HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY
No. 12

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No. 12

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY

008

Winter 2

Kita-8, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0808 JAPANhttp://www.hokudai.ac.jp/en/index.html
PUBLISHED BYEXECUTIVE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Please visit our website for recent news: http://www.hokudai.ac.jp/en/
You can also find the previous edition at http://www.hokudai.ac.jp/en/pickup/publicrelations.html― International Students Exceeded 1,000! ―1,002 international students from 81 countries
as of November 1, 2008

CONTENTS
1,2

Sustainability Weeks 2008 Events Completed

3

G8 University Summit Held

4

The Dialogue Meeting between UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-Moon and HU Students

5

The 11th Hokkaido University-Seoul National
University Joint Symposium

6

Prof. Watanabe, Center for Environmental Nano &Bio Engineering, Wins the IWA Award 2008
Associate Professor Dr. Toshiyuki Nakagaki and
His Colleagues Win the Ig Nobel Prize

117

7

The Ceremony to Mark the Completion of
Sapporo Dental College and Hospital’s New
School Building in Bangladesh

8

HU Alumni’s Today – Dr. Lamiya Chowdhury

9Opening Ceremony of the Hokudai Center for
Zoonosis Control in Zambia

10

Participation in Study Abroad Fairs in India,
Vietnam and Sweden

11

COE Program Series 10
New Global Law and Policy for Multi-agential
Governance

12

Entrance Ceremony Held for the Intensive
Japanese Language Course, Japanese Language
and Culture Studies Course and Hokkaido
University Short Term Exchange Programme(HUSTEP)

38
82
69

Europe/NIS 59

52
20

Asia 826
Middle East 16

North America 20

11
20
183
100

South America 31
Africa 46

Oceania 4

33
49

Donations for Victims of China’s Great Sichuan
Earthquake

51

68

13,14 Graduate School Introduction Series 10
The Research Faculty of Agriculture and the
Graduate School of Agriculture

44

15

65

1,002

Hokkaido University Today

ًThe Hokkaido University Museum in a winter morning

No. 12Page 1Page 2

Hokkaido University Newsletter

S: Symposium
M: Museum Exhibit
P: Public Lecture O: Other Event

Sustainability Weeks 2008 Events Completed* To read the detailed report of SW2008, please visit: http://www.sustain.hokudai.ac.jp/sw2008/english(as of January 13, 2009)
Hokkaido University Sustainability Marathon
̖

The Sustainability Weeks 2008-G8 Summit Round hosted by Hokkaido University (HU) for the three-week period
from June 23 – timed to coincide with the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit – was brought to a successful conclusion
with the Closing Symposium on July 11.
Toward the end of the Sustainability Marathon, HU’s promotion campaign that began September 2007, theSustainability Weeks 2008 was held which was a concentration of International Symposia and Workshops. It
started immediately after the news release stating that the main theme of the G8 Summit was to be concerned withcountermeasures for global warming and environmental problems, and was based on the HU’s accumulation ofresearch and education geared toward tackling problems that threaten the sustainability of the earth and humanity.
Over the long term, the Marathon elicited the interest of researchers and educators at HU which carried over to
Sustainability Weeks 2008 and led to an increase of the number of international symposia, student activities, andspecial exhibitions to 37. The popularity of the event exceeded the forecast given in the last Newsletter, andresulted in a total of 50 sessions during the Sustainability Marathon.
Among other events, the G8 University Summit (the first of its kind and featuring the HU president as deputy
chair and host) had 140 participants, including presidents and other representatives from 35 universities in 14
G8-member and non-member countries as well as the United Nations University. The G8 University Summit
adopted the Sapporo Sustainability Declaration, calling on the Group of Eight leaders to devise appropriate scientificpolicies to tackle climate change and other pressing issues (see p.3 for details). The Dialogue Meeting between
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and HU students was characterized by a robust question-and-answer
session in which 330 participants discussed the food crisis and other global challenges (see p.4 for details).
More than 6,000 domestic and overseas experts, students, and ordinary citizens participated in numerous
sessions during the event and engaged in animated discussions while sharing the latest results of research on thechallenges facing humanity. Through these events, HU has shown its determination toward the realization of asustainable society in Asia by collaborating in research and provoking the public interest. To attain further success,
HU will hold another Sustainability Weeks in November, 2009.
HU is committed to promoting research and education on sustainability by capitalizing on the networks cultivatedduring the Sustainability Weeks among universities, researchers, and citizens and will redouble the effort toward abrighter future for humanity.

May 17

S(Running since 2007)

Jun. 14

S Environmental Forum in Lake Toya

Being Indigenous & Woman: Gender History for Self-RelianceJun. 15

S Human Dimensions of Invasive Alien Species Issues

and Borderless Development
Neighbors must share the Environment that links them:

May 22

S

May 24

P Science Café Event The Bio-diversity and Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

May 27

S University-led Ventures Business Hokkaido Forum

Jun. 6
Jun. 11 - 13

P
S

Dialogue with the Youth Delegation from Russia

Sustainability Weeks 2008 – Pre Event “What We Can Do for the
Sustainable Future”
JST Presto Symposium on Mathematical Sciences towards

Int’l Symposium on “Nanotoxicology Assessment & Biomedical,
Environmental Application of Fine Particles & Nanotubes” (ISNT2008)

P Changing Polar Regions – Research Frontier & Its Education –Jun. 19

S Hokkaido & Far-east Russia Environment Forum for Sustainable Development

Jun. 21

S Environmental Leadership Initiative for Asian Sustainability (ELIAS)

Jun. 15 - Jul. 31 M Museum Exhibit “Knowledge of University for All the People!”Jun. 17 - Aug. 30 M

Museum Exhibit “Environment and Resources of Lake Toya &Usu Volcano Area”

O Radio program: “Creating a Sustainable Society”

Hokkaido University Sustainability Weeks 2008 ࡯ G8 Summit Round
Jun. 23

S

Sustainability Weeks 2008 Opening Symposium

Jul. 2 - 6“Toward a Sustainable Low Carbon Society”

Jul. 3 - 4

S Environment & Health; Human Life in Changing Global Environments

How to make Sustainable Low Carbon Society – Synergy ofJul. 5

S Symposium on Sustainable Management for Culture and Communities

Social & Engineering System –Jul. 5

P Let’s talk about “Health of the Earth & People”

S Int’l Conference on Sustainable Agriculture & Environment

Jun. 24

S

Jun. 24

S Drastic Change in the Earth System during Global Warming

Jul. 5 - 7

S Int’l Symposium: Sentinel Earth, Detection of Environmental Change

Jun. 24

S 2008 Int’l Workshop on Multi-Media Signal Processing

Jul. 6S Int’l Symposium on Sanitation in Hokkaido University

Jun. 25

S Global Warming – Messages from Scientists

Jul. 7S Catalysis Leading to a Sustainable Society

Jun. 25

S Dynamics and Pathways of Land Systems Change

Jun. 25

S Environmental Monitoring for Conservation of Ecosystems

Jul. 8O

Jul. 9S

Jun. 26 - 27

S Northeast Asia in the Cold War: New Evidence and Perspectives

Jun. 27

S Neo-Science of Natural History: Origin & Evolution of Natural Diversity

Jun. 28

P Fuel Cell Experiments – Environment-Friendly Energy –Jun. 28

S Sustainability Sciences for Protecting Aquatic Ecosystem & Marine Food

Jun. 28

P

Science Café Event “Outreach for the Most Recent Information on
Global Warming”

Jul. 10 - 12

S

Challenge to Global Food Crisis – Discussion between the
Secretary-General of the United Nations & Hokudai Students –Int’l Symposium “Peace, Reconciliation & Civil Society:Toward a Sustainable Peace in East Asia & Europe”
Sustainable Should Be Female Scientists’ Career! Environments for
Gender Equality & Work-Life Balance in Science

Jul. 11

S Beyond the Double Helix 㨪Life Science for the Disease Free Society㨪Jul. 11

S Sustainability Weeks 2008 Closing Symposium

Efforts on Energy Service Company & Garbage Reduction inJun. 23 - Jul. 11 O Photo Summit “Planet Aqua” Photographic Exhibition

Hokkaido University

Jun. 30 - Jul. 11 O Citizens Media Center Sapporo

Jun. 28 - 29

O

Jun. 28 - 29

S Taxonomy Returns! – For the Better Understanding of our Mother Nature –Jun. 29

S School Education for Establishing Sustainable Society in Hokkaido

Jun. 29

S The Present & Future of Ainu Studies, Part I

Jul. 2

ًOpening symposium

S

Jun. 19

May - July

Environmental Problems

Jun. 29 - Jul. 1 O G8 University Summit

ًMany people participated in Sustainability Weeks 2008
from home and abroad.

