81
December2022

One World, One Family

A True Gathering at Last
In-person events became a scarce occurrence for theWMU Sasakawa Fellowship Program after a certain virus

embarked on a worldwide rampage. Even as WMU resumed

The Gathering Orientation also serves a different

purpose. As the first official Sasakawa Fellowship Program

event of the year, the entering class learns about the program

normal operations, the Japan side – the Friends of WMU, itself and what it means to be a part of the Sasakawa Fellows
Japan Secretariat side - preferred to err on the side of caution, family. Kana Matsuda from the Secretariat gave a PowerPoint
settling for onscreen appearances in lieu of traditional annual

events. On September 23, 2022, however, these digital get-crash course on the background leading up to the creationof the scholarship, as well as the differences between thetogethers would finally come to a happy end. On this day, Nippon Foundation and SPF. (A refresher for those who
Sasakawa Fellowship students from the Classes of 2022 anddon’t remember: one is the sponsor, one is the operator.) The

to-face Gathering Orientation since 2019.

Sasakawa who, at the ripe age of 83, climbed Mt. Fuji as part2023 convened at the Sasakawa Auditorium for the first faceKo Taguchi ( Japan, 2022) served as the honorable MCfor the affair. After welcoming the audience, he yielded thefloor to Keiichiro Yamada, a Program Director of SPF, for the
welcome address. The speech went into the important role of

the Gathering Orientation: to act as a catalyst for building

presentation also featured a recent video of Chairman Yohei
of a campaign to bring increased awareness to leprosy. Uponreaching the peak, he unveiled a banner emblazoned with themessage “Don’t Forget Leprosy,” a moment that received warm
applause from the audience.

The formal portion of the event ended with each of

relationships between the two graduating classes. Some knew ofthe students giving a brief self-introduction. And brief they

However, many of them haven’t met, and considering the short

portion was scheduled to begin! That being said, the capable

this was a precious opportunity to get to know one another.

as well as special guests including WMU staff and faculty.

each other’s faces. Some of them have already been acquainted. were: there was still extra time remaining before the reception
two months of overlap within the respective academic years, World Bistro was already prepared to welcome the students,
Continued on next pageand Sweden, and hearing about their families and work. As
the operator of the program, it was an honor being able to takepart in conversations personally with the students and guests.

Soon the backdrop transitioned from dusk to night.

People were still eating and talking, but it was time to end theprogram. After a final toast, students and guests bid farewell,having enjoyed a very satisfying Gathering Orientation.

There were several great memories of this day, but whatreally struck me was the friendly and supportive atmosphereat WMU, staff and students included. It’s never easy planningan event from overseas, but we were very, very happy withhow things went that day. From handling communications toWith a glass in one hand, and likely a smartphone in theguiding participants to the venue, their cooperation ensured

Kwadwo Forson-Adaboh (Ghana, 2022) and Daiki Maeno

induced hiatus. It is the Secretariat’s hope that this day marks

class. Then, it was time to dig into the eclectic spread of hors

hopefully, one of the final times that there is any mention ofother, everyone listened attentively to opening remarks fromthat the event would be a success even after the pandemic-( Japan, 2023), who volunteered as representatives from eachthe first of many collaborative in-person events to come - andd’oeuvres and mingle.

COVID-19 on the front cover of the Newsletter.

The atmosphere of the reception was lively andcontagious. The air was buzzing with spirited talk andKana Matsuda

movement of nearly 80 people convening outside and inside.

