Day 1 (cont’d)Staff Meeting @Library Hall, Central Library: 16:00-17:10

Flexibility, Endurability, and Peace“As I participated in last year’s event in Osaka University, I
enjoyed the reunion as well as meeting new people from otheruniversities. The meeting was a great opportunity to share similar
issues and learn strategies from each other since we have been
engaging in the same kind of project.”- Assoc. Prof. Nao Ishikawa

MULTICULTURALTAOYAKA Program Newsletter

TAO AKA

Special Edition: July 2016

Reception @Reception Hall, Faculty Club: 19:20-20:30

Evening

The Second Annual Open Dialogue between Six Universities

The students of the Taoyaka
program showed their hospitality
and entertained participants. They
worked together on performancesand presented their countries’ dancesand music, wearing their national
costumes. The participants enjoyed
the evening and dancing together.
Multicultural approach waspresented here in a warm andenjoyable manner!

Day 2 (cont’d)Closing Remarks“Thank you all for your enthusiastic work and participation. I also would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the three distinguished speakers fortheir messages and comments to help improve our program.
Only 63 programs including the six universities were accepted, out of from 400 proposals, as one of the Program for Leading Graduate Schools.
Please do not forget that you are selected members of these programs! Based on these plans, these programs will produce around 6,000 new typesof Ph.D. holders, or U shape experts, who will be equivalent to (or even exceed) the traditional Ph.D. holders! Whether or not our society will
accept these new types of Ph.D. holders strongly depend on your achievements. You have lots of possibilities in the near future.
At the end of the event, I hope you have gained new ideas, aspects, and networking. I also hope that this annual meeting will keep
growing and improving.”- Prof. Akimasa Fujiwara

From the Seminar Speakers

Final
Messages/Feedback“I really enjoyed and appreciated being invited to this event—not only giving a lecture, but also as an opportunity to participate
in the entire event.
This is my first time to work with such motivated students fromvarious cultural and academic
backgrounds and I was inspired bythem. I had a great time exchanging
ideas with these students. Thankyou.”- Prof. Jumpei Kubota“One of the academic trends nowadays is the exchange of the ‘standard’; i.e.,
Liberal Arts majors are looking for more scientific parameters whereas Science
majors are looking for more abstract concepts. That might be popped up basedon the world’s needs. To grasp these sense, interdisciplinary conversations likethis meeting should be conducted more. There
are not enough role models for students ofinterdisciplinary studies. Students need to think/create their own paths as pioneers.”- Dr. Ryuta Takeda.

From the Organizer“The first “dialogue between six universities” was organized by Osaka University in 2015. It was really significant and I enjoyed all of the programs. I
decided to take over the second dialogue at Hiroshima University because I felt it was important and also felt a strong need for continuing this kind ofopportunity when I participated last year.
The main focus was students’ inter-university group discussions. This year, we invited three guest speakers from the academic andprofessional field: Prof. Kubota, Dr. Takeda, and Dr. Ueno. We really appreciated their full participation. Their contributions from various
expertise and experience were such a valuable opportunity for participants, particularly for students’ group work. It was also wonderful
to see the “multicultural performance” by Hiroshima University students, which showed their warm welcoming hospitality. I believe thateveryone enjoyed their time together.
Finally, I am the Japanese representative from the International Year of Global Understanding 2016, which was a co-supporter ofthe event. I expect that this dialogue among six universities will also continue to deepen the Global Understanding.”- Prof. Hidenori Okahashi

多文化×異分野が拓く新たな知 /Explore Multicultural x Interdisciplinary Field
June 11-12, 2016
The 2nd Annual Open Dialogue between six universities
was held at Hiroshima University on June 11 and 12,
2016. Kanazawa, Osaka, Doshisha, Tokyo, Nagoya, andHiroshima University were involved. Each has a specificprogram in the Multicultural Symbiotic Society within
the composite category of the Program for Leading
Graduate Schools, supported by Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Morethan 90 participants joined throughout Japan. The event
successfully ended with motivated participants, informative
seminars and active discussions.
This Open Dialogue was initiated in 2015 by Osaka University. It resulted in a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas and discuss theissues faced by each program as a part of the Leading Graduate Schools within the same category. To expand last year’s meeting, Hiroshima University
set its theme as a “Multicultural and Interdisciplinary Approach.”
On the first day, the event started off with a keynote speech by Prof. Jumpei Kubota and Dr. Ryuta Takeda. They discussed interdisciplinary research anda subsequent career with a Ph.D. Then, the program moved to the poster presentation session to learn and explore each program.