Jun. 16 - 17

Sustainable Society & Hokkaido: The Changing Environment &Jul. 3 - 31

P

Jun. 28 - 29

O International Student Summit “UNI.SUMMIT2008”

People’s Lives

Early Jul. - Jul. 9 O Team Sapporo Omotenashi

S Toward Stronger Ties between Agricultural and Medical Sciences

ًChildren riding an electricity vehicle in Public LectureًMuseum Exhibition about environment around Lake Toyaand Usu volcanic area

No. 12Page 1Page 2

Hokkaido University Newsletter

S: Symposium
M: Museum Exhibit
P: Public Lecture O: Other Event

Sustainability Weeks 2008 Events Completed* To read the detailed report of SW2008, please visit: http://www.sustain.hokudai.ac.jp/sw2008/english(as of January 13, 2009)
Hokkaido University Sustainability Marathon
̖

The Sustainability Weeks 2008-G8 Summit Round hosted by Hokkaido University (HU) for the three-week period
from June 23 – timed to coincide with the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit – was brought to a successful conclusion
with the Closing Symposium on July 11.
Toward the end of the Sustainability Marathon, HU’s promotion campaign that began September 2007, theSustainability Weeks 2008 was held which was a concentration of International Symposia and Workshops. It
started immediately after the news release stating that the main theme of the G8 Summit was to be concerned withcountermeasures for global warming and environmental problems, and was based on the HU’s accumulation ofresearch and education geared toward tackling problems that threaten the sustainability of the earth and humanity.
Over the long term, the Marathon elicited the interest of researchers and educators at HU which carried over to
Sustainability Weeks 2008 and led to an increase of the number of international symposia, student activities, andspecial exhibitions to 37. The popularity of the event exceeded the forecast given in the last Newsletter, andresulted in a total of 50 sessions during the Sustainability Marathon.
Among other events, the G8 University Summit (the first of its kind and featuring the HU president as deputy
chair and host) had 140 participants, including presidents and other representatives from 35 universities in 14
G8-member and non-member countries as well as the United Nations University. The G8 University Summit
adopted the Sapporo Sustainability Declaration, calling on the Group of Eight leaders to devise appropriate scientificpolicies to tackle climate change and other pressing issues (see p.3 for details). The Dialogue Meeting between
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and HU students was characterized by a robust question-and-answer
session in which 330 participants discussed the food crisis and other global challenges (see p.4 for details).
More than 6,000 domestic and overseas experts, students, and ordinary citizens participated in numerous
sessions during the event and engaged in animated discussions while sharing the latest results of research on thechallenges facing humanity. Through these events, HU has shown its determination toward the realization of asustainable society in Asia by collaborating in research and provoking the public interest. To attain further success,
HU will hold another Sustainability Weeks in November, 2009.
HU is committed to promoting research and education on sustainability by capitalizing on the networks cultivatedduring the Sustainability Weeks among universities, researchers, and citizens and will redouble the effort toward abrighter future for humanity.

May 17

S(Running since 2007)

Jun. 14

S Environmental Forum in Lake Toya

Being Indigenous & Woman: Gender History for Self-RelianceJun. 15

S Human Dimensions of Invasive Alien Species Issues

and Borderless Development
Neighbors must share the Environment that links them:

May 22

S

May 24

P Science Café Event The Bio-diversity and Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

May 27

S University-led Ventures Business Hokkaido Forum

Jun. 6
Jun. 11 - 13

P
S

Dialogue with the Youth Delegation from Russia

Sustainability Weeks 2008 – Pre Event “What We Can Do for the
Sustainable Future”
JST Presto Symposium on Mathematical Sciences towards

Int’l Symposium on “Nanotoxicology Assessment & Biomedical,
Environmental Application of Fine Particles & Nanotubes” (ISNT2008)

P Changing Polar Regions – Research Frontier & Its Education –Jun. 19

S Hokkaido & Far-east Russia Environment Forum for Sustainable Development

Jun. 21

S Environmental Leadership Initiative for Asian Sustainability (ELIAS)

Jun. 15 - Jul. 31 M Museum Exhibit “Knowledge of University for All the People!”Jun. 17 - Aug. 30 M

Museum Exhibit “Environment and Resources of Lake Toya &Usu Volcano Area”

O Radio program: “Creating a Sustainable Society”

Hokkaido University Sustainability Weeks 2008 ࡯ G8 Summit Round
Jun. 23

S

Sustainability Weeks 2008 Opening Symposium

Jul. 2 - 6“Toward a Sustainable Low Carbon Society”

Jul. 3 - 4

S Environment & Health; Human Life in Changing Global Environments

How to make Sustainable Low Carbon Society – Synergy ofJul. 5

S Symposium on Sustainable Management for Culture and Communities

Social & Engineering System –Jul. 5

P Let’s talk about “Health of the Earth & People”

S Int’l Conference on Sustainable Agriculture & Environment

Jun. 24

S

Jun. 24

S Drastic Change in the Earth System during Global Warming

Jul. 5 - 7

S Int’l Symposium: Sentinel Earth, Detection of Environmental Change

Jun. 24

S 2008 Int’l Workshop on Multi-Media Signal Processing

Jul. 6S Int’l Symposium on Sanitation in Hokkaido University

Jun. 25

S Global Warming – Messages from Scientists

Jul. 7S Catalysis Leading to a Sustainable Society

Jun. 25

S Dynamics and Pathways of Land Systems Change

Jun. 25

S Environmental Monitoring for Conservation of Ecosystems

Jul. 8O

Jul. 9S

Jun. 26 - 27

S Northeast Asia in the Cold War: New Evidence and Perspectives

Jun. 27

S Neo-Science of Natural History: Origin & Evolution of Natural Diversity

Jun. 28

P Fuel Cell Experiments – Environment-Friendly Energy –Jun. 28

S Sustainability Sciences for Protecting Aquatic Ecosystem & Marine Food

Jun. 28

P

Science Café Event “Outreach for the Most Recent Information on
Global Warming”

Jul. 10 - 12

S

Challenge to Global Food Crisis – Discussion between the
Secretary-General of the United Nations & Hokudai Students –Int’l Symposium “Peace, Reconciliation & Civil Society:Toward a Sustainable Peace in East Asia & Europe”
Sustainable Should Be Female Scientists’ Career! Environments for
Gender Equality & Work-Life Balance in Science

Jul. 11

S Beyond the Double Helix 㨪Life Science for the Disease Free Society㨪Jul. 11

S Sustainability Weeks 2008 Closing Symposium

Efforts on Energy Service Company & Garbage Reduction inJun. 23 - Jul. 11 O Photo Summit “Planet Aqua” Photographic Exhibition

Hokkaido University

Jun. 30 - Jul. 11 O Citizens Media Center Sapporo

Jun. 28 - 29

O

Jun. 28 - 29

S Taxonomy Returns! – For the Better Understanding of our Mother Nature –Jun. 29

S School Education for Establishing Sustainable Society in Hokkaido

Jun. 29

S The Present & Future of Ainu Studies, Part I

Jul. 2

ًOpening symposium

S

Jun. 19

May - July

Environmental Problems

Jun. 29 - Jul. 1 O G8 University Summit

ًMany people participated in Sustainability Weeks 2008
from home and abroad.

