Kobe University Newsletter "Kaze"

Vol. 07
October 2019

SPOTLIGHTMIRAI: envisioning
disaster-resistantcities of the future

RESEARCH
Towards a new era ofsmart manufacturing
SPECIAL FEATURE
TRUSS ~ Supporting &enriching the lives of
KU’ s exchange students

Kobe insights

Enjoy sport in Kobe!
Fall brings cooler weather after the humid heat of summer and is considered the season
for sports in Japan. People enjoy plenty of sports-related events in Kobe; such as the
Kobe Marathon and the matches of local official sports teams (including soccer andbaseball), in addition to this year’s Rugby World Cup games.

Kobe University Magazine “Kaze”
In this issue...
SPOTLIGHT
3 MIRAI: envisioning disaster-resistant cities of the future

Kobe University itself boasts a huge variety of sports and outdoor activity clubs- fromtennis to paragliding, horse riding and sailing. Featured in this issue is KU’s own

RESEARCH AT KOBE

American Football team The Ravens. Founded in 1975, it’s one of the University’s oldest
and largest student clubs. From their humble beginnings over 40 years ago, The Ravens

7 Towards a new era of smart manufacturing

have developed into a well-established team with an active fanclub.
They are currently in the midst of their Autumn Season games against other university
teams in the Kansai region. Just like how club activities in universities and high schools

EDUCATION

are often described in Japanese Manga comics, the male players train hard with thesupport of the team’s managers and training staff. Many students enjoy their on-and-off
campus lives through sports activities here in Kobe.

11 Cultivating international health professionals at Kobe University
12 International voices
SPECIAL FEATURE
13 TRUSS ~ Supporting and enriching the lives of KU’s exchange students
COMMUNITY
IMPACT
SPECIAL FEATURE
15 Tabemonogatari ~ Reducing food loss to revolutionize how people eat
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

Photo Credits: Shim
Jaewon (Kobe University
Photography Club) & the

17 Special report: Kobe University and Jagiellonian University celebrate 20 years ofpartnership18 Academic Events Jointly Held with Japan Foundation Budapest,
Kobe University – Beijing Foreign Studies University Joint Symposium,
Visit from the University of Southern California for Joint Short Course,
The Japan Summer Program in Sustainable Development LaunchedInternational Affairs
Planning Division.

CAMPUS NEWS
19 RIEB 100th Anniversary

Why “Kaze”?

Stay connected - search for “Kobe University” on the following platforms.

There are two main concepts behind the title “Kaze”, meaning “wind”. Firstly,
Kobe University’s goal to innovate, creating a wind of change. Secondly, ourlocation at the foot of Mt Rokkō, an area known for the invigorating wind of
Rokkō-oroshi that blows down from the mountain range.
The calligraphy on the cover of “Kaze” was created by Professor Emeritus
UOZUMI Kazuaki, a researcher of calligraphy at Kobe University.

Cover photo for Kobe University Magazine “Kaze” Issue 7:
Ravens players by Shim Jaewon (Kobe University Photography Club)

Contact us:

intl-relations@office.kobe-u.ac.jp(International Affairs Planning Division)

SPOTLIGHTMIRAI: envisioning disaster-resistantcities of the future
There continue to be various approaches to disastermanagement and prevention regarding the possibility of future
Nankai Trough earthquakes. The Nankai Trough is an offshore
submarine trench that runs from Shizuoka Prefecture down to
the seas east of Kyushu. The underlying fault is the source of apotentially devastating Nankai mega earthquake, expected tooccur on the Pacific side of West Japan in the coming years. As
a research institution located in a disaster area, Kobe University
has been comprehensively researching how to ensure thesafety of cities since the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake.
Consequently, researchers are currently working out how todesign a sustainable, resilient city that can last for hundreds or
thousands of years, ensuring the safety of future generations.
This new academic research unit is called ‘MIRAI:
Multidisciplinary Integration for Resilience and Innovation’(‘mirai’ means ‘future’ in Japanese). Striving towards such avision involves keeping ideas and inspiration circulatingaround Kobe University and other institutes.

projects simultaneously. For example, I am now working on the
Economics and Business Administration is predicting how the Hanshin
Expressway would be affected during a disaster. Meanwhile, research
into how people’s mental health and wellbeing are impacted bydisasters is being conducted by the Graduate School of Health
Sciences, and the Graduate School of Human Development and theEnvironment. The achievements of each project can inspire eachresearcher’s work- even if they are in a different field. For this reason,
there is a multidisciplinary meeting every month so that we can look at

It is possible to integrate and visualize varied datausing the Integrated Earthquake Simulation.

Q: What is the Integrated Earthquake Simulation(IES)?

what is happening in each research field and share our thoughts andopinions.

IES (Integrated Earthquake Simulation) is one of the projects
implemented by MIRAI and it has recently been developed into

Q: So it’s like a follow-up meeting?

an integrated engineering system. This project involves Tokyo

Atsushi Iizuka, Ph.D

Yes. There are also groups that students can get involved in too, such as

uses the K supercomputer to process large amounts of data

Professor, Research Center for Urban Safety and Security

the Creative Dojo (‘Research Unit for Future Creation & Innovationsuch as geographic information and property registers.