Friends of WMU, Japan Secretariat

It was fun getting to know everyone, learning about WMU

2

A Congratulatory Send-off from Yohei Sasakawa
Kwadwo Forson-Adaboh (Ghana, 2022)
Friends of WMU, Japan Secretariat

The 31 Sasakawa Fellowship Students in the Class of2022 were extremely elated to get the opportunity to join an
online meeting with Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon
Foundation (NF) on October 17, 2022. Also in attendance werethe 30 Sasakawa Fellowship Students of the Class of 2023,
as well as some esteemed WMU faculty and staff. Students
who were physically present at WMU participated from the
Sasakawa Auditorium, as did President Cleopatra DoumbiaHenry and MC Lyndell Lundahl. The remaining members
joined in on their computers from their respective locations.
Dr. Doumbia-Henry stated in her opening address,“As the number of Sasakawa Fellows grows worldwide, theirinfluence continues to grow and multiply. They are indeed a
global engine of sustainable innovation and development.”
In the Chairman’s speech, he indicated that it is his
fervent wish that each Fellow would take advantage of the
global Sasakawa Fellows network to join forces and safeguard
the ocean, which the maritime industry, as well as humanity,
rely on. This will ensure a healthy ocean is bestowed to the next
generation of humanity. Furthermore, he inspired the Fellows
to work assiduously in line with NF’s “One World, One Family”
philosophy of cooperation and solidarity in attaining a better
society.
After his keynote address, the Class of 2022, who had
been grouped according to country regions, had the chance

to introduce themselves. The Fellows further expressed theirimmense appreciation for him and NF for funding their studies
at the centre of maritime excellence, WMU. In addition, theFellows were given the opportunity to ask him some questions,which he graciously answered to the Fellows delight (seebelow)*. Chairman Sasakawa also used the occasion to ask
five of the Fellows some questions as well to know more about
them and their country.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from Mr.
Kwadwo Forson-Adaboh (Ghana), President of the Student
Council. He assured Chairman Sasakawa that “the Class
of 2022 Sasakawa Fellows would endeavor to serve as goodambassadors of NF, to uphold and share the values as well as
the mission of NF for social innovation in order to advance apeaceful society as they serve as maritime and ocean leaders fortheir various countries.”
Though the event lasted only one hour, the atmosphere
was warm and the meeting fulfilling.

Q&A with the Chairman
Raga Dicklies Purwanto (Indonesia): I am 31 years old now.
What were you doing when you were my age?
Chairman Sasakawa: 31 years old is so long ago, I have almost forgotten what it was like. But back then, I believe I was
thinking about how I should better live my life.
Kwadwo Forson-Adaboh: Why do you prefer to wear red
socks always?
Sasakawa: That’s a great question. Now that I’m 83 and becoming closer to heaven, I try to wear bright-colored clothing and socks to stay psychologically young. In order to always feel like a young person, it’s important that I put effort
towards what I wear.
Mariah Rhoda Williams (Liberia): What is the driving force
behind your generosity to humanity?
Sasakawa: People cannot live alone, not without the help ofmany others in society. The world functions on this mentalityof living while supporting each other. However, when you
pass on to the other side, you are doing so alone. Therefore,

how do you best live this one
life you have? When I think
about that, it became an obvious duty to me, as a humanbeing, to have kindness andlove towards others.
Benyebka Cherigui (Algeria):
What are your tips for yourhealth?
Sasakawa: I think a lot of
people already know how to
be healthy, though they don’tnecessarily continue those habits like exercising regularly.
My office is located on the 7th floor of the Nippon Foundation building. For over 20 years since we moved here, I have
not once used the elevator; I use the stairs. People spend a
lot of money and time at gyms, but my policy is to do these
simple exercises free of charge. The most important thing is
to do it continuously.

* Normally students would exit the floor as soon as they finish addressing Chairman Sasakawa. We’re very happy we were able to change it this year
so that students were able to have a Q&A with him, allowing for more personal interaction.
3

Class of 2023 WMU Sasa
Xavier Perry

Teona Khabeishvili

Auditor, Quality Assuarance and Information Security Systems
Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia - Ministry of Economy and Sustainable
Development

Marine Inspector, Technical Department
Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping

I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the Nippon
is an honor to be a Sasakawa Fellow and I will do my best

Antigua and Barbuda to make both the foundation and my country proud in allendeavours.
MSEA

Georgia
MSEA

Mahmud Suleymanli

Salahudeen Abdallah Mustapha

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to SPF for giving
me such an excellent opportunity to study at WMU and

I am very grateful to be part of the Sasakawa family andwould like to thank SPF and Nippon Foundation for thisgreat opportunity to study at WMU, one of the best maritime

Assistant Fish Health, Post-harvest Manager, Post-Harvest Unit
Fisheries Commission - Ghana

Mechanical and Piping Engineer, Engineering Department
Baku Shipyard LLC

Azerbaijan
MEM

Bangladesh
MEM

I will return to my country with the gained knowledge and do
my best to further develop the maritime sector.

