2023/09/29 16:52

FEATURE

Spreading a new idea from Japan

FEATURE

Spreading a new idea from Japan

We are all connected by water

What is EZ water? The fourth state of water - the most significant scientific discovery of the century
Eye-opening possibilities of Atomic hydrogen Water
Experimental voyaging on Atomic hydrogen water shows 40% of oil cut

Spreading a new idea from Japan

Now is the time to step into action

We are facing a planetary emergency that may lead to more serious problems. All human beings will eventually feel the impacts on climate change, financial meltdown, overpopulation, water and food scarcity, resource depletion and nuclear threat.

If we continue on this unsustainable way of living, most of Earth will be uninhabitable. 

This day may come earlier than expected - we may face a total system collapse over wars caused by ecological disaster,  religious and geographical conflicts or scarcity of resources.

Time is running out to prevent irreversible impact on the ecosystem. The accelerating global problems shorten a time limit from half a century to 20 years, 10 years and 5 years. 

 

What can we do in Japan?


It is a question of the way we see ourselves and the world. We need to change the way we think in order to be caretakers of a global ecosystem for coexistence. This is an opportunity to establish a new value and priority, and move to a new direction.

Japanese used to embrace a collective way of living that respects nature. However, Japan has witnessed the rapid rise of materialism since World War II.
We need to reconsider the Japanese principle of harmony, 'Wa',  as this can create harmony between new ideas and old values. Our traditional Japanese concept can be coupled with leading edge technology.

 

Many Japanese people used to be farmers who appreciate and respect nature. Because of the great economic boom after World War II, such spirit was lost and people become materialistic. The March 11th disaster has reminded us of our traditional way of thinking. More than 100,000 people are still experiencing inconvenience in their daily life, and nuclear problems are still unsolved. The world admired the self-discipline and patience of the Japanese people in the midst of such a horrendous emergency. We believe that this leads to a new recognition in the world of our traditional value of harmony.


There are also many people who have been working in various fields to change the current situation.
We've experienced the conflicts in globalizm (which includes materialism and westernization) that only seeks efficiency. Now is the time to change the way we think for the next generation.

 



 

We are all connected by water

FEATURE

We are all connected by water

The 2008 award-winning documentary, "Water, the Great Mystery", reveals enlightened new discoveries about the unending potential for water. The film was watched by three milion people in Russia. This acclaimed film won many documentary awards and is available on DVD in English and Japanese.
Scientists, including Noble Prize winners, presented their work on water, and clergy from the largest religious groups discussed the importance of the water in their faith. They reach to the conclusion that "water has memory" and human emotion and thought can effect the structure of water. Science and religion have become closely intertwined, although such a scenario is quite rare in many fields. As the study progresses, scientists are attracted to the mystery of water and reached the concusion that "water holds its memory" or "water has its identity".
This theory has not been supported due to lack of scientific facts, but the film shows that a series of data has been obtained to prove this hypothesis. The idea derives from the fact that about 70 percent of the human body is made up of water as well as other living creatures. If the water can retain memory and has its own identity, why can't we think that all living creatures that are made up of water are all connected like quantum theory - "we are all connected".

To know water is to know yourself.

Change in Osaka = Change for Japan?

FEATURE
Change in Osaka = Change for Japan?
 
Can Japan’s youth place their hopes in the “Osaka-to (Osaka Metropolis) Scheme”?
 
 
Following the March 11 earthquake, tourists and foreign students coming to Japan have greatly decreased. It’s also true that people’s interest has started to shift to China and the other rapidly-growing Asian countries. With people beginning to feel that things can’t remain as they are, will there be a reform of Japanese society? Four students spoke about this possibility with Keio University Professor Shinichi Ueyama, a specialist in organizational reform and advisor for the much-talked-about “Osaka Metropolis Scheme”.
 
Shinichi Ueyama profile: Professor at Keio University, Faculty of Policy Management. Born in Osaka, 54 years old. Specializes in company/administrative management strategy and organizational reform. Also works in city/regional renewal. Previously worked for the former Transport Ministry and as an associate for McKinsey & Co. Currently serves as Chairman for the Seisaku Hyouka-kai (Policy Review Council) at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, head of the Niigata City Research Institute for Public Policy and Management, Director of the Public Policy Studies Association JAPAN, as well as an advisor and committee member for a number of other companies and administrative bodies. Graduate of Toyonaka High School and the Faculty of Law at Kyoto University. Received his Ph.D from Princeton University.
 