Session 1-I Keynote Speech @Library Hall, Central Library: 13:00-14:30

Day 1: June 11

1. Designing local frameworks for integrated water
resources management with various stakeholders
Jumpei Kubota, Ph.D.

Professor; Deputy Director-General, ResearchInstitute for Humanity and Nature

Session 1-II: Poster Presentation: 14:30-15:30
Students from six universities created posters to share theirprojects, activities, and experiences with the events’ participants.
The session functioned as a great icebreaker for students before
they started their group discussions with inter-university groups.

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TAOYAKA Newsletter Special Edition: July 2016

TAOYAKA Program for creating a ﬂexible, enduring, peaceful society Organization of the Leading Graduate Education Program
Address: 1-5-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8529 JAPAN
Tel: +81 (0)82-424-6152; E-mail: taoyaka-program@ofﬁce.hiroshima-u.ac.jp; Website: http://taoyaka.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/english

Copyright © 2016 TAOYAKA Program, Hiroshima University

4

Flexibility, Endurability, and Peace: Special Edition: July 2016

Director, Global Bridge Laboratory; Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
President, Leave a Nest America Inc.

Prof. Kubota explained how science/research works in real life, using his own research experience and expertise. The science research, starting from simple“disciplinary” then “interdisciplinary, ” and finally, “transdisciplinary,” was explained to investigate the sustainable futures with and for stakeholders including
community members. Researchers need to learn more from both onsite and local experience as Prof. Kubota stated, “Experience is the best teacher!”Dr. Takeda demonstrated career development in accordance to his own experience. He discussed that a business capability of researchers is approximately
equivalent to their research capability, using the Leave a Nest Co. as a successful example. He and his team have devoted themselves to the transfer of scientificknowledge in a comprehensible manner. His experience must have encouraged the participant, i.e. Ph.D. candidates, regarding their future career options.
The topic and contents of both speeches were recommended and appropriate to future global leaders and their programs.

Explo

Flexibility, Endurability, and Peace

2. Your expertise is the PASS to cross borders:
How do researchers create business
Ryuta Takeda, Ph.D.

ing

InspirAfter the poster presentation, the program moved to the session two. Inter-university
groups were formed among interdisciplinary and multicultural students and the firstround of the group-work session was started (see pp. 2-3 for details). The main focus
is how these interuniversity group members could make fruitful discussions within alimited time, and develop comprehensive proposals about the following tropics:
1) Challenges and prospects of multidisciplinary approach2) How to make the best use of onsite knowledge
3) Exploring career options with a doctoral degree inMulticultural x Interdisciplinary Approach
During the group discussions, Dr. Yuko Ueno, Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
also took part as advisors (for topic 3), in addition to the two seminar speakers:
Prof. Jumpei Kubota and Dr. Ryuta Takeda (for topic 1 and 2, respectively). At theend of the first day, the reception/welcoming party was held (see p.4).
On the second day, students presented their group proposals during the final roundof the session, which engaged active discussions with participants. Comments fromthree advisors concluded the session.
In this two-day event, active discussions took place from various angles on aninterdisciplinary approach and the future of global leaders. The event provided positive
messages to global leaders in multicultural and interdisciplinary studies.