Jun. 16 - 17

Sustainable Society & Hokkaido: The Changing Environment &Jul. 3 - 31

P

Jun. 28 - 29

O International Student Summit “UNI.SUMMIT2008”

People’s Lives

Early Jul. - Jul. 9 O Team Sapporo Omotenashi

S Toward Stronger Ties between Agricultural and Medical Sciences

ًChildren riding an electricity vehicle in Public LectureًMuseum Exhibition about environment around Lake Toyaand Usu volcanic area

No. 12Page 3

G8 University Summit Held
The G8 University Summit, held under the theme of Global
Sustainability and Roles of Universities, welcomed
approximately 140 participants, including the presidents of
35 universities from fourteen G8 and non-G8 countries aswell as the United Nations University.The conference washeld in Sapporo from June 29 to July 1, 2008 andHokkaido University (HU) played a central role in preparing
for the event, and HU President Dr. Hiroshi Saeki served as
Deputy Chair of the G8 University Summit Organizing
Committee and Executive Director of the Secretariat.
The G8 University Summit began with a welcome partyon the evening of June 29, held under the joint auspices of
HU and the Hokkaido Toyako Summit Preparation Council. ًPlenary Session
The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology Mr. Kisaburo Tokai delivered a speech in person at the pre-event and a message from him was read out
at the opening. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda also sent a message for the June 30 opening. The event was brought
to a close following the adoption of the Sapporo Sustainability Declaration (SSD), which called on the leadersparticipating in the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit to implement proper scientific policies toward tackling climatechange and other pressing issues, and a summary of the conference by the Chair at a plenary session on July 1.
After the conclusion of the summit, the participants met one last time for a farewell lunch at which they exchanged
parting greetings.
The G8 University Summit was the first time a forum of presidents from major universities in G8 nations had
assembled concurrent to the G8 Summit. The participants recognized the role universities play in achieving
sustainability (such as investigations, research activities, and education), and also pledged to step up their efforts toachieve sustainability in their respective establishments.
The participants committed themselves to continue spreading sustainability programs to other universities and toeliciting responses toward policy at the governmental level. They agreed to hold the next G8 University Summit in
Italy to coincide with the next G8 Summit.
Thirty-two HU students served as Student Ambassadors for the event and got a favorable reception fromuniversity presidents from abroad and other officials in
response to their attentive escort and support services.
Many of these students also expressed their excitement
about the invaluable experience they gained in providing
their services.
Also well received among participants was the Spouse
Program, which was designed to introduce aspects ofJapanese culture. Excursions to the Hokkaido University
Museum, Moerenuma Park and other places of interest
were also well received.
Representatives of the G8 University Summit including
HU President Dr. Saeki met Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda
at his office on July 4 to hand over the SSD and report on
ًThe Sapporo Sustainability Declaration is handed over tothe accomplishments of the G8 University Summit.
Prime Minister Fukuda

Page 4

Hokkaido University Newsletter

The Dialogue Meeting between
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and HU Students
Hokkaido University hosted a special lecture
meeting entitled, “Challenge to Global Food Crisis –Discussion with the Secretary-General of the United
Nations & Hokudai Students” on July 8 for
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s visit as part of
the Sustainability Weeks 2008 event. The lecture
was attended by 215 HU students.
Dr. Hiroshi Saeki, President of HU, delivered thewelcome address at the opening of the lecture andstated that he was grateful because it was anopportune moment for HU, which is tackling theissue of sustainability, to host Mr. Ban Ki-Moon,
who could shed light on the food crisis issue from a
global perspective. Dr. Takeo Hondoh, Vice
President and Executive of HU, gave a speech andexplained the purpose of the lecture meeting. This
ًUnited Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon delivers a speech
was followed by the keynote speech from Mr. Ban
Ki-Moon. During his lecture, Mr. Ban reiterated theseriousness of current food issues in the international community, and called for the leadership of Japan and otheradvanced nations to provide food aid to developing nations, strengthen agricultural production, and establish stable
food markets. His speech was followed by a dialogue meeting of approximately 30 minutes in which he answered
students’ questions and commented on their opinions. In response to a question on what roles the United Nations
could play in addressing the food crisis – believed to be a result of globalization amidst widening economic
disparities between developed and developing nations – Mr. Ban explained that the U.N. could help address theissue in an impartial manner because institutional and structural issues must be tackled over the medium and longterms.
After the session, Mr. Ban delivered a message
to those studying at HU, “Students are the future of
our society. I have been truly impressed by yourglobal efforts as well as the quality of yourquestions and the depth of your awareness. Many
people around the world are in situations so direthat it brings tears to my eyes to see them. I hope
you will open your hearts and share with them.
Please maintain a bright vision of the world’s future,interact with people and society, enhance yourawareness, and fulfill the roles you are destinedfor.”ًStudents raise their hands to ask questions of Mr. Ban Ki-Moon

No. 12Page 3

G8 University Summit Held
The G8 University Summit, held under the theme of Global
Sustainability and Roles of Universities, welcomed
approximately 140 participants, including the presidents of
35 universities from fourteen G8 and non-G8 countries aswell as the United Nations University.The conference washeld in Sapporo from June 29 to July 1, 2008 andHokkaido University (HU) played a central role in preparing
for the event, and HU President Dr. Hiroshi Saeki served as
Deputy Chair of the G8 University Summit Organizing
Committee and Executive Director of the Secretariat.
The G8 University Summit began with a welcome partyon the evening of June 29, held under the joint auspices of
HU and the Hokkaido Toyako Summit Preparation Council. ًPlenary Session
The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology Mr. Kisaburo Tokai delivered a speech in person at the pre-event and a message from him was read out
at the opening. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda also sent a message for the June 30 opening. The event was brought
to a close following the adoption of the Sapporo Sustainability Declaration (SSD), which called on the leadersparticipating in the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit to implement proper scientific policies toward tackling climatechange and other pressing issues, and a summary of the conference by the Chair at a plenary session on July 1.
After the conclusion of the summit, the participants met one last time for a farewell lunch at which they exchanged
parting greetings.
The G8 University Summit was the first time a forum of presidents from major universities in G8 nations had
assembled concurrent to the G8 Summit. The participants recognized the role universities play in achieving
sustainability (such as investigations, research activities, and education), and also pledged to step up their efforts toachieve sustainability in their respective establishments.
The participants committed themselves to continue spreading sustainability programs to other universities and toeliciting responses toward policy at the governmental level. They agreed to hold the next G8 University Summit in
Italy to coincide with the next G8 Summit.
Thirty-two HU students served as Student Ambassadors for the event and got a favorable reception fromuniversity presidents from abroad and other officials in
response to their attentive escort and support services.
Many of these students also expressed their excitement
about the invaluable experience they gained in providing
their services.
Also well received among participants was the Spouse
Program, which was designed to introduce aspects ofJapanese culture. Excursions to the Hokkaido University
Museum, Moerenuma Park and other places of interest
were also well received.
Representatives of the G8 University Summit including
HU President Dr. Saeki met Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda
at his office on July 4 to hand over the SSD and report on
ًThe Sapporo Sustainability Declaration is handed over tothe accomplishments of the G8 University Summit.
Prime Minister Fukuda

Page 4

Hokkaido University Newsletter

The Dialogue Meeting between
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and HU Students
Hokkaido University hosted a special lecture
meeting entitled, “Challenge to Global Food Crisis –Discussion with the Secretary-General of the United
Nations & Hokudai Students” on July 8 for
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s visit as part of
the Sustainability Weeks 2008 event. The lecture
was attended by 215 HU students.
Dr. Hiroshi Saeki, President of HU, delivered thewelcome address at the opening of the lecture andstated that he was grateful because it was anopportune moment for HU, which is tackling theissue of sustainability, to host Mr. Ban Ki-Moon,
who could shed light on the food crisis issue from a
global perspective. Dr. Takeo Hondoh, Vice
President and Executive of HU, gave a speech andexplained the purpose of the lecture meeting. This
ًUnited Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon delivers a speech
was followed by the keynote speech from Mr. Ban
Ki-Moon. During his lecture, Mr. Ban reiterated theseriousness of current food issues in the international community, and called for the leadership of Japan and otheradvanced nations to provide food aid to developing nations, strengthen agricultural production, and establish stable
food markets. His speech was followed by a dialogue meeting of approximately 30 minutes in which he answered
students’ questions and commented on their opinions. In response to a question on what roles the United Nations
could play in addressing the food crisis – believed to be a result of globalization amidst widening economic
disparities between developed and developing nations – Mr. Ban explained that the U.N. could help address theissue in an impartial manner because institutional and structural issues must be tackled over the medium and longterms.
After the session, Mr. Ban delivered a message
to those studying at HU, “Students are the future of
our society. I have been truly impressed by yourglobal efforts as well as the quality of yourquestions and the depth of your awareness. Many
people around the world are in situations so direthat it brings tears to my eyes to see them. I hope
you will open your hearts and share with them.
Please maintain a bright vision of the world’s future,interact with people and society, enhance yourawareness, and fulfill the roles you are destinedfor.”ًStudents raise their hands to ask questions of Mr. Ban Ki-Moon

No. 12Page 5

The 11th Hokkaido University-Seoul National University
Joint SymposiumًAll the participants in the plenary session