Creative Dojo’) and various events, such as academic symposia, allow us

This allows us to conduct an earthquake simulation over an

to achieve greater mutual understanding across disciplines.

entire city. As well as information about infrastructure etc., we

Researchers can discover new perspectives by participating in thesecan also input data on each and every building allowing us toevents. New perspectives and understanding of other research areas issimulate the possible effects of various disasters in detail. This

how we can keep ideas and information circulating throughout Kobe

provides more concrete guidelines for disaster reduction andUniversity.

prevention policies.

These new perspectives enable researchers to conduct deeper research

IES has the potential to simulate a variety of disaster scenarios

through synergizing results. This means that research field frameworks

over a wide area with high precision. Its application is not just

will also start to change. Consequently, this will also alter how Japaneselimited to enhancing hazard maps. The range of scenarios

In addition to Kobe University, there are also other organizations in
Hyogo prefecture that are using various methods to research
Science’s K supercomputer, Hyogo Earthquake Engineering
Research Center’s E-defense system; and the JAMSTEC (Japan
Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology) Center for Deep

Q: Please tell us about the establishment of the MIRAI
unit.

No, our plan is to have different research units working on various
Integrated Earthquake Simulation (IES), while the Research Institute fordisasters. These include the RIKEN Center for Computational

We spoke to MIRAI’s research unit leader, Professor Atsushi
Iizuka in order to find out more.

Q: The idea is to have everyone involved in one joint
research project?

Earth Exploration’s vessel ‘Chikyu’, which is measuring the Nankai
Trough. One of the goals of this project is to make Kobe University adisaster prevention hub, where all this knowledge and data can be

Prof. Iizuka: The unit was formed to gather experts from various fields

collated.

at Kobe University, such as engineering, health sciences, humanities

I think of the MIRAI unit as being like Kobe University’s ‘circulatory

and social sciences, with the aim of researching disaster prevention

system’. Like blood travels around the body, I would like toand management.The MIRAI research unit is indispensable for

invigorate the university by circulating knowledge, ideas andallowing us to work together across different fields.

inspiration.

University’s Earthquake Research Institute among others, andpeople accumulate collective knowledge.

Y

a

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encompasses every possibility we can think of. For example, there are

Rather than focusing solely on the immediate benefits of thethousands of possible disaster scenarios resulting from a Nankai

project, I would like to contribute to societal development

Trough earthquake. However, if we calculate all of that using the K(including our university itself) by making our research more widelySupercomputer, we can obtain quantitative data on the potential risks

known to attract talented students and researchers in the area.

facing a particular spot in the city.

I would like to establish a ‘Kobe Model’ encompassing all of these

Research Unit for Future Creation & Innovation

Creative Dojo

aspects from regional cooperation (ie. making Kobe University into

Q: Won’t this affect land prices?

a hub linking disaster reduction and prevention research institutes)
to connecting with the next generation. Subsequently, I would like

Not only that. Current methods of property management, insurance

this model to spread to other cities.

and investment may also change due to our research results. IES cansimulate not only earthquakes but also a wide range of other disasters

Q: Does your project outlook also include overseas?

such as tsunamis, heavy rain, floods and typhoons at the same time.
Therefore it is possible to analyze the simulation data for compound

In fact, we are currently setting up a collaboration with thedisasters.

University of California, Berkeley. The UC Berkeley have conductedearthquake simulations for the entire city of San Francisco. I would

Bringing the Kobe Model to the world

like to mutually exchange data with them. I think we can reach the

Q: How will this be implemented into society?

partnership.

next level of innovation if we form a strong collaborative
We also need to keep knowledge and ideas circulating within Kobe

By establishing a technological research association. This will becomprised of universities, research institutions and private industries.
Using the technologies like IES that we have developed as a base,each industry can commercialize them by creating business models.
In other words, the aim is to create a market for disaster reduction andprevention. The government currently bears the responsibility forplanning resilient cities. But if disaster prevention is commercialized,
this responsibility will be borne by private economic activities. I term
this a ‘paradigm shift’.

University- this is vital for the MIRAI project.

The Graduate School of Engineering’s ‘Creative Dojo’ was established in April 2016 with a motto centered on ‘the importanceof creating human-centered value engineering for people’s happiness and welfare.’ According to Professor Iizuka, theresearch unit is ‘the key to realizing a fusion of reasoning’.
It provides a network through which members can share their ideas and perspectives regarding solution andimplementation policies, as well as debate different viewpoints, regardless of whether they are academics or students.
Industries have also taken part in the Creative Dojo and various workshops have been held. Experts from different fields
discuss the same issues allowing the research topic to be viewed from multiple angles. As Professor Iizuka stated, it provides
a space for knowledge and ideas to circulate.
The Creative Dojo also holds symposia, such as the 2017 and 2018 ‘MIRAI Festival’ events. Kobe University researchers fromvarious specialist fields, among others, made TED-style presentations regarding their views on the future in order tobrainstorm how society might work. This event was also open to the general public and the audience could interact directlywith the speakers. This not only provided an opportunity for information exchange between lecturers but also allowed forknowledge exchange between experts and the general public. Thus, the Creative Dojo provides a platform for greater
mutual understanding.

master's

Voice

Witnessing the fusion between computer science andother fields at UC Berkeley

Q: So, these research achievements are madeavailable to the private sector for free?