Ghana
OSGM

Rahul Lodhi

Deputy Director (International Cooperation), Directorate of Operations
Indian Coast Guard

I’m highly honoured to be a Sasakawa Fellow and be a part of
the Sasakawa network. I’d like to express my gratitude to Dr.
Sasakawa and the Nippon Foundation to entitle me the chance
to become an asset for my country and contribute in its future
development.

I am proud to be a member of the expanding family of
Sasakawa Fellows. I hope that after my MSc, I will beable to provide better services towards the sustainable
use of our ocean and add value to the Sasakawa Fellows
Network.

India
MLP

Abbas Aldwyah

Legal Advisor, Planning Department, International Cooperation Division
General Company for Ports of Iraq

Chittagong Port Authority

I am grateful to SPF for this marvelous opportunity to develop
my academic studies at WMU, one of the most important

I am honored to have been awarded the WMU Sasakawa
from this MSc program in the best possible way for thewelfare of my country.

Iraq
MLP

Rathanakvuth Sourm
Phnom Penh Autonomous PortJapan Coast Guard

contribute to my nation for a better future in the maritime
industry.

I sincerely thank the Sasakawa Peace Foundation forgiving me this wonderful opportunity to receive such agreat academic and professional education. I will cherish
the time I have with the future maritime leaders at WMU
and will build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Japan
MLP

Takanori Uzumaki

Daniela Jimena Andrade Tamayo

Lieutenant, Coast Guard
Ecuador Navy

Ecuador
MLP

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity given throughthe Sasakawa Fellowship. Being part of WMU is not only
a dream come true, but the chance to gain knowledge andexpertise, and also build a strong network that will enhance
my work toward seeing Ecuador become a maritime nation.

Japan
OSGM

Ahmed Ismail

Captain / Marine Lecturer, Maritime Safety InstituteArab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport

Egypt
MEM

It is a great honor to be a member of the Sasakawa
Fellows and study at the global center of excellence.
I believe that the acquired learnings and achievements
at WMU will contribute to the international maritime

Planning and Cost Control Specialist, Port Development and Construction
Aqaba Development Corporation

On behalf of my corporation, I would like to express mysincere gratitude to SPF for this fellowship to study for mygrateful for the opportunity to act as an ambassador for the
Sasakawa Fellowship Program and the Nippon Foundation.

JordanMEM

my educational competencies and work experience. Moreover,
it is a pleasure to be a member of the Sasakawa Network.

Adama Jatta

Aziza Swazuri

Gambia Ports Authority

Kenya Maritime Authority

My main goal is to develop the maritime system of mycountry and to transform the import, export, and transit
operations at the Port of Banjul into a totally paperless port
SML

country with unique knowledge in maritime law and policy tohelp develop the Iraq maritime industry.

Daiki Maeno

It is an honor to be a part of the Sasakawa Fellowship andstudy at WMU. I would like to express my sincere gratitude
to Dr. Sasakawa and SPF for providing me this great

CambodiaPMmake a great impact on me, my country, and the world.

Assistant Manager, Ship Repair Department
Bangladesh Shipping Corporation

Suraya Yeasmin Jui

BangladeshPM

I am beyond honored to receive this life-changing opportunityfrom SPF and be part of the huge family. You help change lives
through education, which will always be the foundation for
future generations. I am grateful and will use this opportunity
to develop Georgia’s maritime sector through the knowledge
I gain at WMU.