Hokkaido University (HU) and Seoul National University (SNU) have held a joint symposium every year on areciprocal basis since 1998 to commemorate the conclusion of an Inter-University Exchange Agreement between
the two establishments in 1997.
This year’s joint symposium – the 11th in the series – was held between November 6 and 8 with the participationof Dr. Hiroshi Saeki, President of HU, Dr. Hasuck Kim, Vice President of SNU, numerous faculty members, young
researchers, and students from HU and SNU.
On November 6, the plenary session and the reception were held at the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo with theparticipation of approximately 100 representatives from HU and SNU. During the plenary session, Dr. Tadayuki
Hayashi, Executive and Vice President of Hokkaido University delivered a keynote speech based on the theme“The Roles of Universities in the Changing Global Environment.” He highlighted the circumstances behind theincorporation of national universities in Japan and HU’s vision for future development. From SNU, Dr. Jin-Ho Seo,
Dean of the Office of Research Affairs, talked about the new roles to be played by SNU toward the realization of asustainable society. At the reception that followed theplenary session, faculty members and students fromboth universities deepened exchanges.
On November 7 and 8, satellite sessions were held
at individual departments. During these sessions,faculty members as well as young researchers andstudents from both universities presented their research
results and actively exchanged opinions based on anumber of predetermined themes.
HU is committed to promoting partnerships with
SNU through this symposium as well as on otheroccasions.
ًSNU Vice President Kim and HU President Saeki

Page 6

Hokkaido University Newsletter

Prof. Watanabe, Center for Environmental Nano & Bio Engineering,
Wins the IWA Award 2008
Dr. Yoshimasa Watanabe, a professor at Hokkaido
University’s Center for Environmental Nano and Bio
Engineering, received the International Water
Association (IWA) Award 2008 for Outstanding
Contribution to Water Management and Science at
the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. The
event was held in Vienna from September 7 to 12
with the participation of approximately 3,000 people
from 130 countries around the world. Dr. Watanabe
achieved the outstanding feat of being the firstJapanese person ever to receive the IWA’s mostprestigious accolade. The award was presented
during the Opening Ceremony on September 7.
Dr. Watanabe’s fields of research in regard to
the water environment are far-reaching, and his ًProf. Watanabe at the ceremony
study achievements have been presented in theform of countless scientific papers and books. In particular, his research on element technologies for water andsewerage treatment as well as treatment systems using flocculation, biological slime and separation membranes
have brought international acclaim. He was chosen for the IWA Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution
to research and education as well as international activities over the past 35 years.

Associate Professor Dr. Toshiyuki Nakagaki and
His Colleagues Win the Ig Nobel PrizeًAssociate Prof. Nakagaki holding a plaque

The Ig Nobel Prizes, which are given forachievements that “first make people laugh, andthen make them think,” were presented at Harvard
University, Boston, MA, U.S.A. on October 2. Dr.
Toshiyuki Nakagaki of Hokkaido University’s
Research Institute for Electronic Science,
Researcher Atsushi Tero, and four others won the
Cognitive Science Prize.
The accolade was awarded in recognition of
their discovery that true slime molds, a class ofunicellular organisms with no brain, can solve
puzzles. Eight years ago, Dr. Nakagaki also
published a paper in Nature (a UK international
journal of science) on the outstanding
information-processing functionality of slime molds.

No. 12Page 5

The 11th Hokkaido University-Seoul National University
Joint SymposiumًAll the participants in the plenary session

Hokkaido University (HU) and Seoul National University (SNU) have held a joint symposium every year on areciprocal basis since 1998 to commemorate the conclusion of an Inter-University Exchange Agreement between
the two establishments in 1997.
This year’s joint symposium – the 11th in the series – was held between November 6 and 8 with the participationof Dr. Hiroshi Saeki, President of HU, Dr. Hasuck Kim, Vice President of SNU, numerous faculty members, young
researchers, and students from HU and SNU.
On November 6, the plenary session and the reception were held at the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo with theparticipation of approximately 100 representatives from HU and SNU. During the plenary session, Dr. Tadayuki
Hayashi, Executive and Vice President of Hokkaido University delivered a keynote speech based on the theme“The Roles of Universities in the Changing Global Environment.” He highlighted the circumstances behind theincorporation of national universities in Japan and HU’s vision for future development. From SNU, Dr. Jin-Ho Seo,
Dean of the Office of Research Affairs, talked about the new roles to be played by SNU toward the realization of asustainable society. At the reception that followed theplenary session, faculty members and students fromboth universities deepened exchanges.
On November 7 and 8, satellite sessions were held
at individual departments. During these sessions,faculty members as well as young researchers andstudents from both universities presented their research
results and actively exchanged opinions based on anumber of predetermined themes.
HU is committed to promoting partnerships with
SNU through this symposium as well as on otheroccasions.
ًSNU Vice President Kim and HU President Saeki

Page 6

Hokkaido University Newsletter

Prof. Watanabe, Center for Environmental Nano & Bio Engineering,
Wins the IWA Award 2008
Dr. Yoshimasa Watanabe, a professor at Hokkaido
University’s Center for Environmental Nano and Bio
Engineering, received the International Water
Association (IWA) Award 2008 for Outstanding
Contribution to Water Management and Science at
the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. The
event was held in Vienna from September 7 to 12
with the participation of approximately 3,000 people
from 130 countries around the world. Dr. Watanabe
achieved the outstanding feat of being the firstJapanese person ever to receive the IWA’s mostprestigious accolade. The award was presented
during the Opening Ceremony on September 7.
Dr. Watanabe’s fields of research in regard to
the water environment are far-reaching, and his ًProf. Watanabe at the ceremony
study achievements have been presented in theform of countless scientific papers and books. In particular, his research on element technologies for water andsewerage treatment as well as treatment systems using flocculation, biological slime and separation membranes
have brought international acclaim. He was chosen for the IWA Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution
to research and education as well as international activities over the past 35 years.

Associate Professor Dr. Toshiyuki Nakagaki and
His Colleagues Win the Ig Nobel PrizeًAssociate Prof. Nakagaki holding a plaque

The Ig Nobel Prizes, which are given forachievements that “first make people laugh, andthen make them think,” were presented at Harvard
University, Boston, MA, U.S.A. on October 2. Dr.
Toshiyuki Nakagaki of Hokkaido University’s
Research Institute for Electronic Science,
Researcher Atsushi Tero, and four others won the
Cognitive Science Prize.
The accolade was awarded in recognition of
their discovery that true slime molds, a class ofunicellular organisms with no brain, can solve
puzzles. Eight years ago, Dr. Nakagaki also
published a paper in Nature (a UK international
journal of science) on the outstanding
information-processing functionality of slime molds.

No. 12Page 7The Ceremony to Mark the Completion of
Sapporo Dental College and Hospital’s New School Buildingin Bangladesh

ًThe renewed school building of
Sapporo Dental College and Hospital

A ceremony to mark the initial completion of the new school building for the
Sapporo Dental College and Hospital (referred to below as the College), a
private dental college established by graduates of Hokkaido University’s
Graduate School of Dental Medicine, was held in the Bangladeshi capital of
Dhaka on Sunday, November 9. At the invitation of the College, 11 HU
representatives participated in the ceremony, including Executive andVice-President Minoru Wakita, Masamitsu Kawanami (Dean of the Graduate
School of Dental Medicine), Professor Emeritus Masamitsu Kawamura, andProfessor Emeritus Akira Amemiya and his wife.
Since 1983, HU’s Graduate School of Dental Medicine has received morethan 20 Bangladeshi dentists aspiring to pick up Japan’s advanced techniques
and knowledge in this field. The Graduate School has systematically trained anumber of students every year in various departments to produce experts
specializing in periodontology, oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics,
pathology, anatomy, and pharmacology. These activities are based on theambitions of Prof. Dr. M. A. Hannan (the current College Principal and the first
Bangladeshi student at HU’s Graduate School of Dental Medicine) and Prof.
Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed to establish a dental clinic that provides high-quality

treatment in their home country.
College Principal Hannan and Prof. Dr. Ahmed opened a dental clinic named Sapporo Dental Care in Dhaka in
1993 as the first step toward fulfilling these ambitions. In the autumn of 2000, they and five Bangladeshi dentists
who had acquired advanced techniques in their field through their studies at HU, pooled funds to establish Sapporo
Dental College and Hospital to realize a larger ambition of improving the level of dentistry treatment and developing
human resources in their country. The College is located near a slum area of northern Dhaka, and shares its
premises with a hospital that provides medical careto patients from low-income families at affordable
prices. The founders included the word “Sapporo” in
the College’s name as it recalled fond memories of
their time in Hokkaido.
Although many Bangladeshi students study inJapan, the foundation of a private educational
establishment by graduates from a specific university
was unprecedented in Bangladesh as it was the first
institution
everestablished
under
such
circumstances. We feel that the frontier spirit
cultivated at HU lives on in faraway Bangladesh. HU
is committed to ongoing close collaboration with theCollege to reinforce the partnership toward thedevelopment of dentistry in Bangladesh.
ًMasamitsu Kawanami, Dean of the Graduate School of Dental
Medicine, delivers an address at the ceremony