I conducted research into deep seafloor stability issues based on geotechnical engineering inThat’s right. The researchers participating in the unit should agree on

regarding soil mechanics using the phenomena that the Earth Sciences faculty observed.

this point.

Subsequently, I entered graduate school and spent one year and 4 months studying abroad at

Miki Komatsu
Graduate School of Engineering: Civil
Engineering Major Master Program
Second Year student

Professor Iizuka’s research laboratory. It was interesting because I could make interpretations

the University of California Berkeley. I took part in the city simulation research group as avisiting researcher, conducting transport and pipeline simulations.
The research involved using a supercomputer to predict the effect that earthquake damage tounderground pipelines would have on transport systems in the California Bay area (population
7.5 million).
First we overlaid the pipeline and transport networks and then superimposed a map
containing data showing the strength of tremors from thousands of earthquake simulations.
This allowed us to see the effects of earthquakes in detail over a wide area. For example, in the areas with strong tremors the pipelines
break and this causes a blockade of nearby roads, which in turn impacts evacuation. I continue to have online meetings with theAmerican team and this research will form a part of my Master’s thesis.
I have also been able to participate in Kobe’s Integrated Earthquake Simulation (IES) as a part time researcher. It has been a valuable
experience for me as the project matches my own research aims. I enjoy observing the interdisciplinary fusion between computerscience and civil engineering when using IT simulations.
Using the engineering skills I learnt in America and at Kobe, I would like to realize further wide ranging collaborations between
different fields, such as IT and agriculture, and IT and medicine. My current research feels very worthwhile as I can see how it benefits
people.

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Research at Kobe

“Towards a new era ofsmart manufacturing”

Q: Please could you tell us how the
project started?

movements, we could quantitatively evaluate functionality andProf. Kaihara: There was a call from SIP for ‘Innovative design andindividuals’ needs, for example ‘I want to run fast’ or ‘I want toThen we calculated the 3D foot data. Through simulating runningcomfort. Using the digital model, we can take into accountmanufacturing technology’ that would satisfy consumers by

reduce the pressure on my knees’ and choose the most appropriate

bringing them closer to the production process. In other words,

Revolutionizing the production of tailor made goods through consumer involvement and 3D printing

shoe and sole design.

directly connecting to the user during planning with the end goalof increasing their satisfaction with the product.

We have also developed a smartphone application for users. By

In the current age, detailed user data can be obtained using thetaking pictures of their feet from three angles and uploading themInternet of Things (IoT). Using IoT, the end user can be involved into the Cloud, a digital model is created that can then be viewed on

product design- so wouldn’t it be a good idea to create products

their smartphones immediately. After entering what kind of shoes

together that users really want? We decided to call this whole

they want, the user can choose from a number of suitable designs

process ‘value co-creation ‘.

suggested by the application. Customers can also see when they are
due to receive the product.

Q: Why did you decide to focus on
shoes?

This method of product production is known as ‘smart factory’. The

Kobe is home to industrial rubber manufacturers and shoemaking

communication between the user and the model factory, where thewhole creative process is conducted via the Internet. The

is Kobe’s local industry. In order to connect the two, we developed
a 3D printer for rubber and used this to manufacture the soles of

product will be automatically manufactured, is realized through asoftware agent (a piece of software that can work autonomously).

shoes.
This project is inter-disciplinary; in addition to the Graduate Schoolof System Informatics, other schools at Kobe University also worked
on various aspects of the project (see diagram below).

The AI that is built in to all the machines shares the information
about what will be manufactured each time. Basically, this is anextremely effective production method.
When a new order comes in, the AI acts as a production manager

The future of production: ‘Smart Factories’and can change operations in an instant. This makes it possible tocontinuously manufacture different products quickly and affordably-

Q: Please tell us more about what kindof production system you developed.

in a similar way to mass production.

We put the concept of ‘value co-creation’ into action through asystem to produce tailor-made running shoes. First, we developed aInstitutions and companies
involved in the project

digital model of a person in order to analyze foot shape andProduction System Design

movement.

The Cabinet Office’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) was started by the Japanese
government with the aim of realizing the scientific and technological innovation essential for the revitalization andsustainable development of Japan’s economy.

AIST: National Institute of Advanced

Industrial Science and Technology

This project aimed to develop a method of producing products with significant benefit to consumers. As an example,
they were able to develop a design and production system to make tailor made running shoes at the same speed andcost as mass produced products. This is called the ‘New value co-creative manufacturing method’ by Professor
Kaihara.

