to continue with business as usual, as trains came to a halt, rolling blackouts were implemented, and highways were closed to traffic. It was a time for critical decisions.

It is hard to describe how it felt to know that many of my foreign friends have decided to leave Japan. My husband and I discussed the situation. In the midst of all the fear and uncertainty, it was as if we were given new eyes—we saw so clearly what we love about Japan and its people. Through the lens of the tragedy, we saw so much beauty in the country’s human and vulnerable side. Especially for my husband, who has lived here for over 20 years, it only served to strengthen his commitment to be of service to the country and the people.

It was not surprising to see a collective outpouring of similar sentiments, such as in “Embrace Transition,” an online community on Facebook. Founder Jacinta Hin writes:

Something fundamental has changed. I am not alone in this. All around me people tell me they feel different. Japan and its inhabitants have been swept into a state of transition. The pre-3/11 chapter is closed and we are moving into a new one where we have yet to arrive . . . By nature, transitions are chaotic, confusing, and challenging, as they throw us into the unknown and force us to make new choices. They tell us that old paradigms no longer work and that we must come up with new ones. They wake us up and summon us to look at ourselves with critical eyes, to explore who we are and how we want to live.

The widespread destruction has given Japan the chance not only to simply rebuild but to do things differently. Perhaps there will be a shift from high-risk nuclear energy to renewable sources of energy. Perhaps the urban-centered development will spread more to the neglected and elderly-populated countryside. With the revitalization of volunteerism among the youth of this country, perhaps their engagement and energy will fuel this transition. Whatever the changes ahead, these are definitely exciting times, and we are fortunate to be a part of it.

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Message for Japan: From the Participants of the “Building a Better Asia” Meeting in Nara

May 13, 2011
By null

In late April, a little more than a month following the Great East Japan Earthquake, a group of 32 young leaders from 14 Asian countries gathered in the ancient capital of Nara in western Japan to participate in a “Building a Better Asia” 1 retreat to discuss various key issues confronting society and to deepen friendships.

Among the participants were 12 Sylff fellows from 7 countries. Following their stay in Japan, the fellows offered words of encouragement and support for the country that has been devastated by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis.

The messages below are preceded by each fellow’s name, country, current position, and the institution where and the years during which they received Sylff fellowships.

Sherilyn Tan Siy (Philippines), writer, Eco+Waza magazine
Ateneo de Manila University, 2004-07

To the people of Japan, please know that your struggles have not been in vain. I share the deep pain of loss and grieve for the senseless deaths of so many people, especially children and the elderly. I believe that through this event, your humanity shines forth. May you find untapped sources of strength within you, and may you be filled with hope that tomorrow will be better. All shall be well . . . all shall be well.

Sadia Khan (Pakistan), executive director, Delta Shipping (Pvt) Ltd
INSEAD, 1995-96

May God give you strength to bear your loss and the courage to rebuild your lives. My home country, Pakistan, has faced two major natural disasters in the last five years: a terrible earthquake in 2005 and unprecedented floods in 2010 that affected more than 20 million people. We can relate to the suffering of the Japanese people at this time of national grief, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. We also know the resilience of the human spirit and, in particular, the indefatigable will and energy of the Japanese people; we are sure that the nation will rise to the occasion to provide for those in need. We wish you God speed in your recovery efforts.

Katherine Galang Lacson (Philippines), lecturer, Department of History and Department of Communication, Ateneo de Manila University
Ateneo de Manila University, 2003-06

I have been lucky enough to participate in several exchange programs in Japan, which exposed me to the beauty of the country, its people, and its culture. In 2004, one of these programs brought me to a beautiful prefecture called Miyagi, and I visited a very peaceful city called Sendai, where I met many wonderful people, including the very loving family of Michio and Kazuko Waku with whom I had the privilege of staying. We have lost touch over the years, but the memory of their hospitality has stayed with me. So it was a shock to see TV images of the tsunami devastating this beautiful city. I felt helpless as I watched the events unfold, so I did what I could do: I prayed. My prayers went to Michio, Kazuko, Kota, and all the other friends I met. I prayed that they were safe, and I prayed for a fast recovery. I believe in my heart that if there was ever a group of people capable of facing this triple crisis with strength and courage, it would be the Japanese, truly resilient and truly inspiring.

Kamrul Hossain (Bangladesh), senior researcher, Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland
University of Helsinki, 2001-02

I am writing to express my deepest sympathy to the Japanese people, who just recently suffered from a shocking tsunami that has taken thousands of lives. Thousands of others have lost their homes and relatives. There is no doubt that the pain suffered by the Japanese people will take a long time to heal. Personally, my relationship with Japan is very deep. I have been in Japan three times and stayed for a considerable period each time. I have had the opportunity to become close to the people in Japan and to know how wonderful, hospitable, and respectful the people are. The disaster has been painful not only for the Japanese people but everyone who knows Japan and its people. I hope and wish that Japanese people recover from the shock very soon.

