Recipients of the Second Nakasone Yasuhiro Award
Ms. Miho Kishitani, MA
Award of Excellence
Born: November 6, 1975
Nationality: Japan
Affiliation: Peacewinds Japan
Ms. Miho Kishitani was the sole Japanese individual working full time in the Kurdish autonomous zoneof northern Iraq from 2000 to 2003. In this area troubled by conflict, she was responsible formanagement of overall relief activities, including construction of infrastructure, provision of medicalcare, and support for widows and orphaned children. After attending Bradford University in the UK
where she studied Conflict Resolution, she returned to Japan and worked as a television news reporter.
Ms. Kishitani currently energetically undertakes international humanitarian support efforts. Through her
dynamic activity and wealth of experience, Ms. Kishitani serves as a role model for younger members
working in NGOs and NPOs to someday emulate.
Mr. Tsuyoshi Ito, PhD
Incentive Award
Born: April 4, 1966
Occupation: Professor, School of Political Science and Economics
Department of Political Science, Meiji University

Nationality: Japan

Dr. Tsuyoshi Ito aims to conduct international political research in Japan as a theoretical social science.
Within this field, Dr. Ito has focused on the theme of elucidation of structural characteristics ofinternational politics. In particular, he concentrates on miscommunication and the disparity ofperceptions that occur between nations and how these misperceptions influence not only theinternational order but also the diplomatic policy making process. Dr. Ito has employed a theoretical
approach for study of the Japan – US – China relationship to produce highly regarded findings. Dr. Itopresents academic papers in foreign languages at international conferences and participates incommissioned research projects. Publication of a book he authored in English that conveys his researchfindings to an international readership was especially highly evaluated.
Ms. Pia Bennagen Raquedan, PhD
Incentive Award
Born: March 15, 1971
Nationality: Philippines
Occupation: Deputy Executive Director, Pulse Asia, Inc., Quezon City
Research Fellow, Institute for Strategic and Development Studies, Quezon City
Dr. Pia Bennagen Raquedan asserts that there is a need to involve citizens in the policy process,particularly in the field of environmental security. She has participated in collaborative international
research that explored perceptions about development and security as well as in comparative research
into policy making at various levels both in the Philippines and the European Union. She hasemphasized the need for individuals to actively participate in community-based non-governmentalorganizations for sustainable development. Dr. Bennagen Raquedan has demonstrated remarkableaccomplishments in a wide range of fields including presentation of academic papers at international
conferences and seminars and as a scholar doing public opinion research.
Mr. Wayan Karja, MFA
Incentive Award
Born: June 11, 1965
Occupation: Dean, Faculty of Visual Art and DesignIndonesian Institute of the Arts, Denpasar, Bali

Nationality: Indonesia

Mr. Wayan Karja studied Ubud traditional painting and attended Udayana University in Bali where hemajored in art. Following graduation, he took a position teaching at University of South Florida, Tampa,
USA where he completed his Master of Fine Arts degree in painting and printmaking in 1999. Mr. Karja
is an artist who continues searching and learning; he has experimented in approaches traditional andcontemporary from east and west to reflect a style uniquely his own. His exhibitions in Indonesia andinternationally have gained great recognition, and he dedicates his time and energy to impart knowledge
and encouragement to his students. Mr. Karja will certainly continue to be creative, productive andinnovative for many years to come.