Kenya
OSGM

which will transport this dream into a reality.
4

I am honored to receive the Sasakawa Fellowship. It has
granted me the privilege to enrich my skills and knowledge
and assist me in serving my organization, country, and theworld at large. It is indeed a life changer; transformative andrewarding. I remain forever grateful.

kawa Fellowship Students
Mark Mikely

Alysious Forbie

Quality Assurance and Compliance Supervisor,
Quality Assurance and Compliance Department
Sierra Leone Maritime Administration

Environmental Protection Agency

Liberia
OSGM

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been selectedamong many others by SPF and NF. It is a dream cometrue opportunity for furthuring my studies here at WMU. I
promise to go back home and improve my country in themaritme sector. Many thanks to Dr. Sasakawa and bothfoundations.

I am heartfully honoured to have been chosen as a recipientacquired have highly motivated me and made me realize thatmy dream is achievable. Long live Dr. Sasakawa and SPF.

Sierra Leone
MLP

Kevin Providence

Kla-Edward Toomey II

Research Analyst, Legislative Information Service, Liberian Legislature
Liberian Senate

SVG Coast Guard Service

I am deeply grateful to the Nippon Foundation and Sasakawa

Liberia
MLP

opportunity would be maximized to transform my country
and the world at large.

As a proud Sasakawa Fellow and WMU student, I am
St. Vincent and
the Grenadines

OSGM

Minna Rasheed

Dani Daniel Chunga

Deputy Rection Head / Superintendent, Post and Express Consignment
Maldives Customs Service

Maldives
MLP

Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Department

I am forever in debt to the chairman and the Sasakawa Peace
Foundation for giving me the opportunity to study at WMU.
I look forward to contributing directly to SPF in achieving its
global vision after my studies, and improving my service to thegovernment, and the regional and global maritime sector.

Tanzania
OSGM

Maritime Representative / Maritime Delegate at Bilene District,
Maritime Administration of Gaza Province
National Maritime Institute - INAMAR

Namibia
MLP

you again.

National Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA)

It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the Sasakawa
Family and being awarded such a prestigious scholarshipat WMU. In return to my country, I expect to apply theknowledge I am acquiring and make contributions towards

Venezeula
MLP

Being chosen as a Sasakawa Fellow is a life-changing
opportunity. It creates an exceptional and great responsibility,
to honor and represent WMU and SPF with our actions andachievements. To this responsibility we owe ourselves. And to
this goal I will strive in my professional career.

Joseph Shoro Diwanga

Quang Hieu Nguyen

Ministry of Works and Transport

Vietnam Maritime Administration

Foundation for breathing life into our dreams. I am not here
to practice until I get it right, but I am here to practice until
I can’t get it wrong.

Viet Nam
MLP

From the bottom of my heart, it is my honor and pride to be apart of the Sasakawa Fellows’ network at WMU. Sincere thanks
to SPF for giving us the opportunity to gain knowledge andfriendships across the world so that we can contribute to our

Hai Vuong

Jorge Gomez

Commander,
Nicaraguan Navy

Nicaragua
MLP

I acknowledge Sasakawa for this fellowship I’m doing for my
MSc at WMU. I’m sure that after my studies I will bringpositive changes to my country as well as to the whole world

Francesco Castiglione

Yara Hortense Alberto Tembe

Mozambique
MSEA

upon my return to my country, the knowledge and family bonds
formed will build a stronger and more sustainable maritime
sector for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Maritime Administration of Ho Chi Minh City

It is a great honor to have been selected to receive a scholarshipfrom the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. I deeply thank Dr.
Yohei Sasakawa for giving me this great opportunity for
professional and personal improvement, and I thank him on
behalf of my family and government.

WMU and the Sasakawa Fellowship Program will be

Viet Nam
MSEA

University and SPF will greatly contribute towards mystudies and research in maritime safety and security, marine
environment protection, and the human element. My highest
appreciations are due to WMU and SPF.