Enga

ging

Flexibility, Endurability, and Peace: Special Edition: July 2016

1

Topic 1: Challenges and prospects of Multidisciplinary ApproachDay 1 (cout’d.)Day 2: June 12

up

Gro

Sessiom 2: Students’ Group Work
I: Group Work @BIBLA, Central Library Day 1: 15:45-18:30
II: Presentation @Faculty Club Day 2: 9:00-12:00

Gro

up

C
Multidisciplinary approach (MDA) plays an very essential role in doing academic research as well as
in resolving the practical issues in contemporary society. Our group discussed and came up with the ideathat to approach multidisciplinary, collaboration is very important element. Due to the fact that MDA has
some challenges which should be considered such as time and resources constraint; misunderstanding ordifficulties in cooperation with other fields, diverse experts, etc. However, this approach can support other disciplines
since each research area might has its own weaknesses. Therefore, collaboration can create the innovations.
Especially, although MDA might not be applicable in dealing with every obstacle, it still has bright prospects in themodern society and beyond in the future.
- Nguyen Van Hoang

Experts in a multi-disciplinary team might have some obstacles for communicating and delivering theideas in order to have a mutual understanding. This may be timely and costly in the process. So, wecame up with the idea of “understanding yourself in order to understand others.” To explain our idea,
we categorized experts into three types using one of well-known classifications: I-type, U-type, andT-type. U-type is like us, Taoyaka Program students who have been educated with social, cultural, andtechnical knowledge as well as students involving in studies of interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary approach.
There are many issues remain unsolved (e.g. poverty, climate change, etc.) and they are overlapping and interdependent with each other. So, we believe that multi-disciplinary approach is necessary for today and the future.
- Andhang Rakhmat Trihamdani

Group

Gro

up

Gr

A

p

ou

Our group chose topic 2, and had a detailed discussion on various aspects of On Site knowledge – its
multidimensional approach and challenges. We started wit significant facets achieved from on sites like cultural
background, physical environments, geographical constraints, technical upgrades and many more.
We left no stones unturned to explore the difficulties too, some of which include regional resistances likesocial norms, demographic gaps, resource limitations etc. Well, where there isa will, there is a way. So, we came up with solution too such as, taking help
from third parties for convincing target areas, holding pilot projects, etc.
- Das Swagata

E

Group

H

G

Our group consists of 6 members from different countries of different backgrounds. We had adiscussion based on the 2 topic, eventually we wrapped up our ideas into “how to utilize onsite knowledge”,“ how will these experiences help us in future studies” and “how to maximize our future field work”. As the saying goes
“Travelling 1000 miles is as important as reading 1000 books.” Onsite education provided us with access to knowledge
which we cannot gain from textbooks. Firstly, it brings more knowledge about international agencies
and opens more career paths. Secondly, such experiences can expand our research perspectives,
broaden our horizons and test our own prejudices.
Last but not the least , there are some aspects should be taken into consideration like bottom-up
approach and be More flexible, at etc.
- Henriquez Millon Maria Adriana & Su Guandong

Topic 3: Exploring career options with a doctoral degree in Multicultural x Interdisciplinary approach

The group A consists of 7 members (Jaruwan, Mami, Shu, Xiao, Ben, Shree, and Sneha) representing
Thailand, Japan, China, USA, Nepal, and India. Each member has different background, experiences andfuture career paths. However, the group discussed and decided to work on 3rd topic of
the group discussions.
With continuous brain storming and discussion, the group agreed to start with the concept of “Dr. Tamagotchi
Ph.D.” as a pilot project. Our group aspires to start with small but day-to-day issues, as it has big implicationsin the day-to-day life. Thus, the group agreed to start the project to remind people these small but important
activities in their daily lives through Dr. Tamagotchi Ph.D. After the success on this small project, the company
will launch many advanced and new technologies, products and services based on the current needs andpriorities.
- Sharma Sneha AtulB

On-site knowledge is one of the important sources from our multidisciplinary study, and isessential to sociological study. On-site knowledge varies differently from each field of study. It is
the experience related to our research. We may learn it from the professionals, the local people, and the industries or from anyone
we could meet during on-site training.
However, the aim to gain on-site knowledge is to fill the gap between theoretical and practical concepts which
may influence our decision-making process in applying our knowledge into industry. Accomplishing on-sitetraining is the self-developing process of our knowledge and personal skills. We will better know how to deal withdifferent people and how to face challenges from every tiny detail.
- Zhang Linghan