Ngeow Yeok Meng (Malaysia), senior lecturer, University of Malaya
University of Malaya, 2001-02

During my recent retreat with other young Asian leaders in Nara, I was deeply touched and impressed by the resilience and patience of the tsunami survivors. Safe but cramped into emergency shelters, many were eager to return to the life they led before the tsunami. However, some seemed overwhelmed by the challenges before them. What can we do to show our friendship and commitment? From far or near, we can at least offer material donations. There are still donation boxes on many store counters, subway stations, tourist spots, restaurants, and street corners. I see that the victims have high hopes for themselves and their communities. Many young people are volunteering their time and energy, and they appear more aware of their social responsibilities than before. This is a nation full of hope, and we will see the sun rise again. As foreigners, we wish to express our condolences to those who have lost their lives, and we sincerely hope that peace and harmony will return to the lives and hearts of the survivors. We are with you always.

Payoshni Mitra (India), independent researcher and consultant with various sport organizations in Britain
Jadavpur University, 2005-08

I recently visited Nara and Osaka to attend the 9th BABA Retreat. Many people told me that this was not the right time to go to Japan. But I am glad I did not listen to them. From the moment I landed, I was amazed by the great courage and strength of the Japanese people, even in times of disaster. There is so much to learn from the Japanese people. I believe that if there is any country that is capable of handling the post-tsunami and nuclear situation, it is Japan. You inspire us with your determination and your ability to withstand hardships and still come out as a champion. I feel sorry for those who have lost near and dear ones in this disaster. I also strongly feel that Japan, as a nation, will overcome this loss soon.

Ma Xiangxiang (China), legal assistant, DLA Piper, UK LLP, Beijing Representative Office
Peking University, 2006

This was my second visit to Japan and the first to the Kansai area in western Japan. The friendliness of the Japanese people, as well as the country’s economic and commercial prosperity was very impressive. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Japanese people who helped me during my stay in Japan, even though I was a stranger to them. Also, I believe that the calmness and diligence of the Japanese people will help you go through this terrible hardship. May God bless all the Japanese people!

Kamei Aphun (India), assistant professor, Department of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
Jawaharlal Nehru University, 2004-05

World War II destroyed many parts of Japan, but in less than 20 years, the country was rebuilt. This time, the tsunami has caused great damage and suffering. My belief is that in less than 2 years, the country will come back much stronger, with greater unity among the people. My Nara experience speaks volumes about the people: very humble and yet focused, very hard working and yet generous, very determined but supportive. I see that Japan and its people have great potential in pioneering social and economic initiatives for the world. Natural calamities may come, but the people have learned to deal with it calmly and without panic. This is the biggest lesson that the world should learn.

Citra Wardhani (Indonesia), expert staff, Directorate of Research and Community Services, Universitas Indonesia
University of Indonesia, 2001-02

The Japanese people are facing many challenges in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami and the ongoing nuclear crisis. My heart goes to those affected. We faced the same problem here in Indonesia, except for the nuclear crisis. I saw firsthand how devastating natural disasters can be for people. The loss of family members and homes must have been very painful and difficult, especially for those having to survive the cold, winter weather in the affected areas. But from the disaster, we—the outsiders—have learned a lot from you, such as how you share and work together, how you hold onto your virtues during difficult times, and how you sacrifice for others. We see new heroes emerging. I hope you all recover soon. Many stakeholders in my country are involved with you and are trying to help in any way they can. Please know that you're not alone.

Sunitha B Nair (India), assistant professor, Payyanur College, Kannur University
Jawaharlal Nehru University, 2005-06

First of all, I would like to salute all my Japanese friends and the Japanese people for their spirit in facing up the challenge. They are so balanced. From my friends, I have heard that many youths are now volunteering in the tsunami-affected areas, and I really admire their desire to help others. My Japanese brothers and sisters, you can count on the support from all Sylff and BABA fellows. All of us who are the beneficiaries of fellowships are greatly indebted to The Nippon and Tokyo Foundations, and we will offer our support in whichever manner it is required in this period of crisis.

Sarojini Imran (Indonesia), lecturer, Tourism Destination Faculty and Architecture Faculty, University of Pancasila; lecturer of interior design, Binus University
University of Indonesia, 1999-2001

My dear Japanese friends, no one can avoid natural disasters. In my country, Indonesia, we also often experience earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters, as you know. Normally, we ask why we should meet such pain and suffering. We eventually realize, though, that we should really be grateful for the opportunity to think about the true meaning of life. In the face of destruction, the hard work and effort we made may appear to have been in vain, but no effort is really wasted. Nothing can prevent natural disasters, but sometimes we are too greedy and assume that we can ignore nature’s power. During times of disaster, our personal safety and the safety of our families and friends are foremost on our minds. How precious life is! All too often, we are too busy making money, and we have no time for others. But when a disaster strikes, it becomes clear that nothing is more precious than our lives, our families, and our friends. My hope is that the disaster will make us wiser so that we value the things that are most precious. The Japanese concept of gambaru should become a source of strength enabling the people to rise again.

 

1“Building a Better Asia” is administered by the Information and Resource Center with the support of The Nippon Foundation, the donor of the Sylff endowments. BABA 9 in Nara, Japan, was held over six days to discuss such important issues as “leadership and governance,” “peace and dialogue among cultures,” “human security,” and “promoting a greener economy in Asia.”