07

AIST

Asics

HITec: Hyogo Prefectural Institute ofTechnology

Kobe University had 3 SIP projects- one of which was ‘Research on Innovative Design/Manufacturing Methodologyof Tailor-made Rubber Products and Socio-Economic Value Co-creation with Reactive 3D Printer’. led by Professor
Toshiya Kaihara from the Graduate School of System Informatics.

KU Graduate School of System Informatics
KU Graduate School of Business Administration

Bando Chemical

KMTL: Kobe Material Testing

HITec

Laboratory Group

Sumitomo Rubber Industries

KMTL

Shibata Industrial
Tenma Factice Manufacturing

KU Graduate School of Engineering

Materials

Equipment

Development

Development

08Research at Kobe

“Using IoT allows consumers to be involved in the products’ creation.”

Mass customization at the same speed and cost as mass production
Q: So customized products can be manufactured on the same line?
That’s correct. The factory’s production system is connected to users’ smartphone applications
and the Cloud, so it can create the most appropriate product for each individual while also
optimizing the factory’s production schedule.
The application quickly calculates the cost of the product and the delivery date; this informationis sent to the user’s smartphone within seconds. Once the user agrees, the product automaticallystarts to be made.

regular users about their needs, such as ‘I want to run for a longtime’ or ‘I want to run fast’, which allows new products to be
developed. Thus, the range of available products across the wholesystem will increase as the cycle for the third market continues.
Consequently, the price of the products in the second and third
markets will decrease, the production time will get shorter and themarket size will grow. I predict that this is how the ‘value
co-creation’ method of production can become a business model.
Moreover, ‘value co-creation’ can help consumers enjoy walking
and running. For example, people’s feet weaken as a result of aging.

Q: The 3D Printer is also on this production line?
Of course. The specifications of each order are calculated and the 3D printer is utilized asnecessary. One product might make full use of the 3D printer, another product might justrequire 3D printing for one part.

However, if we can produce shoes that fit people perfectly, this
could allow them to enjoy walking for the duration of the product’s
life cycle. In this way, I would like to use the ‘value co-creation’system to bring benefits to people by creating ‘supportive artificial
products’.

The sole of a shoe consists of three parts- the outer, mid and inner soles. The materials and manufacturing methods are different for eachone, so three separate 3D printers were developed for this. Including the materials, this technological development is a world first.

Increasing the competitiveness of theJapanese manufacturing industry“ Value co-creation has been realized using a combination of digital models,
smartphone applications, smart factories and 3D printers. ”

Q: How well do these shoes perform inreality?

Value co-creation loop
Tailor-made rubber technology

We carried out a demonstration experiment during the Kobe

Digital Human Technology

・3D printer for rubber R & D
・Rubber materials R & D

Marathon. We made customized shoes to match the running styles

・Digital Human Modeling・Digital sole design systemand foot shapes of 4 participants. Using sensors we could monitor
them as they ran. Three of the participants had also run the

Measuring & digital modeling

Creation, manufacturing & provision

marathon the previous year, so we could obtain feedback on theirprior experience too. They rated the customized shoes higher and

Implementation

got better times than in the previous year.

Operation

All the participants finished the marathon and two said that theAnalysisexperience was a great personal achievement for them.

DesignProduction, distribution &sales systems
・Smart Factory R & D・Connected to factory with IoTInteractive Design
・Development of smartphone app for users
・User/Producer interactive product design

Process Innovation

Product Innovation

Q: How versatile is the 3D Printer for rubber?
We can create various rubber products. It is possible to make the most suitable product for the user- not onlyin terms of ‘shape’ but also ‘motion’. In the future, I would like this system to be used for sporting goods suchas supports and swimwear; power assisted suits, and products for medical and care staff, among others. We

Creating a market based on users’ needs

are already receiving inquiries about the ‘value co-creation platform’ .

There are three levels of production:

Q: So this is the implementation phase of the project?

Completely tailor-made (the pro market, eg. for professional athletes)That’s right. At the Hyogo Prefectural Institute of Technology, we have set up the 3D printer for rubber and

Semi tailor-made (the second market, eg. for civilian marathon runners)

smartphone system that we developed and it can be used by various industries. In addition, we havePartially tailor-made for regular users (the third market)

established a ‘3D Smart Manufacturing Research Center’ at Kobe University. If there is a problem with the‘Value co-creation platform’ that we cannot solve, we can do further research and development at the center.

09

To obtain the specifications needed for the pro market, sensors and cameras are used to build up a detailed profile of the user’s body.

I would like to support the Japanese production industry through this system. The next step is to look at not

Then the most suitable design is chosen and the whole thing is 3D printed in order to obtain maximum performance for the user. The

only the production methods but also the system structure in order to increase international

technology developed here is reflected in the products for second and third markets. To use vehicles as an example- the cutting edge

competitiveness. To reiterate, it’s not just about selling products but offering something of value that people

technology developed for F1 racing cars is eventually applied to civilian cars.

can use and enjoy. This will give the Japanese manufacturing industry a unique and powerful

On the other hand, the third market also has an impact on developments at all three levels too. We can receive varied feedback fromcompetitiveness.