F

After our discussion and presentation, we concluded that the Ying Yang represents the interdependence and holism
necessary in the multidisciplinary approach. In order to be successful, various groups and minds, including theirstrengths and weaknesses, must come together to form the whole.
From environmental degradation to depopulation, complex issues facing society in the 21st century must
be resolved using the multidisciplinary approach. As researchers, it is our responsibility to form partnerships
and create positive engaging environments to freely discuss these issues. If we apply the multidisciplinary
approach in this way, we can find successful solutions to problems faced regionally and globally.
- Kloepfer Thomas MichaelGroup

Topic 2: How to make the best use of onsite-knowledge

Group

D

“How can we start-up our career” was the ultimate query in group dialog for us as students of leading program (e.g. TAOYAKA
and et al.). In the beginning, discussion went with rationales of leading programs and those rationales helped to differentiate theskills of Ph.D. holders of leading programs than the others. Here, multicultural-interdisciplinary approaches of leading program
are considered as a ‘uniqueness’. In fact, multicultural-interdisciplinary education system teaches how to work and manage themulticultural-interdisciplinary work-space. The given phenomenon of globalization are those places where a person can enter
into a multicultural environment and deals the interdisciplinary work-spaces. Ph.D. holders of leading programs are accumulating
the field-base knowledge which will accept these recent globalized phenomenon. In coming days, leading program Ph.D. holders
will be essentialized within job-spaces in decision-making level due to their specialized knowledge rather than having simplegraduates only. In fact, the leading programs are so resourceful to change a simple researcher as a true-leader who can deal themulticultural reality as well as understanding the interdisciplinary approaches in job market.
- Masood ImranComments about Students’ Group Work/Presentation

2

From Dr. Jumpei Kubota:

From Dr. Ryuta Takeda:

From Dr. Yuko Ueno:

1) Starting with deep discussions (i.e., brainstorming) is very important to reaching a conclusion.
2) Exploring the deep insight of knowledge is important (e.g., who and how the knowledge has
produced).
3) At our research institute, for example, we tackle global and environmental issues, which arecomplicated, have solutions that are difficult to find, and require systematic thinking. We first
set a clear target as a desirable mode of futures. <target knowledge> Then, we understandthe present situation. <systems knowledge> Finally, we try to find pathways from “present
systems” to “future targets.” This can be said as <transformation knowledge>, which
guides us to solutions. Transformation knowledge is similar to your “onsite knowledge,”and keys to reach solutions.

1) Although many of groups seemed to have difficulty with setting a ground rule/line, overcoming this challenge isinevitable in any research project.
2) In any complex research, such as interdisciplinary research, there must be some kind of chaos in the structure.
You may encounter a very chaotic situation in your team/inter-team. You need to have guts to absorb a certain
degree of chaos. This sense of discomfort is the key to evolving your research/project. It does not mean you need
to be chaotic in your presentation, but you cannot ignore these chaotic situations including critical thinking inyour project. Therefore, try to express these situations in your presentation.
3) For the I, U, and T types, presented by group F, a good team-up is different that the level of the group’s functioning.
Once you have a good team-up, apply the I U T theory, and ask yourself; is this team really functioning in acollaborative manner?

1) Please do not be pessimistic about the future of PhD holders!
2) I like the idea of “changing weakness into uniqueness,” as presented
by group D. Once you find your uniqueness, try to change it into
someone’s value. Think about whom you want to deliver your value to,or who needs your value. Then, imagine your, a very exciting, future.
And ask yourself, “Where will you be in “the future?” “What will
you be doing in the future?” When you can answer these questions, you
would naturally know what kind of action(s) you have to take and what
you need to do tomorrow. Now is the time to move on to your bright
future!

Flexibility, Endurability, and Peace: Special Edition: July 2016

Flexibility, Endurability, and Peace: Special Edition: July 20163