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Q: Please explain the thinking behind the Osaka Metropolis Scheme, as well as its impacts on Japanese society should it be realized.

A: (Professor Ueyama) The Osaka Metropolis Scheme isn’t just about Osaka, it is about changing Japan from a “one state, one system” structure – a structure that has continued for 140 years since the Meiji Restoration – to a “one state, multi-system” structure. I believe everyone feels that if we continue under the present system, where the state controls everything from the center, it will be difficult to respond to an age of dramatic change. Power may have shifted from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), but the core system of the country has not changed, meaning there will be no reform.

However, it is not possible to change this system as long as the regions remain economically dependent on the state. Therefore, in the “Osaka Metropolis Scheme”, we will first streamline the prefectural and city administrations and cut waste, then under the one plan effectively utilize the assets of Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to revitalize the economy. Osaka Prefecture’s current debt is 10 trillion yen, but if you combine prefectural and city assets, then you have a total of 16 trillion yen. In particular, Osaka City owns an astounding 25 percent of the land within the city. If we utilize this asset effectively it would not be difficult to attract outside investment. Also, if the prefecture and city cooperate we would also be able to create more efficient infrastructure. In countries that are currently growing economically, it is not the state that guides everything but rather the leaders of large metropolises who use their own discretion to implement new policies and bring in investment from overseas and private companies. If Osaka shows its new growth model to other regions, then we should see similar moves in the Kyushu, Chukyo, and Tokyo areas also.

Q:  That’s an amazing scheme. However, living in Japan (Tokyo), I feel the Japanese are conservative, so even if they agree with the concept, won’t it will be difficult to turn the plan into action?

A: It’s certainly not simple. However, I have many colleagues in various fields who are working in the same direction as me. Also, Osaka in a way isn’t really Japan (laughs). Historically, it is a flourishing commercial city, so without a more free and vibrant movement of people, goods and money, it cannot survive. Osakans also aren’t really sticklers for the rules; they are adaptive people. If anything, the more Asian in this sense.  If Japan’s system becomes inflexible, it will eventually become easy for Japanese people to miss opportunities.It’s very difficult to change Japan as a　whole. That's why we start from Osaka.

Q: There has been an increase in young people acting out of a desire to change society after the March 11 earthquake. As someone promoting the Osaka Metropolis Scheme, do you have any advice for them?

A: There is also a need for young Japanese to change their mindsets. The best way to do this is to live overseas. If you view Japan from the outside, I think you can really feel the differences in other systems and ways of thinking. Society does not change easily (laughs). First, you should start by steadily changing your immediate environment. In order to do this you need to acquire the necessary societal skills, try them out, and learn how to be persuasive.  I began thinking about the “Osaka Metropolis Scheme” 10 years ago. I occasionally had setbacks on the way, but if you believe in your aspirations, then chances will come your way. Even if you make mistakes, if you’re willing to openly admit to them, you will find people willing to help you. If you have aspirations, it’s important to not let yourself get upset and instead progress forward in a positive manner.
Also, I would like young people to have more of an interest in politics. Looking at the newspapers and TV, politicians don’t seem very appealing, but if you speak to them individually, many of them are very bright. However, when you get them all together, the Japanese group mentality takes over and you can’t see this. In order to change this situation, I would like young people – regardless of nationality – to take more a proactive interest in Japanese society and politics.

There would be very few people who think Japanese society is fine the way it is. It’s becoming more difficult even for young people to hold bright hopes for the future. In this way, I hope that if interest in the “Osaka Metropolis Scheme” acts as a catalyst for young people to develop a clear vision (for the future), then no matter how difficult, a “can-do spirit” will spread throughout Japan.

translated by Lance Truong (Monash Univ)

Encounters accelerate life

FEATURE
Tears running for others give you courage
 
 
Just like Shokasonjuku Academy, Yamamoto School（Gakko） is acceleratingly powering up in the era of social change. We interviewed a founder of Yamamoto Gakko, legendary breakthrough consultant, Mr.Masanobu Yamamoto, who is still running as a head master at the age of 77.
 