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EDUCATION
Cultivating international health professionals at
Kobe University
English-taught Master’s and Doctoral programs in Health Sciences

Q

What were you doing before you came to Kobe University?
I majored in English at Sichuan Normal University. As part of a program where I could

The need for global medical professionals equipped with the skills to work across borders and cultures has recently been increasing. It

choose English and another language, I picked Japanese and studied abroad in

is vital that institutions for higher education cultivate individuals to meet the growing demand for high-level healthcare professionals

Japan for a short while as a third year student. During that time, I realized that I

who can operate internationally.

wanted to study at a graduate school in Japan.
There are many reasons why I chose Kobe University. I got the impression that there

In response to these trends, Kobe University’s Graduate School of Health Sciences has been offering an ‘International Course for Healthare many kind people in Kansai, as well as stunning scenery, old buildings and fun

Sciences (ICHS)’. Initially established as a Master’s Program in 2012, this English course was subsequently extended to a Doctoral

places to visit.

program in 2014. All lectures are taught in English by faculty members, enabling students from across the globe to obtain Master’s andDoctoral degrees in health sciences from Kobe University. In addition, guest lectures by distinguished professors from institutions
worldwide are held on topics covering a wide range of fields; these include biophysics, rehabilitation science and nursing.

International
voicesResearching the historyof E-sports

Q

What kind of research are you conducting now?
I’m interested in E-sports, so I’m researching their history. Recently there are many
E-sports tournaments held all over the world and it’s becoming more popular. In

As a training course which fosters global experts, ICHS aims to equip students not

Japan, E-sports were included in the culture section of Ibaraki’s National Athletic

only with comprehensive expertise in the health sciences but also with cross cultural

Meet and this has been in the news recently. An E-sports club was formed in China

understanding, communication and problem-solving skills. This ensures thatin 2000 and they compete in many tournaments worldwide.
E-sports events are not just limited to the gaming industry, they are also part of thegraduates are well-equipped to cope with the high and varied requirements ofinternational health activities. Through in-depth coursework, ICHS cultivates students

general sports industry. Until recently, the expression ‘sports’ was not used tointo advanced practical specialists with a rich knowledge and deep understanding ofdescribe gaming tournaments and of course, there was no E-sports industry.

socio-economic situations and lifestyles.

Gradually competitive video games began to be considered a kind of sport. Aroundthis time, more expert players and Universities started to make their own rules and

The Graduate School of Health Sciences also offers a short intensive course called theclubs, and hold tournaments. Consequently, we now have this competitive gaming‘ICHS Summer Educational Program’. This program includes lectures on disasterculture. The process of setting up these events has become very similar to othermanagement, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, health communication

kinds of sports. I think it is interesting that these changes have happened so quickly

and lifestyle-related diseases. The lectures are given by invited professors fromin the last 10 to 20 years.
As part of my research I have interviewed game developers and people involved ininstitutions throughout Japan and South East Asia, and experts who work for

Ikurin Nin
2nd year Masters student studying Human
Behavior in the Graduate School of Human
Development and Environment.
Originally from Shandong Province in China. He
is skilled at Taekwondo and has taught it tochildren in his home country. His girlfriend isalso currently studying abroad, in Shiga
prefecture. 「心想事成」means you should try
to realize the thoughts and ideas in your heart.

E-sports clubs in Shanghai. I also did an internship at a game company from Januaryinternational organizations, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.

to March this year and was able to try making my own game. Through doing
research, I have been able to access a world I didn’t know before, and this has beenOver 40 students have completed the course and are currently working for global

a great experience.

Q

companies. Graduates of the ICHS programs are expected to contribute toTell us about your future goals.

international society primarily through international organizations and NGOs activein the field of global health.

I have decided that I want to continue my studies on a doctorate course. I’m currently
preparing to apply for a research fellowship for young scientists. I don’t knowwhether I will get the grant or not, but the process of applying has been an
opportunity to learn about myself. I feel like I can express my feelings more clearly.
In the distant future, of course I would love to make my own game and establish a

The People’s Republic of China
Located along the lower reaches of the Yellow River,
Shandong Province has the third highest GDP in the
country- with Jinan as the province capital. The area
boasts a rich history, being known as the home ofConfucius. Shandong food is considered to be among
China’s top 4 cuisines. The boiled dumplings andTsingtao beer are especially famous.

gaming event. When I think about the future of
AI development, I am attracted by things that
we still can’t do with AI, such as content creation.
I have started studying programming andworked as an intern. Next, I want to take on
more challenges while continuing my studies.

Examples of the varied guest lectures that have takenplace as part of ICHS post-graduate programs

Visiting Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan
Approximately 1,300 international students from countries around the world are currently studying at Kobe University.
In this corner, our international students introduce their native countries and offer some insights on studying abroad in Japan.

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TRUSS

Supporting and enriching the lives of KU’s exchange students.
Students enjoy the weekly event

Exchange students on a Kobe walking tour

“We want to create an open space
where they can easily communicate
with Japanese people as well as makefriends with other exchange students.”

been facilitating communication between domestic

Q: What kind of support doyou provide for exchange
students?

students and foreign students, as well as helping

Hatada: For those who have just arrived in

exchange students with many aspects of university life.