Page 8

Hokkaido University Newsletter

HU Alumni’s Today – Dr. Lamiya Chowdhury
Dr. Lamiya Chowdhury, an associate professor
and one of the founding members of Sapporo
Dental College and Hospital (referred to below as
the College), studied at Hokkaido University
between 1994 and 1999 following a one-year
internship after graduating from Dhaka Dental
College. She took up these studies in line withthe advice of Dr. M. A. Hannan, President of theCollege, Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed, and herother seniors at Dhaka Dental College who had
already returned home from their studies at
Hokkaido University (HU), and decided to workwith them in the future to help those in need intheir home country.
For six months after her arrival in Japan, Dr.
Chowdhury took an intensive Japanese language
ًDr. Lamiya Chowdhury
course. By the time she completed theseclasses, her husband had joined her and they pursued their studies on the Doctoral Program at HU’s Graduate
School of Dental Medicine. While at HU, they followed a busy schedule providing dental treatment together withother dentists at Hokkaido University Dental Hospital (now Hokkaido University Hospital Center for Dental Clinics)
during the day and devoting themselves to their research activities at night. Dr. Chowdhury fondly reflects, “Since
people in Hokkaido were very friendly to us and we have lots of fond memories from our time there, we believe thatthe period we studied at Hokkaido University were five of the golden years of our lives.” She also became good atriding bicycles at HU due to the need to travel around the university’s vast campus. Although cycling is dangerous
in Dhaka due to its transportation conditions, she enjoyed the activity in Sapporo because of the beautiful campus,
which is characterized by its seasonal variations.
Dr. Chowdhury currently teaches at the College and has found pleasure in her educational activities. She gives
lessons there from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. before providing treatment at a different clinic for three hours later in theafternoon. Although she could work as a dentist solely, she prefers sharing her knowledge with students as theteaching staff at HU did for her.
When the recruitment of students for the College’s inaugural class was approved in 2000, other colleges had
already concluded their recruitment for the year, and therefore only seven students were enrolled. However, theoperation of the College is now stable, and has a student body of approximately 250. The establishment also
accepts three or four students from Nepal every year. If possible, Dr. Chowdhury would like to return to HU – which
she feels has excellent educational programs and a great environment – to brush up her skills in order to help
further improve dentistry in Bangladesh.

No. 12Page 7The Ceremony to Mark the Completion of
Sapporo Dental College and Hospital’s New School Buildingin Bangladesh

ًThe renewed school building of
Sapporo Dental College and Hospital

A ceremony to mark the initial completion of the new school building for the
Sapporo Dental College and Hospital (referred to below as the College), a
private dental college established by graduates of Hokkaido University’s
Graduate School of Dental Medicine, was held in the Bangladeshi capital of
Dhaka on Sunday, November 9. At the invitation of the College, 11 HU
representatives participated in the ceremony, including Executive andVice-President Minoru Wakita, Masamitsu Kawanami (Dean of the Graduate
School of Dental Medicine), Professor Emeritus Masamitsu Kawamura, andProfessor Emeritus Akira Amemiya and his wife.
Since 1983, HU’s Graduate School of Dental Medicine has received morethan 20 Bangladeshi dentists aspiring to pick up Japan’s advanced techniques
and knowledge in this field. The Graduate School has systematically trained anumber of students every year in various departments to produce experts
specializing in periodontology, oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics,
pathology, anatomy, and pharmacology. These activities are based on theambitions of Prof. Dr. M. A. Hannan (the current College Principal and the first
Bangladeshi student at HU’s Graduate School of Dental Medicine) and Prof.
Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed to establish a dental clinic that provides high-quality

treatment in their home country.
College Principal Hannan and Prof. Dr. Ahmed opened a dental clinic named Sapporo Dental Care in Dhaka in
1993 as the first step toward fulfilling these ambitions. In the autumn of 2000, they and five Bangladeshi dentists
who had acquired advanced techniques in their field through their studies at HU, pooled funds to establish Sapporo
Dental College and Hospital to realize a larger ambition of improving the level of dentistry treatment and developing
human resources in their country. The College is located near a slum area of northern Dhaka, and shares its
premises with a hospital that provides medical careto patients from low-income families at affordable
prices. The founders included the word “Sapporo” in
the College’s name as it recalled fond memories of
their time in Hokkaido.
Although many Bangladeshi students study inJapan, the foundation of a private educational
establishment by graduates from a specific university
was unprecedented in Bangladesh as it was the first
institution
everestablished
under
such
circumstances. We feel that the frontier spirit
cultivated at HU lives on in faraway Bangladesh. HU
is committed to ongoing close collaboration with theCollege to reinforce the partnership toward thedevelopment of dentistry in Bangladesh.
ًMasamitsu Kawanami, Dean of the Graduate School of Dental
Medicine, delivers an address at the ceremony

Page 8

Hokkaido University Newsletter

HU Alumni’s Today – Dr. Lamiya Chowdhury
Dr. Lamiya Chowdhury, an associate professor
and one of the founding members of Sapporo
Dental College and Hospital (referred to below as
the College), studied at Hokkaido University
between 1994 and 1999 following a one-year
internship after graduating from Dhaka Dental
College. She took up these studies in line withthe advice of Dr. M. A. Hannan, President of theCollege, Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed, and herother seniors at Dhaka Dental College who had
already returned home from their studies at
Hokkaido University (HU), and decided to workwith them in the future to help those in need intheir home country.
For six months after her arrival in Japan, Dr.
Chowdhury took an intensive Japanese language
ًDr. Lamiya Chowdhury
course. By the time she completed theseclasses, her husband had joined her and they pursued their studies on the Doctoral Program at HU’s Graduate
School of Dental Medicine. While at HU, they followed a busy schedule providing dental treatment together withother dentists at Hokkaido University Dental Hospital (now Hokkaido University Hospital Center for Dental Clinics)
during the day and devoting themselves to their research activities at night. Dr. Chowdhury fondly reflects, “Since
people in Hokkaido were very friendly to us and we have lots of fond memories from our time there, we believe thatthe period we studied at Hokkaido University were five of the golden years of our lives.” She also became good atriding bicycles at HU due to the need to travel around the university’s vast campus. Although cycling is dangerous
in Dhaka due to its transportation conditions, she enjoyed the activity in Sapporo because of the beautiful campus,
which is characterized by its seasonal variations.
Dr. Chowdhury currently teaches at the College and has found pleasure in her educational activities. She gives
lessons there from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. before providing treatment at a different clinic for three hours later in theafternoon. Although she could work as a dentist solely, she prefers sharing her knowledge with students as theteaching staff at HU did for her.
When the recruitment of students for the College’s inaugural class was approved in 2000, other colleges had
already concluded their recruitment for the year, and therefore only seven students were enrolled. However, theoperation of the College is now stable, and has a student body of approximately 250. The establishment also
accepts three or four students from Nepal every year. If possible, Dr. Chowdhury would like to return to HU – which
she feels has excellent educational programs and a great environment – to brush up her skills in order to help
further improve dentistry in Bangladesh.

No. 12Page 9Page 10

Hokkaido University Newsletter

Opening Ceremony of
the Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia

Participation in Study Abroad Fairs
in India, Vietnam and Sweden

The Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control held an opening ceremony for the Hokudai Center
for Zoonosis Control in Zambia (HUCZCZ) on August 6, 2008 to mark the completion of a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)
microbial containment facility at the University of Zambia Samora Machel School of Veterinary Medicine in the
Republic of Zambia.
The facility was established under the Program of Founding Research Centers for Emerging and Reemerging
Infectious Diseases, a science and technology experiment and research project commissioned by the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The program aims to establish overseas research
centers in countries with a high risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases with the cooperation of local
research institutions. It also aims to establish a system for the promotion of integrated research programs beyond
medical science, veterinary science and other academic disciplines with researchers from the Research Center for
Zoonosis Control stationed at the centers.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by Dr. Hiroshi Kida, Director of Hokkaido University’s ResearchCenter for Zoonosis Control, and Dr. Aaron Mweene, Dean of the University of Zambia Samora Machel School of
Veterinary Medicine and many congratulatory addresses were delivered by the attendees. At the end of theceremony, Dr. Kida delivered a memorial lecture on the control of influenza and other emerging and re-emerging
infections. He spoke enthusiastically about research into the ecology of influenza viruses and efforts to overcome
zoonoses. Approximately 100 people attended the opening ceremony, including HU staff and other Japaneseparticipants, representatives of the University of Zambia and those from Zambia’s neighboring countries. At thereception that followed the ceremony, the first president of Zambia, Mr. Kenneth Kaunda, delivered a congratulatory
address.
With the installation of Zambia’s first BSL-3 laboratory, joint research between Japan and Zambia toward theconquest of zoonoses is expected to develop further.