The 101st anniversary of Yamamoto Gakko
 
「努力は苦し、されどその実は甘し」（野口英世博士）
Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet　（Dr. Hideo Noguchi）

Tears running for others give you courage

Could you tell us why you started Yamamoto School?

When I came back to Japan, I felt too many Japanese people were helpless and apathetic. I thought I must do something. Then when I attended a publication party of Ryuzo Seshima (former Chairman of Itochu Corporation), who wrote "Ikusanga", he directly said to me, "Not just your own company but care about the Japanese people and how Japan should grow, too." After this incident, I read one special book three times and came to the conclusion that I will absolutely do something. Around this time, students asked me to give lectures and had good responses after the lectures. So I gathered the students, who listened to my lectures, once a month to meet up again. This was the beginning of Yamamoto School. We were talking about our experiences at first but gradually supporters joined us and many great people began to talk whenever we got together and this turns out to be like what we see now. I just lead the meeting now, that's all.

What kind of a student were you?

Compared to my brothers who were brilliant, I had an inferiority complex and could not be confident at all　I was engaged in groups regarding English and overseas interns but I quit them after meeting my wife. I was with her all the time. I could not live without her so I married her right after graduation.

How did you change yourself?

I did find a job and worked after graduation. When I was 31, I was transferred to Norway. My English was awful, not even had confidence in my job and where I was transferred was a country where there were no order results between my company. It was like a demotion. It all changed after reading an article in a magazine. One day, I heard from my acquaintance that an article on Hitachi Zosen Corporation was on the Asahi Journal so I read it. The article said that because the shipbuilding business has gone bad, the employee families were breaking up one after another. I could not stop crying hard for about three hours because my colleagues were suffering from such a situation.
And this made me decide. Getting rid of the old me, who used to blame people because things haven't gone smooth, and change myself to do the best I can for my colleagues in Japan.

But in reality, companies that I see, all had actual results. So I just did what I had to do, to get all the necessary information that I can to get an order. I even made a system that all information would come straight to me; collecting necessary information of the shippers for the ship owners and conditions of financial institutions. One time, nearly 70% of the information resource of the trade paper was from me. I could not depend on my company so I made my own information network and in the end, I could possess 85% of the market.


What kind of messages do you send to the Japanese students and international students in your lectures?

No matter what the situation, never give up. Especially, people who have not experienced frustration, cannot really cope with the adversity. It is not the 20s nor the 30s that life counts. Life also does not end in the 40s or the 50s. I am 65 now but many people come to my Yamamoto School, wanting to do something useful for the world. People would meet various people here. There is a wide range of age, too, from junior high school students to people around 80. Every time there is a speech from the ambassadors, and participants vary, too. Diet members, business entrepreneurs, singers, dancers, artists, government employees, doctors, engineers, people from the media... Many students gather, too. Please, why don't you give it a try to come here? You can get together with a wide age range of people and could have a serious talk, too.

Foreigners have been increasing. What future do you see in Japan?

I think it is very important to live together with people from a different culture. I am sure that Japan will be a major power of immigrants like the United States and France in the near future. Maybe the general idea of international marriage might go somewhere. Everybody might all look like President Obama!

What is your favorite quote?

"Encounters accelerate life." People meet various people, learn from them, and grow. One encounter may change your life totally. In my Yamamoto School, I have seen many destined encounters.

Any advices to the students who are going to start job-hunting?

Interviewers are probably seeking people who have potential.
What kind of people would have potential? Think about it.
People who are graceful, bright, simple, and honest. Graceful people would take in lots of knowledge and opinions. Information will go to people who are bright. Simple and honest people can continuously do things that may be simple. We are now in the world of HP, changing from IQ, EQ, and now HP. HP stands for HorsePower. It is necessary to have the power to absorb from people and to grow at an accelerated pace. This relates to "Encounters accelerate life."
 