Kobe, they need to visit the local ward office

A Truss is a triangular support framework used in

to sort out their residence status, pension andcommunicate with Japanese people anddifferent from a typical SNS. During disasters,

constructing roofs and bridges. One of the club’s

health insurance. Parts of this process areother exchange students.

exchange students have also been able to use

principles is the idea of building bridges between

difficult for Japanese people too, but weHatada: There are many Japanese students init.

people’s hearts. To learn more about their activities, we

support exchange students by helping them

TRUSS, including me, who are interested intalked to three of the club’s leading members- Suguru

fill in the forms and taking them to theother cultures and studying abroad. So we

Matsunaga, Ryusuke Ota and Mihiro Hatada.

correct counter.

often keep in touch with exchange students

Q: As a safety support
network?

Matsunaga: Most exchange students live inthrough Facebook and Instagram even after

Matsunaga: That’s right. When there havedormitories. We help by handing out supplies

they leave.

been earthquakes or heavy rain, and also

left behind by previous exchange students to

I am studying German literature so I often

when evacuation announcements have been

the new arrivals for free.

enjoy learning about German society andmade for Kobe University Campuses, we havevarious things from German exchangetranslated emergency information off the TV

students.

and posted it on the ‘TRUSS Information’ LINE

TRUSS is Kobe University’s International Communication
club. Since its establishment 25 years ago, TRUSS has

Q: What kind of activities does
TRUSS do?
Matsunaga: In addition to providing support for thosestudying abroad at Kobe University, we plan and holdsocial events for Japanese students and exchange
students. There are around 1300 foreign students at
Kobe University but Japanese students don’t have muchopportunity to speak to them during their daily
university lives. However, there are many Japanese
students who want to communicate with foreign
students- over 100 of them have signed up to join TRUSS.
Ota: The running of the club is centered on a committee

TRUSS Vice President
Mihiro Hatada

Suguru Matsunaga

Ryusuke Ota

3rd Year German Literature,

3rd Year Global Cultures,

3rd Year Applied Chemistry,

Faculty of Letters

Faculty of Global

Faculty of Engineering

Human Sciences

Q: Is it possible to communicate smoothly atthese events?
Ota: Well, of course there is the language barrier. Also, there are many people
who find it hard to start a conversation, so we give them a push (laughs).

Q:How long do exchange
students usually study at
Kobe University for?

group. We have also posted details of

exchange students study at Kobe University

Q:What has been your mostsuccessful interculturalcommunication event?

for only one year.

Matsunaga: That would have to be ouralso communicate with each other. They have

Hatada: We also support postgraduate

weekly event. We were the first to try doing aused it to share useful information, such as

students studying at Kobe University.

weekly event as a committee and this is one

where to evacuate to. If incorrect information

Ota: Usually 6 months or 1 year. Most

websites which have disaster prevention
information in English.
Ota: In the LINE group exchange students canof the big changes we’ve made. The Japaneseis posted, it is also possible for Japanese

Q:You must have to holdmany events to facilitate
intercultural exchange oversuch a short time period?

and exchange student community that has

members to correct it.

Matsunaga: That’s true. Although we miss

‘TRUSS Information’. It’s like a forum where

Matsunaga: A typical example would be the Welcome

them when they leave after only one year, I’m

exchange students can easily ask questions.

Party.

always glad that we put effort into organizing

Matsunaga: It’s Ota who does the initial

The weekly events and theLINE group. It is great that
this committee was able to
make these two big
improvements to TRUSS.

We hold it twice a year; in April and in October whenthe events when exchange students thank us

introductions. He invites the exchange

Matsunaga: I would like to continue to help

exchange students enter Kobe University. It always

afterwards.

students who attend our events to join theforeign students and create spaces for

attracts over 120 people- it’s not just limited to new

Ota: I think exchange students come to Japan

LINE group and now we have 300 members. If

international exchange. Everyone, pleasestudents, anyone can attend.

because they like the country and want toanything happens, we can makecome to TRUSS’s events!

Hatada: In addition, we usually hold various other eventsknow about Japanese people. But in reality,

announcements on there. It’s an effective way

about once every 1 to 2 months.

many find it hard to approach groups of

to communicate with members.

Japanese students. We want to create an

Hatada: It’s very popular because exchange

open space where they can easily

students can also casually send messages- it’smade up of leading members. We have over ten
planning groups in charge of the events from the initialidea to realization.

Q: Could you describe these eventsin more detail?

Outside of starting a conversation, I have found that it is possible tocommunicate using my English and even gestures. Also, there are manyexchange students who are studying Japanese, so we can also communicateby speaking Japanese slowly. I would like these methods to be more widelyused to increase intercultural exchange.

TRUSS’s Welcome Parties are held in April and October. They attract over 100 attendees.