Beauty Ebiere Maghoromi
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency

Nigeria
MET

Specialization

this opportunity to study at the esteemed WMU. I believe theknowledge I would receive from the programme would award
me with the required drive to make my career path successful
and be a catalyst not only for my agency, but the maritime
sector.

Elgene Gregorio(Maritime Education & Training)

MEM (Maritime Energy Management)
MLP(Maritime Law & Policy)

MSEA (Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration)

Commander, Coast Guard Procurement Service
Philippine Coast Guard

Philippines
MET

MET

I’d like to express my gratitude to Dr. Sasakawa, the Sasakawa
Peace Foundation, and the Nippon Foundation for theopportunity they have given me to study at this prestigious
institution. I am deeply honored and privileged to be part of
the Sasakawa family.
5

OSGM (Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management)
PM(Port Management)

SML(Shipping Management & Logistics)

Maritime Innovation
Nobuyuki Takahashi
Director, Coordination of Ship Recycling Policies,
Ocean Development and Environment Policy Division,
Maritime Bureau,
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism(Former(2019-2022): Director, Japan Ship Centre(JETRO London))I have been involved in Japan’s maritime administration
at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism(MLIT). Throughout these years, I have been engaged in
making policies supporting the Japanese shipbuilding industry
and promoting R&D in the maritime sector. Currently, as amember of the Japanese delegation, I participate in internationalrulemaking regarding maritime protection at the International
Maritime Organization (IMO). From 2019 to 2022, I had theopportunity to work at the Japan Ship Centre, which is a joint
office of the Cooperative Association of Japan Shipbuilders(CAJS) and JETRO London, with the support from the Nippon
Foundation. This short article is mainly based on my experiencein London.
Looking back on my three years in London, it is true that
I had to work from home due to the pandemic, but fortunately
I had the opportunity to talk with passionate people in themaritime industry, including shipping companies, shipbuilders
and maritime equipment manufacturers, and visit their sites.
This experience made me realise that whilst the oceans havenot changed since the ancient times including its importance tohuman beings, the surrounding maritime industries have in fact
continued to evolve.
Shipping is the best example of a traditional maritime
industry, which has played a central role in global logistics sincethe 16th century. The role of shipping remains the same today,
but in fact related shipping and shipbuilding technologies have
evolved to an amazing degree. I was lucky to have the opportunity
to visit the construction site of large cruise ships at one shipyardin Europe. I was impressed to see the construction process of large
cruise ships for the first time but was also surprised to learn theextent of automation already in place. With the introduction oflogistics management systems and welding robots, steel materials
were brought in and out automatically and welding was done

6

unmanned. Although it seemed that the level of automation was
already high, it was surprising to hear that the goal was to makeproduction similar to that of an automobile factory, meaningthat further automation was to be achieved. This is a successful
case that shows the importance of creating innovation to boost
productivity. A contrasting example is the shipbuilding industry
in the UK. In the UK where I lived at the time, the shipbuilding
industry boasted the world’s largest shipbuilding output inthe 1950s, thanks to its strong ties with the country’s shipping
industry. In Glasgow and Newcastle, for example, remnants of theonce thriving shipbuilding industry such as the sites of former
shipyards could be observed. Unfortunately, the industry could
not survive since it lacked successful innovation.
In addition to the traditional role of transporting people
and goods, shipping itself is now required to have a new role:
to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society. As withother industrial sectors, the shipping industry is committed totackling climate change. The development and introductionof decarbonisation technologies are in progress in the shipping
sector as well. In Norway, I had the opportunity to board afully battery-powered propulsion ship operating in the fjord. In
addition to emitting zero greenhouse gases or air pollutants, thefjord cruise was extremely comfortable with no noise or vibration.
Not only was I impressed by the performance of the ship, but I
was also amazed by Norway’s policy to encourage innovation andto promote the development and introduction of such advanced
ships. It is important to provide support through subsidies toovercome the “valley of death” that lurks between technologicaldevelopment and commercialisation. The introduction ofalternative fuels tends to fall into the “chicken and egg” problem ofwhether ships should come first or the fuel supply infrastructure.
Norway has in fact succeeded in avoiding this typical problem
by steadily introducing battery-propelled ships through public
procurement, whilst subsidising the construction of the ships andinstallation of power supply infrastructure by private companies.
These efforts have also resulted in the government showing
commitment to battery-propelled ships, and have succeeded in
attracting battery manufacturers and system integrators essential
to these ships from around the world. In Norway, there is also aplatform for the maritime cluster, including private companies,
industry associations, research institutes and public organisations
that functions as a network for creating innovation. Collaboration