Mr.Masanobu Yamamoto　PROFILE

While working for the Hitachi Zosen Corporation in Northern Europe he carried out the success of an 85% market share and created a legend. He also accomplished the success of an 85% market share in Indonesia. Eighteen years after he joined the Hitachi Zosen Corporation, he was headhunted to the Cahners Exposition Japan. He established the biggest international trade show for business firms in the whole of Asia (e.g. glasses, jewel goods, writing material/office work, hardware box, airline/space business, books, computer-aided publishing, fine particle, beautician/beauty salon/cosmetics, superconductivity, and CAI/education) and, once again, led this to the great success. Shortly after he was headhunted to SEGA and made the record of ten times more of earnings for third parties, doubling of earnings in the United States and a 63% market share. He is currently working as a business consultant and an advisor for several enterprises through business management. On the other side, he is active in writing and completes hundreds of lecture circuits each year at university campuses and overseas.
YAMAMOTO　GAKKO　official　website
 
 
 
 
 
 

People first! Be a real estate professional at a GLOCAL (GLOBAL yet LOCAL) company!!

FEATURE

People first! Be a real estate professional at a GLOCAL (GLOBAL yet LOCAL) company!!


 
We are a genuine and caring company that offers growth and learning opportunities to our employees. We are expanding our business in Vietnam and Thailand, and looking for English speaking graduates as new additions to our team.


Kawasaki is the city in Kanagawa prefecture that has implemented the multicultural coexistence plan. We interviewed Tsuneo Miyagawa, CEO at N-ASSET, the real estate company with a unique business model that follows the "think globally, act locally" principle.

About Tsuneo Miyagawa

Miyagawa was born in Kyoto in 1971. He graduated from Kobe University in 1994 and got his first job at ITOCHU Corporation. In 1999, he joined Noel Co., Ltd and launched a department that offered asset building support for real estate owners. He brought many successful stories to the company including its listing on JASDAQ and Tokyo Stock Exchange Second Section. He acquired N-ASSET and became a CEO in 2009. He opened his first international office in Vietnam in 2011. Three years after, his second international office was opened in Thailand.

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Miyagawa: I had a lot of fun when I was a student - I started a club and organized events. I was interested in entrepreneurship and thought of working at a company where I can learn business. I found a commercial firm suitable for me and got my first job at ITOCHU Corporation where I learnt real estate.

I moved to another real estate firm which my former manager at ITOCHU founded. We started with 10 people. The company grew fast and listed on a stock market although it went bankrupt after the Lehman shock.

My department was closed and went for bidding after the liquidation procedure was concluded. I participated in bidding with a hope to win back the workplace for myself and my colleagues. Luckily, I won the bidding. E-ASSET is the company that was created by the people who shared the tough times with me.


 
That's why the company has always maintained a family atomosphere.

I want the company to be a place where our employees can feel secure, enjoy their work and take new challenges.

We also want to create a new corporate culture - we have been actively hiring new graduates for 6 years when we had only 30 employees.

What are you looking for in new hires? "Be engaged and open-minded" "Ready for challenges"

We focus on a new real estate business model and that is not so easy.

I believe it’s important for new hires to be engaged and open-minded for successful onboarding. I also expect them to be ready for new challenges.

We are looking for English speaking individuals who can accommodate the needs of non-Japanese residents as the city is becoming more globalized.

We hired an international student who is fluent in English and Chinese in April. I am hoping to have a new addition to the team who can collaborate with him and contribute to our international growth. 

We look after each other as we believe those who treat the team well will also treat our customers well. I think real estate is customer oriented business. That's why we value those who strive for excellence in service quality so as to make customers happy. 

(company trip to Danang, Vietnam) 


We offer support to Japanese companies that aim to expand their businesses in Vietnam and Thailand. Unfortunately, Japan is not up to speed with globalization. Our new hires can be of any nationalities as long as they are engaged and ready for new challenges. In return, we will make sure to nature their talents and ensure their professional development.


I believe that we play a key role to make a city appealing. We want to support our city, Takatsu Kawasaki, by following the "act globally and act localy" principle. GLOCAL (Global & Local) is the idea that can spread from Japan to the world.

The Internet has become indispensable in our industry, and we also take initiatives to encourage efficiency and productivity. However, I believe my mission as an employer is to create new jobs. We can grow our business by contributing to the local community and playing a key role in its growth.

I would like to create an environment where our employees can enjoy their work.

My goal is to increase profitability and invest in our employees.