Hokkaido University (HU) has recently participated in Study Abroad Fairs held in various parts of the world, and asummary of each is given below.

Study Abroad Fair in India
The Study Abroad Fair in India was held in New Delhi (October 31, 2008) and Pune (November 1, 2008). India’s
population of over one billion people, many of them university age, makes it a prime market and HU expects toreceive increasing numbers of students from the country in the future.
A combined total of approximately 250 people (including high school and university students) visited HU’s booths
at the two venues. Starting this year, faculty members from the HU’s Graduate School of Engineering acted as
booth staff. They introduced the Advanced Education Program for the Career Development of Foreign Students
from Asia, provided information on the Graduate School and the Faculty of Engineering, and answered specificquestions about graduate majors and more.

Study Abroad Fair in Vietnam
The Study Abroad Fair in Vietnam was held in Hanoi (November 15,2008) and Ho Chi Minh City (November 16, 2008). The country has
recently witnessed rising levels of interest in studying in Japan as well
as a year-on-year increase in the number of students studying
Japanese.
A combined total of around 200 people (including high school,
university and Japanese language school students and their parents)
visited HU’s booths at the two venues. Starting this year, faculty
members from the HU’s Graduate School of Engineering and staff
from the Entrance Exam Division also acted as booth staff and usedtheir expertise to answer inquiries from visiting students.

ًHU’s booth at the Hanoi venue

Study Abroad Fair in Sweden
The Study Abroad Fair in Sweden was held in Stockholm on November 20 and 21, 2008. Approximately 350
students – more than the expected figure – visited HU’s booth, indicating a high level of interest in Japanese
language and culture.
In Sweden, an increasing number of high schools now offer Japanese language programs. Along with theintroduction of pop culture elements such as cartoons and animations, this has helped make Japan a popularcountry among young people in particular. Although only two Japanese booths were set up at the fair, many
students visited HU’s booth and other outlets providing information on Japanese universities, graduate schools andresearchers, as well as booths established by Japanese language schools that featured calligraphy, martial arts andother aspects of Japanese culture. Some students asked their questions in fluent Japanese.
As a result of our participation in these fairs, we feel it is important to increase the number English-language
lecture classes and English-only degree programs for students who have had little opportunity to study Japanese.
We also acknowledge the need to hold entrance examinations in foreign countries and attempt to mitigate economic
burdens on students through measures such as the expansion of scholarships. HU is committed to ongoing
improvement of the study environment for students from overseas.
ًGroup photo of ceremony participantsNo. 12Page 9Page 10

Hokkaido University Newsletter

Opening Ceremony of
the Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia

Participation in Study Abroad Fairs
in India, Vietnam and Sweden

The Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control held an opening ceremony for the Hokudai Center
for Zoonosis Control in Zambia (HUCZCZ) on August 6, 2008 to mark the completion of a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)
microbial containment facility at the University of Zambia Samora Machel School of Veterinary Medicine in the
Republic of Zambia.
The facility was established under the Program of Founding Research Centers for Emerging and Reemerging
Infectious Diseases, a science and technology experiment and research project commissioned by the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The program aims to establish overseas research
centers in countries with a high risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases with the cooperation of local
research institutions. It also aims to establish a system for the promotion of integrated research programs beyond
medical science, veterinary science and other academic disciplines with researchers from the Research Center for
Zoonosis Control stationed at the centers.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by Dr. Hiroshi Kida, Director of Hokkaido University’s ResearchCenter for Zoonosis Control, and Dr. Aaron Mweene, Dean of the University of Zambia Samora Machel School of
Veterinary Medicine and many congratulatory addresses were delivered by the attendees. At the end of theceremony, Dr. Kida delivered a memorial lecture on the control of influenza and other emerging and re-emerging
infections. He spoke enthusiastically about research into the ecology of influenza viruses and efforts to overcome
zoonoses. Approximately 100 people attended the opening ceremony, including HU staff and other Japaneseparticipants, representatives of the University of Zambia and those from Zambia’s neighboring countries. At thereception that followed the ceremony, the first president of Zambia, Mr. Kenneth Kaunda, delivered a congratulatory
address.
With the installation of Zambia’s first BSL-3 laboratory, joint research between Japan and Zambia toward theconquest of zoonoses is expected to develop further.

Hokkaido University (HU) has recently participated in Study Abroad Fairs held in various parts of the world, and asummary of each is given below.

Study Abroad Fair in India
The Study Abroad Fair in India was held in New Delhi (October 31, 2008) and Pune (November 1, 2008). India’s
population of over one billion people, many of them university age, makes it a prime market and HU expects toreceive increasing numbers of students from the country in the future.
A combined total of approximately 250 people (including high school and university students) visited HU’s booths
at the two venues. Starting this year, faculty members from the HU’s Graduate School of Engineering acted as
booth staff. They introduced the Advanced Education Program for the Career Development of Foreign Students
from Asia, provided information on the Graduate School and the Faculty of Engineering, and answered specificquestions about graduate majors and more.

Study Abroad Fair in Vietnam
The Study Abroad Fair in Vietnam was held in Hanoi (November 15,2008) and Ho Chi Minh City (November 16, 2008). The country has
recently witnessed rising levels of interest in studying in Japan as well
as a year-on-year increase in the number of students studying
Japanese.
A combined total of around 200 people (including high school,
university and Japanese language school students and their parents)
visited HU’s booths at the two venues. Starting this year, faculty
members from the HU’s Graduate School of Engineering and staff
from the Entrance Exam Division also acted as booth staff and usedtheir expertise to answer inquiries from visiting students.

ًHU’s booth at the Hanoi venue

Study Abroad Fair in Sweden
The Study Abroad Fair in Sweden was held in Stockholm on November 20 and 21, 2008. Approximately 350
students – more than the expected figure – visited HU’s booth, indicating a high level of interest in Japanese
language and culture.
In Sweden, an increasing number of high schools now offer Japanese language programs. Along with theintroduction of pop culture elements such as cartoons and animations, this has helped make Japan a popularcountry among young people in particular. Although only two Japanese booths were set up at the fair, many
students visited HU’s booth and other outlets providing information on Japanese universities, graduate schools andresearchers, as well as booths established by Japanese language schools that featured calligraphy, martial arts andother aspects of Japanese culture. Some students asked their questions in fluent Japanese.
As a result of our participation in these fairs, we feel it is important to increase the number English-language
lecture classes and English-only degree programs for students who have had little opportunity to study Japanese.
We also acknowledge the need to hold entrance examinations in foreign countries and attempt to mitigate economic
burdens on students through measures such as the expansion of scholarships. HU is committed to ongoing
improvement of the study environment for students from overseas.
ًGroup photo of ceremony participantsNo. 12Page 11