within the maritime cluster is essential for innovation involving
new different technologies and diverse stakeholders. In the future,
however, technologies in different sectors that are unfamiliar
to ships, such as digital technologies for automated ships, will
become increasingly important. I believe there is a need to expand
the boundaries of the traditional maritime clusters.
In addition to the development of the traditional maritime
industry, new maritime industries such as offshore wind power
generation have also emerged. I had the opportunity to visit
a floating offshore wind farm site and was excited to see how
it will expand around the world. The energy potential of theoceans, not only offshore wind power but also tidal and wave
power generation, is enormous and is expected to be used more
widely in the future. In the next few decades, we may see new

innovation in the maritime sector that we cannot imagine at
this time. I believe, therefore, that the people in the maritime
administration, including myself, should always keep an open
mind and challenge new things. Only then can we fully harness
the potential of the oceans.

There’s No Placelike HSR!
Lisa Piper

Henrik-Smith Residence Supervisor, WMU

My journey with WMU and Henrik Smith Residence inparticular started in the midst of the pandemic, it was December
2020 when I sat down at my desk in the office as the new HSR
Supervisor. I had previously worked many years in hotels andtourism all over the world, but now – when settled in Sweden –this was a fantastic opportunity to use my working experience ina multi-cultural and global environment but not having to moveaway.
The first year as Supervisor was difficult in the sense that
we were shut out from campus due to restrictions and nothing
was “as per normal”. I hardly saw my colleagues and only went up
to campus once. But at the same time I got to know HSR very
well and especially the students – Class of 2021 – as they spent
most of their time here at the residence.
We also experienced the start of the major renovations
here at the Residence which was another challenge added to therestrictions of the pandemic. Although with the renovations weknow that in the end we will have refreshed and updated rooms
for our students to enjoy.

When the restrictions lifted I had been at HSR for over a
year. All of a sudden a whole new world opened up with meeting
many of my colleagues for the first time and the Residence cameto life again. The students were now allowed to gather, traveland most importantly they got to go to campus for face to faceclasses. It was great to be a part of that!
I am grateful though for the time during the restrictions as
I got to know some of the students really well and Class of 2021
will always be special to me, we endured and pulled through thedifficult and strange times that it really was during the worstof the pandemic. Now I am
comfortable in my role and readyto take on the challenges and to
experience the joy of a normal life
here at the Residence.
Looking forward I am very
excited to be able to take part in
my first International Day this year which is an annual event at
the Residence where our students dress in national costumes,
aromas from food from all the world fills our courtyard and
WMU and HSR all come together for a day of celebration. It
was previously withheld due to the pandemic but at last we canmeet and gather again!
Life at HSR is always lots of fun and I appreciate andcherish the connections made here throughout the year, both for
my own sake but also seeing students from all over the worldcome together. I look forward to continue my journey at HSR
and for all the new memories to be made here!
7

A Little Sasakawa Fellow Named
Eva Miral Henni Mansour

A Summer of Bright Skies

Chahrazed Tigha(Algeria, 2022)

Raga Dicklies Purwanto(Indonesia, 2022)

Saturday, July 30,
2022, was one of the bestdays of my life - the day I
realised that my life would
never be the same. It was a
day of gratefulness for mywife and me as we introduced our baby boy, Cielo, to the world.
Cielo means the “bright sky”, and we pray that he will growwell and do good for his family and surroundings.
He was born in the middle of summer in Lund, which isaround 20 km from Malmö. As we know, Swedes love summer
and stay outdoors to enjoy activities in parks, fika with family
or friends in outdoor cafes, and the beaches with sunset views.
For us, the warm and mild daylights on summer days were well
worth the wait as Cielo entered the world.
In addition to our families in Indonesia, we also appreciate
our friends and WMU faculty and staff in Malmö, who gave
us emotional support through their unconditional care andcompassion for Cielo from the beginning. We send the utmost
gratitude to SPF and Nippon Foundation, who gave us thedelightful opportunity to experience this precious moment. We
are grateful and will ever be.