 

Real estate is one of the service providers and our business is always evolving. Why don't you become a real estate professional under the surpervison of Miyagawa at N-ASSET? 

I won’t give up on you

FEATURE
 
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Dｒ　Mahathir　Ex Prime Minister of Malaysia.　　Indonesia　national　newspaper
 
Professor Soetanto has lectured in his home country Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and China, after receiving impassioned calls from governments and related organizations in those countries. The passionate feeling he puts into his teaching has inspired beleaguered young people around the world; he is even being picked up by the media in those countries. Three students spoke with Professor Soetanto, who has returned to Japan after a long period away.

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（photo :nikkie BP Mr sugano )

Ｑ：Please tell us about your childhood and the details of how you came to Japan

Ａ：Both my parents died when I was an infant, and I was raised by a very strict stepmother. With my weak constitution I was treated as a burden, so I have no fond memories of home. Being at home was unpleasant, so I began leaving early for school in the morning so I could help clean there. I started to be acknowledged by the teachers and everyone because of this; I then wanted to be acknowledged even more so I began to study harder and teach classmates and children in my neighborhood how to study. However, in 1965 when I had just started my first year in senior high school, the new government that had arisen out of the anti-Communist Party coup d’état (known as the 9.30 Incident) closed every school for Indonesian-Chinese children around the country, so we could no longer receive an education. I had no choice but to begin helping in my older brother’s business selling electronics, and while doing that I started my own repair business. Not only did that business become a huge success, my older brother was also able to lead a prosperous life, and it was from these economic reasons that I, despite being unable to go to high school and university, felt an uncontrollable urge to study more.

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With my ambitions to become an engineer, I was naturally fascinated by Japan and its sophisticated electronics, so I left for here at 23 years old. At 26, although I was eight years older than the usual age, I was finally able to enter a Japanese university. I majored in electronics at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, and also completed a doctoral course at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. However, I had already passed 34 years old by then, and was unable find a job in Japan. I could not give up on my dream of finding work here however, so in order to increase my employability, I worked like mad and obtained another doctorate. I had now earned two PhDs, but even then I was not recognized; to work so hard living in Japan for 14 years and still not be able to find work really put me at a loss. I decided at that point to rediscover my life; if Japan was impossible then this time I figured America was my only option. So at 38, leaving my three young children behind, I decided to have a go in the US scientific world, which I knew absolutely nothing about. With a spirit to ‘go for broke’, I decided to gamble my life one more time. Fortunately, I found a university that would recognize my talents, and was able to obtain my dream job as a teacher. I taught there for five years, but returned to Japan upon receiving an invitation from one of my old teachers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Professor Okujima.


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Ｑ：Why did you return to Japan from the US? Also, why did you start to tackle educational reform in universities?

Ａ：I was trained in Japan, and as a result was able to earn 4 PhDs. It is thanks to the training I received in Japan’s harsh society that I am here today; I genuinely wanted to repay Japan for that. However, in my newly arrived university, I noticed that over 80 percent of students who did not understand their classes were just left that way, so I resolved to rekindle the motivation of all the students taking my classes.

I continued to encourage these students by talking about the actual experiences I had in my home country and in the US, and how I kept trying no matter how many times I was rejected in Japan. On the other hand, I adopted a very strict attitude in these classes. I conducted them mostly in English and also demanded students do presentations in English. In the beginning, students panicked, but once they learned how serious I was, they started to put more effort in. All young people are hiding possibilities (latent potential) that they themselves would not believe. It is the drawing out of this potential which is the serious approach of an educator. There is the idea in university that you should only deal with students who are motivated, but I refuse to abandon any of them. I also don’t want other teachers to abandon their students.

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Invited　the　100th　anniversary　of　Chinese　Univ.

Q：You did not experience affection in your childhood years – where does the unlimited affection for your students come from?

A：I think each student is the main character of their own stories. I want all of them to learn to like themselves and lead their own lives. In order to do that you cannot be half-hearted. My teaching is famous for being strict enough to make many students cry, but I absolutely will not let any of them give up on their dreams. Because their dreams are my dreams too.