COE Program Series 10
New Global Law and Policy for Multi-agential Governance
Hokkaido University’s School of Law, was selected by the FY 2008 Global COE
Program to developmentally succeed the 21st Century Center of Excellence Program
known as The Law and Policy of Intellectual Property: Building a New Global
Framework.
Traditional legal studies are structured in two dimensions: private law, which
regulates the rights and obligations of two parties in a static relationship, and publiclaw, which regulates problems relating to the public in general. Recently, however,an increasing number of cases have defied to be corralled into simplistic frameworks
such as these. Examples of policy areas that have multi-dimensional nature include:
conflicts between users and right holders in the context of the Internet; clashinginterests between developed and developing countries over production of AIDS
medicine; and diverse views on urban planning and industrial and environmental
policies in the context of landscapes, development of nuclear power plants, andًProgram leader,global warming. These are so multi-faceted that traditional ways of thinking ofProf. Yoshiyuki Tamura
private/public dichotomy in traditional legal studies does not work properly.
Traditional approaches to these issues include balancing interests between right holders, and using standards
such as efficiency and welfare of the parties concerned. Today, however, both approaches are difficult to apply andleave residual problems. The proposed methodology of this project (a new global law and policy theory) utilizes
these two perspectives and adds a new third axis to the combination. Namely, to make an effort to legitimize not
only laws and policies but also processes, including the process of law/policy making. Measuring efficiency andwelfare is difficult despite the need to reconcile many conflicting interests, and the establishment of rights or
regulations influences the right holders or other parties concerned. To implement the above, our research project
explores the structure of intergovernance among the market, the legislature, the administration, the judiciary, andother societal organizations from the point of expertise and competence, democratic initiative, and advocacy of
freedom.
Based on the new theory of global law
and policy, our research project will develop
a new educational program that allows
comprehensive understanding of various
methodologies while providing an overview
of a myriad of laws. In doing so, we will
foster researchers who conduct studies
from a broader perspective as well as
experts who address current challenges
while recruiting talented young researchers
both from home and abroad to establish acommunity of them who will work together
with HU’s doctoral students.
ًProf. Tamura making a presentation at the International Symposium

Page 12

Hokkaido University Newsletter

Entrance Ceremony Held forthe Intensive Japanese Language Course,
Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course andHokkaido University Short Term Exchange Programme (HUSTEP)
The entrance ceremony for international students enrolled in the October 2008 Intensive Japanese Language
Course, Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course and Hokkaido University Short Term Exchange
Programme (HUSTEP) was held on October 9. At the entrance ceremony, President Saeki delivered acongratulatory speech to new students.
16 students from 14 countries enrolled in the Intensive Japanese Language Course. 12 students from 8
countries entered the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course, and 38 students from 9 countries entered
HUSTEP.
The six-month Intensive Japanese Language Course aims toenable students at the graduate level and in teacher training
programmes to develop understanding and proficiency in Japanese
language necessary for campus life before they enroll in their
universities, faculties or graduate schools. Students in the Intensive
Japanese Language Course include five international students intheir ninth term of the Japan-Korea Joint Exchange Programme for
Undergraduate Students in Science and Engineering, which was
inaugurated in FY 2000. They will have lessons on the Japanese
language, math, physics and so forth for six months, after which
they will become undergraduate students in the Faculty of
ًHUSTEP new students
Engineering in April 2009.

Donations for Victims of China’s Great Sichuan Earthquake
Following China’s Great Sichuan Earthquake of May 12, 2008, Chinese students at Hokkaido University (HU)
launched a campaign on May 21, 2008 to collect donations with the aim of providing assistance in thereconstruction of the devastated area.
To help with this fundraising campaign, the students asked theDepartments to place donation boxes and collected contributions
on the Sapporo Campus. Donation boxes were also set up at
Chinese food outlets during the Hokkaido University Festival.
Thanks to generous contributions from a great number of faculty
members including University President Dr. Saeki, as well as fromstudents and people from Sapporo and its environs, more than
1.86 million yen was raised. These donations were sent to the
China Education Development Foundation in two installments. The
donations will be used to help reconstruct the educational
ًFundraising campaign
infrastructure of the affected area via the Foundation.

No. 12Page 11

COE Program Series 10
New Global Law and Policy for Multi-agential Governance
Hokkaido University’s School of Law, was selected by the FY 2008 Global COE
Program to developmentally succeed the 21st Century Center of Excellence Program
known as The Law and Policy of Intellectual Property: Building a New Global
Framework.
Traditional legal studies are structured in two dimensions: private law, which
regulates the rights and obligations of two parties in a static relationship, and publiclaw, which regulates problems relating to the public in general. Recently, however,an increasing number of cases have defied to be corralled into simplistic frameworks
such as these. Examples of policy areas that have multi-dimensional nature include:
conflicts between users and right holders in the context of the Internet; clashinginterests between developed and developing countries over production of AIDS
medicine; and diverse views on urban planning and industrial and environmental
policies in the context of landscapes, development of nuclear power plants, andًProgram leader,global warming. These are so multi-faceted that traditional ways of thinking ofProf. Yoshiyuki Tamura
private/public dichotomy in traditional legal studies does not work properly.
Traditional approaches to these issues include balancing interests between right holders, and using standards
such as efficiency and welfare of the parties concerned. Today, however, both approaches are difficult to apply andleave residual problems. The proposed methodology of this project (a new global law and policy theory) utilizes
these two perspectives and adds a new third axis to the combination. Namely, to make an effort to legitimize not
only laws and policies but also processes, including the process of law/policy making. Measuring efficiency andwelfare is difficult despite the need to reconcile many conflicting interests, and the establishment of rights or
regulations influences the right holders or other parties concerned. To implement the above, our research project
explores the structure of intergovernance among the market, the legislature, the administration, the judiciary, andother societal organizations from the point of expertise and competence, democratic initiative, and advocacy of
freedom.
Based on the new theory of global law
and policy, our research project will develop
a new educational program that allows
comprehensive understanding of various
methodologies while providing an overview
of a myriad of laws. In doing so, we will
foster researchers who conduct studies
from a broader perspective as well as
experts who address current challenges
while recruiting talented young researchers
both from home and abroad to establish acommunity of them who will work together
with HU’s doctoral students.
ًProf. Tamura making a presentation at the International Symposium

Page 12

Hokkaido University Newsletter

Entrance Ceremony Held forthe Intensive Japanese Language Course,
Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course andHokkaido University Short Term Exchange Programme (HUSTEP)
The entrance ceremony for international students enrolled in the October 2008 Intensive Japanese Language
Course, Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course and Hokkaido University Short Term Exchange
Programme (HUSTEP) was held on October 9. At the entrance ceremony, President Saeki delivered acongratulatory speech to new students.
16 students from 14 countries enrolled in the Intensive Japanese Language Course. 12 students from 8
countries entered the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course, and 38 students from 9 countries entered
HUSTEP.
The six-month Intensive Japanese Language Course aims toenable students at the graduate level and in teacher training
programmes to develop understanding and proficiency in Japanese
language necessary for campus life before they enroll in their
universities, faculties or graduate schools. Students in the Intensive
Japanese Language Course include five international students intheir ninth term of the Japan-Korea Joint Exchange Programme for
Undergraduate Students in Science and Engineering, which was
inaugurated in FY 2000. They will have lessons on the Japanese
language, math, physics and so forth for six months, after which
they will become undergraduate students in the Faculty of
ًHUSTEP new students
Engineering in April 2009.

Donations for Victims of China’s Great Sichuan Earthquake
Following China’s Great Sichuan Earthquake of May 12, 2008, Chinese students at Hokkaido University (HU)
launched a campaign on May 21, 2008 to collect donations with the aim of providing assistance in thereconstruction of the devastated area.
To help with this fundraising campaign, the students asked theDepartments to place donation boxes and collected contributions
on the Sapporo Campus. Donation boxes were also set up at
Chinese food outlets during the Hokkaido University Festival.
Thanks to generous contributions from a great number of faculty
members including University President Dr. Saeki, as well as fromstudents and people from Sapporo and its environs, more than
1.86 million yen was raised. These donations were sent to the
China Education Development Foundation in two installments. The
donations will be used to help reconstruct the educational
ًFundraising campaign
infrastructure of the affected area via the Foundation.

No. 12Page 13

Graduate School Introduction Series 10
The Research Faculty of Agriculture and
the Graduate School of Agriculture– Efforts to Advance the Frontiers of Research in Agricultural Sciencefrom Its Fountainhead –Sapporo Agricultural College was founded in 1876 as the nation’s
first institute of higher education to award bachelor’s degrees, andlaid the foundation for the current Hokkaido University with its
fundamental principles of Frontier Spirit, Practical Learning, andAll-round Education. These principles have been upheld andcultivated as the university’s basic philosophies on research andeducation. Sapporo Agricultural College became part of theAgricultural College of Tohoku Imperial University in 1907 before
being transferred to Hokkaido Imperial University in 1919. The
college has developed into one of Japan’s leading researchًGraduate School of Agriculture
facilities for agriculture.
Agricultural science, which is a branch of biology and applied life sciences, is a research area closely linked tofood and the environment, which are indispensable for human living. Agriculture encompasses a broad span ofindustries and is not limited to food, but includes eco-friendly services, medicine, and energy. We are now at a
crucial turning point in history as globalization gains momentum, and are faced with the major challenge ofproviding for the world’s people; who will feed a population that is projected to surpass eight billion in the near
future, and how? The field of agroforestry is gaining increasing importance against this backdrop through its efforts
to combine biotechnology with ecology. To respond to these changes, the Research Faculty of Agriculture
established four divisions to form the Graduate School of Agriculture in 2006 and strengthened its interdisciplinary
education and research structure.