13

Farming experience in Tamba Sasayama

resulted from these events is a visible mark of
their success.
Ota: We have also started a LINE group called

For up-to-date information about events,
follow :https://twitter.com/TrussKobe

14

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Tabemonogatari

Q: What inspired you to start Tabemonogatari?

Reducing food loss to revolutionize how people eat

shocked me how my host family casually threw away large amounts of uneaten food. It’s something I will never forget.

Last year, Agricultural studies student Yurie Takeshita formed the ‘Tabemonogatari’ group aimed atchanging the food industry. The group subsequently won prizes at a business competition and werefeatured at the TEDxKobe event. Discover more about how Yurie Takeshita turned her passion for
reducing food waste into an entrepreneurial organization in the following interview:

The first time I wanted to try tackling the food loss problem was when I studied abroad in Canada as a high school student. It reallyI started to seriously think about making it into an organization during the summer of my third year at university when I attended alecture by an entrepreneur. Watching them speak so enthusiastically made me determined to start my own enterprise.

Q: We heard you won awards at a businessconvention. What kind of event was this?
It was the ‘Yunus & You: Social Business Design Contest 2018’- known asa gateway to success in social business. It was started with the aim of
fostering innovative social business enterprises among young people asenvisioned by Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor
Muhammad Yunus .
Teams were selected from an application screening of around 140
groups. The chosen teams received mentorship and four workshops toflesh out their ideas, before presenting their business plans at the end of
October last year.
The most difficult part for me was how to make my opinions on food

Above: Participants at ‘Yunus&You’.
Below: Yurie Takeshita speaking at TEDxKobe.

into a business. I reconsidered whether business fit with what I wanted
to achieve many times. The three of us built upon our ideas during theworkshops. Professor Yunus said that ‘Corporations do business but they
only give money back to the shareholders. Their profits should be used
so that everyone can live well’. These words really resonated with me.
Although we didn’t win overall, our team got three industry awards. Oneof these was the ‘Borderless Japan’ award that we were able to win
thanks to many people’s support.

Q: What are your future goals?
I would like to bring the organization’s principles to my hometown and Kobe. After that, I want to expand into other regions.
Last year, I got the chance to be a student speaker at a TED event for the first time (TEDxKobe). We also held our own event in Kobe lastNovember, which we were able to achieve thanks to crowd-funding. In the future I would like to set no limits on myself and take on various
challenges.

Q: What kind of group is Tabemonogatari?

A version of this interview was originally posted on Kobe University’s Japanese website on November 22 2018.

Yurie Takeshita: We started the organization with 3 people in April 2018 with the founding principle of ‘Filling the world population with
‘Yum’’.
In countries like Japan, there is a surplus of leftover food while in other parts of the world people go hungry. Many people feel guilty about
this. Food loss refers to food that is grown for human consumption but then discarded for a variety of reasons. Tabemonogatari aims toaddress the lack of balance in the food industry by reducing the amount of discarded food and strengthening primary agriculturalindustries.
The words ‘tabemono’ (food) and ‘monogatari’ (story) make up the organization’s name. We would like to show the meaning behind thename through our activities.

Q: What kind of activities are you doing?
At the moment, our main activity is buying up fruit and vegetables that cannot be sold through normal distribution channels and sellingthem. Lots of vegetables are discarded because they are too big to sell or have blemishes. In the beginning, we contacted farmers to ask
them for their discarded vegetables. Recently, there have been more incidences where farmers have contacted us.
We also do the same with fruit that is unable to be sold in supermarkets and stores. We sell them to bakeries and cake shops, as well as toindividuals. I would like to work together with Japanese Agricultural Cooperatives.

1516

International Collaboration
SPECIAL REPORT

Academic Events jointly held with Japan Foundation Budapest

EuropeOn February 2nd and 3rd, the Network Meeting for Japanese Studies inCentral-Eastern Europe took place in Budapest. It was co-organized by
Kobe University and Japan Foundation Budapest. The event provided an
opportunity for faculty heads from key universities representing the fieldof Japanese studies in Central and Eastern Europe to discuss current
trends in research and education in Japan. On February 4th, Kobe
University and Japan Foundation Budapest jointly held a lecture for thegeneral public titled “The Way to Preserve Historical Documents in theCommunity”. It attracted approximately 80 attendees from universities
and governmental organizations in Central and Eastern Europe.

20 years of partnershipwith Jagiellonian University
Furthermore, Kobe University established a Liaison Office inAffairs Prof. Armen Edigarian gave a special lecture at Kobe University to

Kraków in October 2015, and we are actively involved incommemorate our partnership’s 20th anniversary.

exchange activities such as Erasmus+ with Jagiellonian

The Fourth Kobe University – Beijing Foreign Studies
University Joint Symposium took place at Kobe University’s
Takigawa Memorial Hall on July 6th and 7th as a part of theAsia

On July 5th, 2019, the Jagiellonian University Vice-Rector for Educational

The Fourth Kobe University – Beijing Foreign Studies University Joint Symposium Held

University.