Even students with seemingly no motivation hide wonderful possibilities (latent potential). For educators, it is necessary to have an attitude that seriously deals with these students’ true feelings, and strives to put every effort into teaching them. If you do this, they will definitely begin to regain their true selves, face their own dreams, and create their own stories. They will start to live their own original lives not created by others. This will then lead to greater self-confidence; students will gradually learn to like themselves and in no time will be become kinder to other people.
 
Ken Kawan Soetanto　Professor, Faculty of International Liberal Studies
 
Professor, Faculty of International Liberal StudiesDirector, Clinical Education and Science Research Institute- Four doctorates: engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and pedagogy.　I first came to Japan in 1974 as a university student and received doctorates in engineering and medicine. Recently I also obtained doctorates in pharmacy and pedagogy. Since my original field of study was medical engineering, which is an interdisciplinary field, it was natural for me to extend my area of interest. I did science and engineering research on health-related machines, and subsequently pursued clinical medicine studies of medical machinery. I extended the scope of my studies of medical machines from use in checkups to use in medical treatment, and in the course of my pharmaceutical research, I invented an ultrasonic contrast agent which received dozens of basic patents in Japan and two in the U.S.A.
 

Awareness of each individual can lead to solving medical issues

FEATURE

Awareness of each individual can lead to solving medical issues

Dr. Akira Kawashima
Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences
Professor, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences
Doctor, Oriental Medicine Research Center, Department of Natural Medicine
Head of The Institute of Integrative Medicine

Authored works
Illness is a Message from Your Mind (PHP Factory Publishing)
The Invisible Power behind Health (Sun Mark Publishing)
Keep Your Body Warm and Activate Metabolic Enzymes (SHUFUNOTOMO Co., Ltd)

 

We interviewed Dr. Akira Kawashima, who believes in the importance of Integrative Medicine

Q: You decided to pursue Integrative Medicine when you introduced acupuncture in the US during your stay.?

I brought the needles to the US for personal use, and my friend wanted to give it a try. Words spread of the positive experience my friend had, and I was invited to give a lecture at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). At first, I refused the offers as I was not a practitioner, but eventually I studied English terminologies and decided to give the lecture. Audience included people with high honor such as a Nobel laureate, and I was surprised with their positive response. I was impressed by their flexible attitude to learn new things, but was overwhelmed with a sense of urgency to introduce Oriental Medicine, including acupuncture, in Japan before anyone else. For years, I studied and learned from specialists on homoeopathy, Chinese Medicine, Alternative Medicine and Qigong. We've gradually created the infrastructure of current Integrative Medicine in Japan. However, Western medicine still plays the central role in the current medical field in Japan, and there are less doctors like me.

There is no one cause of disease, and therefore Western medicine cannot treat or cure all diseases. While Western Medicine has its good side, we need to understand that mental and physical health are inextricably linked. Oriental Medicine emphasizes the connection between the mind and body, and the study draws attention to medical practitioners from all over the world.

Q: Do you think in an ideal world, doctors will be out of work?

I always tell my patients that you know your body the most. I believe that as a doctor, it is our responsibility to help and support how to the patient manages their particular condition. The reality could not be any further from my belief. We still see the tendency where patients rely too much on going to a hospital to seek a doctor's guidance. Patients should be more responsible for their lives and be aware of their body condition, and make important choices. As I've stated in one of my books, people normally start seriously thinking about their own health when diagnosed with terminal cancer, but that's when it's too late. This is why I am advocating preventive healthcare, and encourage people to try to cure the condition before going to the hospital. In reality, patients too often casually drop by the doctor's office to seek advice or treatment, resulting in the doctor to have limited availability to spend time on individuals.

I only see patients on appointments basis. This allows me to spend enough time to talk with them and offer customized advice that fits their individual health needs. Integrative Medicine is still new so we receive many visitors who seek treatment options beyond those that are typically offered in conventional medical care.
Our mission is to educate patients and have them involved in every step of the decision making for their treatment. I believe both parties should be able to have an opinion in the decision making process by sharing information, taking steps to build a consensus about the preferred treatment, and ultimately reaching to an agreement on the treatment to implement.
 

Q: Are you planning to provide training on Integrative Medicine for young medical practitioners who admire your belief and want to offer similar medical practice in the future?