ًStudent experiment

Page 14

Hokkaido University Newsletter

The Division of Bio-systems Sustainability is the nation’s first division focusing on present-day issues in new
fields of agricultural science. To respond to ever-increasing concern in food safety and security and the sense ofcrisis over excessive dependence on fossil fuels and environmental destruction, the division aims to create newresearch fields and industries to realize a sustainable society and achieve harmonious coexistence between humanbeings and other beings. Students will learn about food safety, biomass energy, and new approaches to global
symbiosis in a manner that integrates the sciences and humanities.
The Division of Agrobiology is aimed at developing and utilizing the functions of plant and animal resources andestablishing sustainable production technologies. This division covers fields directly connected to food production
such as plant breeding science and crop science as well as applied molecular biology, which strives to elucidate thegene expression mechanism and the expression of protein functions.
The Division of Applied Bioscience deals with research fields that are closely related to biotechnology. Research
activities are under way in dairy farming, nutritional biochemistry, applied microbiology, microbial physiology, plant
nutrition, and advanced science at the micro level, such as the study of symbiotic relationships involving
microorganisms in the rhizosphere.
The Division of Environmental Resources conducts research on a range of biological resources from theviewpoint of the global environment. Fields of research include forest science, forest product science, soil
conservation, and environmental informatics among other areas. Students study material cycles and energy flows
involving agricultural land and forests to help create sustainable communities. Research programs on global
sustainability and technologies for monitoring material cycles over a wide area are in progress.
Due to its location in Hokkaido, a prefecture characterized by its cold climate and rich natural environment, theResearch Faculty of Agriculture has developed new community-based research fields in surroundings that are
significantly different from those of other prefectures. There is no doubt that the unique research programs
cultivated in this northern land (such as wet-paddy rice agriculture for cold regions, peatland development,
afforestation in northern regions and applied microbiology) will influence world standards and continue to help solve
global food and environmental problems.
In recent years, international students from around the world have taken English courses at the graduate school,
studying together with many Japanese students. We hope that the 21st century ambition will be nurtured here
through education and research programs in agricultural science that will contribute to advancing the welfare andprosperity of the human race.

ًBacteria in human intestines

ًNew year party for foreign students

No. 12Page 13

Graduate School Introduction Series 10
The Research Faculty of Agriculture and
the Graduate School of Agriculture– Efforts to Advance the Frontiers of Research in Agricultural Sciencefrom Its Fountainhead –Sapporo Agricultural College was founded in 1876 as the nation’s
first institute of higher education to award bachelor’s degrees, andlaid the foundation for the current Hokkaido University with its
fundamental principles of Frontier Spirit, Practical Learning, andAll-round Education. These principles have been upheld andcultivated as the university’s basic philosophies on research andeducation. Sapporo Agricultural College became part of theAgricultural College of Tohoku Imperial University in 1907 before
being transferred to Hokkaido Imperial University in 1919. The
college has developed into one of Japan’s leading researchًGraduate School of Agriculture
facilities for agriculture.
Agricultural science, which is a branch of biology and applied life sciences, is a research area closely linked tofood and the environment, which are indispensable for human living. Agriculture encompasses a broad span ofindustries and is not limited to food, but includes eco-friendly services, medicine, and energy. We are now at a
crucial turning point in history as globalization gains momentum, and are faced with the major challenge ofproviding for the world’s people; who will feed a population that is projected to surpass eight billion in the near
future, and how? The field of agroforestry is gaining increasing importance against this backdrop through its efforts
to combine biotechnology with ecology. To respond to these changes, the Research Faculty of Agriculture
established four divisions to form the Graduate School of Agriculture in 2006 and strengthened its interdisciplinary
education and research structure.

ًStudent experiment

Page 14

Hokkaido University Newsletter

The Division of Bio-systems Sustainability is the nation’s first division focusing on present-day issues in new
fields of agricultural science. To respond to ever-increasing concern in food safety and security and the sense ofcrisis over excessive dependence on fossil fuels and environmental destruction, the division aims to create newresearch fields and industries to realize a sustainable society and achieve harmonious coexistence between humanbeings and other beings. Students will learn about food safety, biomass energy, and new approaches to global
symbiosis in a manner that integrates the sciences and humanities.
The Division of Agrobiology is aimed at developing and utilizing the functions of plant and animal resources andestablishing sustainable production technologies. This division covers fields directly connected to food production
such as plant breeding science and crop science as well as applied molecular biology, which strives to elucidate thegene expression mechanism and the expression of protein functions.
The Division of Applied Bioscience deals with research fields that are closely related to biotechnology. Research
activities are under way in dairy farming, nutritional biochemistry, applied microbiology, microbial physiology, plant
nutrition, and advanced science at the micro level, such as the study of symbiotic relationships involving
microorganisms in the rhizosphere.
The Division of Environmental Resources conducts research on a range of biological resources from theviewpoint of the global environment. Fields of research include forest science, forest product science, soil
conservation, and environmental informatics among other areas. Students study material cycles and energy flows
involving agricultural land and forests to help create sustainable communities. Research programs on global
sustainability and technologies for monitoring material cycles over a wide area are in progress.
Due to its location in Hokkaido, a prefecture characterized by its cold climate and rich natural environment, theResearch Faculty of Agriculture has developed new community-based research fields in surroundings that are
significantly different from those of other prefectures. There is no doubt that the unique research programs
cultivated in this northern land (such as wet-paddy rice agriculture for cold regions, peatland development,
afforestation in northern regions and applied microbiology) will influence world standards and continue to help solve
global food and environmental problems.
In recent years, international students from around the world have taken English courses at the graduate school,
studying together with many Japanese students. We hope that the 21st century ambition will be nurtured here
through education and research programs in agricultural science that will contribute to advancing the welfare andprosperity of the human race.

ًBacteria in human intestines

ًNew year party for foreign students

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY
No. 12

Page 15

We would be grateful to hear your candid views andimpressions, as we are hoping to improve its
content. Please contact us in the event that you
have changed your e-mail address or wish to
unsubscribe.
International Affairs Division, Hokkaido University
TEL +81-(0)11-706-2334
FAX +81-(0)11-706-2095
Email: news@general.hokudai.ac.jp

No. 12

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY

008

Winter 2

Kita-8, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0808 JAPANhttp://www.hokudai.ac.jp/en/index.html
PUBLISHED BYEXECUTIVE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Please visit our website for recent news: http://www.hokudai.ac.jp/en/
You can also find the previous edition at http://www.hokudai.ac.jp/en/pickup/publicrelations.html― International Students Exceeded 1,000! ―1,002 international students from 81 countries
as of November 1, 2008

CONTENTS
1,2

Sustainability Weeks 2008 Events Completed

3

G8 University Summit Held

4

The Dialogue Meeting between UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-Moon and HU Students

5

The 11th Hokkaido University-Seoul National
University Joint Symposium

6

Prof. Watanabe, Center for Environmental Nano &Bio Engineering, Wins the IWA Award 2008
Associate Professor Dr. Toshiyuki Nakagaki and
His Colleagues Win the Ig Nobel Prize

117

7

The Ceremony to Mark the Completion of
Sapporo Dental College and Hospital’s New
School Building in Bangladesh

8

HU Alumni’s Today – Dr. Lamiya Chowdhury

9Opening Ceremony of the Hokudai Center for
Zoonosis Control in Zambia

10

Participation in Study Abroad Fairs in India,
Vietnam and Sweden

11

COE Program Series 10
New Global Law and Policy for Multi-agential
Governance

12

Entrance Ceremony Held for the Intensive
Japanese Language Course, Japanese Language
and Culture Studies Course and Hokkaido
University Short Term Exchange Programme(HUSTEP)

38
82
69

Europe/NIS 59

52
20

Asia 826
Middle East 16

North America 20

11
20
183
100

South America 31
Africa 46

Oceania 4

33
49

Donations for Victims of China’s Great Sichuan
Earthquake

51

68

13,14 Graduate School Introduction Series 10
The Research Faculty of Agriculture and the
Graduate School of Agriculture

44

15

65

1,002

Hokkaido University Today

ًThe Hokkaido University Museum in a winter morning