I am glad I can share myexperience of becoming pregnant
while attending WMU as a memberof the Sasakawa family. I would likealso to share this story with my little
Eva, so she will be proud and inspired in her life.
I went through hard times at the beginning of my stay at WMU due tothe passing of my beloved mother. I felt fortunate that I became pregnant
and have that compensating sensation within me, helping me overcome
the death of my mother.
Pursuing a master’s in maritime affairs while pregnant was especiallydifficult since this was my first pregnancy. I became very emotional andfound myself suddenly needing to strike a balance between caring formyself and my unborn child and succeeding in my studies. Thankfully, I
had the privilege of having my wonderful husband and friends by my sideat all times, from the minute I found out I was pregnant to the day thebaby was delivered.
Through this emotional experience, I learned that I am a persistentperson. I discovered this about myself, as well as through my friends,
colleagues, and faculty, to whom I am sincerely grateful for their wordsof support and encouragement. In addition, I would like to take thisopportunity to express my deep gratitude to Chairman Sasakawa, theNippon Foundation, and the SPF.
Being a mother is a blessing, and being a mother to Eva during one of
my big life achievements is the ultimate blessing.

A New Secretariat Member Joins the Team
Hello, everyone. I am Emi
Shimada, the newest member toFriends of WMU,
join the WMU Sasakawa Fellowship
Japan Secretariat
Program.
I first joined the Ocean Policy
Research Foundation (the predecessor of the Ocean Policy ResearchInstitute) after graduating from the Tokyo University of Marine Scienceand Technology (TUMSAT), and supported several maritime-related
projects as an assistant. Afterwards, I was transferred to the General Affairs
Division and HR Division, where I was in charge of employee educationand training.
As for my home life, I am a mother to three kids - two daughters andone boy - and like any working mother, I juggle work and childcare.
I am so glad to be back in the maritime field and am very excited to be
involved with the team. I look forward to seeing you all in the near future!
Emi Shimada

Does your mother language have any unique phrases
for expressing “the end of a year”?
As the year 2022 is reaching its end, I get chances tohear such words in Japanese these days, one of which is“toshi-no-se”. “Se (瀬)’” is quite a relevant term for waters
and ships, and is especially used for Japanese words that
describe where tidal currents go fast, such as narrow straits.

The Current Team Behind
the Newsletter
Front row:
Shun Masui, Koji Murai, Eisuke Kudo

Back row:
Daisuke Omi, Kana Matsuda, Keiichiro Yamada, Emi ShimadaNot pictured:
Maki Tominaga“Toshi” means “year”, and hence, that particular word
expresses the time of year when we feel that time is goingby fast.
Despite the fact that we are busy at the end of the year,
it is also the time for family gatherings and celebrate a
Maki Tominaga
coming new year. I simply wish you and your family good
(Japan, 2015)
health and a great year ahead.
Japan Coast Guard

This newsletter is published under a grant from The Nippon Foundation

to promote communication among the Sasakawa Fellows of WMU (World Maritime University)and edited by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in cooperation with Dr. Koji Murai
Ms. Maki Tominaga, Mr. Shun Masui, Mr. Eisuke Kudo and Ms. Sue Jackson.
Friends of WMU, Japan Secretariat, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation
The Sasakawa Peace Foudation Bldg., 1-15-16 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8524 Japan
Tel: +81-(0)3-5157-5263 Fax: +81-(0)3-5157-5230 URL: http://www.spf.org/en/