Jagiellonian University in 1998. This initial arrangement was developed

memorandum of understanding. This memorandum between

into an inter-university cooperative agreement in 2013 to encourage

our institutions is a two-year extension of the Joint Lecture

further mutual exchange of students and researchers. Subsequently, ourSeries on Japanese and European Studies. During the opening

universities have been developing multiple exchange programs such asof this ceremony, the Executive Vice President in charge ofthe Master’s level Double Degree Programs in Political Science (KobeInternational Exchange Prof. Masahiko Yoshii introduced ourUniversity) and European studies (Jagiellonian University). Kobe andstrong partnership and his vision for broader exchange

Jagiellonian have also collaborated on the Joint Lecture Series

involving many more faculty members and students.

Programme, whereby faculty members and Ph.D. students visit eachother’s institutions to give lectures and presentations on their research.

Vice-Rector Edigarian gave a lecture entitled “Development ofEuropean International Cooperation - based on the exampleof Jagiellonian University” to an audience of over 120 faculty
staff and students. He explained how European Universities
have become more internationalized though Jagiellonian
University’s initiatives. These included improving faculty staff
and student mobility via the Erasmus+ exchange program andyear’s symposium was held on the theme of “China, Japanand East Asia 1989-2019: Inside and Outside the Heisei Era”
era, which ended on April 30th. The fifth symposium will takeplace at Beijing Foreign Studies University in the next year.

Visit from the University of Southern California for Joint Short Course
Kobe University and the University of Southern California (USC) held joint shortcourse titled ‘Business Japanese Course’ again this year. For two weeks from

Americas

The anniversary event began with a signing ceremony for a

University International Collaborative Research Base. ThisThe symposium looked back over the 30 years of the Heisei

The partnership began with an inter-faculty agreement between the
Faculty of Letters, Kobe University and the Faculty of Philosophy,

activities of the Kobe University and Beijing Foreign Studies

May 25 to June 9, Undergraduate students from USC visited Kobe University as
part of a two-week educational course in Japan to obtain practical knowledgeof Japanese business and society. They also learned about the differences
between Japanese and American cultural and business customs throughcompany visits. The students gained an insight into various Japaneseindustries and experienced Japanese culture and sport through museum visits
and watching a baseball game. These activities made for a fruitful two-week
stay in Japan.

the creation of an inter-university network.

The Japan Summer Program in Sustainable
Development Launched

After the lecture, Vice-Rector Edigarian paid a formal visit to

Kobe University launched a new joint educational program with the

President Hiroshi Takeda. They exchanged information

Georgia Institute of Technology entitled ‘Japan Summer Program inregarding university reforms resulting from the changing

Sustainable Development (JSPSD)’. JSPSD is a problem based learning

circumstances in Europe, including Brexit, and agreed toprogram in English that aims to equip students of both Kobe University

deepen the exchange between our institutions.

and the Georgia Institute of Technology with the tools to understandmultifaceted issues relating to sustainable development. The inaugural

The memorandum of understanding signed during the Vice-Rector’s visit isa two-year extension of the Joint Lecture Series on Japanese and European
Studies.

17

The anniversary event attracted over 100 staff and students.

JSPSD took place at Kobe University this June and July and attracted

This is a testament to both the partnership between ourover 70 students. The participants took part in lively debates

universities and the strong interest in Central and Easternconcerning sustainable development. Future JSPSD will be held in theEurope among our members.

following years.

18

KOBE UNIVERSITYFounded in 1902
4 campuses 10 faculties 15 graduate schools

RIEB 100th Anniversary~pioneering inter-disciplinary economics and business administration research~
This year Kobe University’s RIEB (Research Institute for Economics and Business Administration) celebrates 100 years since its foundation.
Originally established as the Commercial Research Institute (as part of the Kobe Higher Commercial School) in 1919, RIEB boats the longest
history of all social science research institutes affiliated with universities in Japan. The Institute focusses on conducting cutting edge,
interdisciplinary research into economics and business administration. RIEB has conducted particularly notable research into the developmentof a diverse global economy and the international competitiveness of Japanese companies, among other areas. The Institute has alsoestablished various international exchanges with world-leading research institutions and continues to welcome visitors and guest researchers
from overseas.

Based in the Kanematsu Memorial Hall (built in 1934) and the modern RIEB annex building, it is possible to feel both the Institute’s rich history
and tradition, as well as its commitment to pushing the envelope with its research.
Other facilities include the Integrated Center for Corporate Archives where a wide
range of important historic materials relating to business administration can beaccessed.
Anniversary lectures and a commemorative ceremony will be held on the afternoon of
Sunday October 13 in the Idemitsu Sazo Memorial Rokkodai Auditorium on Rokkodai
1st Campus. All anniversary events are supported by donations from alumni, local
communities, private companies and our former/current staff. In the next 100 years,
RIEB will continue to contribute towards the betterment of society through its
collaborative research projects.

We hope you enjoyed reading Kobe University Magazine “Kaze” Vol. 7 (October 2019)
This magazine is published by the Kobe University International Affairs Planning Division
For back issues, visit office.kobe-u.ac.jp/ipiep/publication/index_en.html