Doctors are generally too busy to think about such things. They tend to be conservative and do not jump into new ideas and thoughts. Even so, I see many people disagree with the current medical system and are seeking for the change. There are many publications discussing this issue. I continue to work at the university hospital because I want to establish a training program where we can teach philosophy of medicine. There are still many challenges but this can be achievable if I have colleagues who share the same goal. A monk once told me, "Doctors should be respectable and noble". Some individuals want to become a doctor because it is a high-paying and stable job, but I believe many young practitioners has the pure motivation to wanting to save people's lives. In order to encourage this thought, We need to shift the focus to preventing diseases and encouraging doctors to spend more time with patients, although this is still not realistic. For that reason, we need to fundamentally change the way we practice medicine.

Dr. Kawashima played a protagonist in a NHK drama when he is a child.
He had many offers from famous TV directors to continue his acting career, however, he quit and decided to pursue his passion in medicine.
Kawashima believes medical practice is rather sacred, like a religion. Focusing on ethics and philosophy of Medicine is necessary and doctors should not be tempted to pursue their own interest.
I hope Dr. Kawashima's idea inspires young medical practitioners. As a patient, we should  take ownership of our own health as we should know our body the most. Doctors are there to provide guidance, but they are not Gods. The "I will protect my own body with my knowledge" mentality and awareness will ultimately resolve medical issues.
 



 

The trump card of environmental solutions!!　MR　Toshiharu　Fukai　father　of　souseiwater

FEATURE
‘Sousei Water’ - This ‘miracle water’ renders detergents, shampoo and pesticides obsolete, and by simply mixing it with oil can also reduce fossil fuels and harm from emission gases!
 
 
 
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(The 14th conference of sousei water user Mr fukai speech)


It is said our bodies are made primarily of water. According to one study, 83% of our blood, 79% of our brain, and 83% of our muscles are water. In recent years, water pollution from chemical contamination has become a worldwide problem, yet a fundamental solution has still not been found. However, tackling this problem has been one Japanese man’s calling for over 20 years now. His invention, ‘Sousei Water’, has been garnering widespread attention from both governments and relevant organizations in countries like China, Korea, Taiwan, Canada and Germany. In particular, many requests regarding joint ventures and research cooperation in national environmental projects have come from China and Korea. Sousei Water’s founder, Mr. Fukai, vowed upon his late father’s words to continue his water research, and the results of this over many years have produced countless miracles. We asked him about his thoughts regarding Sousei Water.
Interviewer: Haung Donsu- a volunteer who helped out on-site at the Daehan oil spill in South Korea, where Sousei Water has been attracting attention.


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Q: Why the fixation on water that removes detergents?

”I used to run a hotel and restaurant. One day, I saw large amounts of detergent foam flowing down the nearby Chikuma River. There was no doubt it came from my restaurant and hotel. At that time, I remembered my late father’s words – ‘Nature and man are one entity. If we pollute our rivers, our blood will become contaminated, and we will certainly become sick. We must not pollute our rivers.’ I agonized over this for nearly three years, but my father’s words would not leave me, so I liquidated all my businesses, and my fight against detergents began.”

”At first, I began researching the toxicity of detergents. If you place fish in a tank, then pour detergents in, they will go into a terrific frenzy, and before long will die. Although detergents cause much suffering and agony to fish, the reality is we nonchalantly use such products. Seeing this, my resolve to get rid of detergents strengthened. ”

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((left) sousei water + oil (right) normal water + oil）

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（How sousei water work just like detergents）


Q:Using your own private funds, it took eight years to succeed in the development of Sousei Water. How were you able to continue your research day-to-day without giving up? Please describe the background to this.

”I think the education from my father was a big influence. Even now, I have a memory that I cannot forget: one day, my father pointed out a dismantled carburetor and said, ‘Return this to its original state.’ I replied, ‘There’s no way I can do that! Why don’t you ask a repair shop to do it?’
My father however said that anything made my humans should be able to be repaired by humans. I told him I had no idea where to begin fixing it, but because of my father’s forceful attitude I resolved to fix it myself . So, with tears in my eyes, I tried with all my might to re-assemble the carburetor. During that time, I was not allowed back in the house, and while it took three days and nights,
I finally learned that there was nothing I couldn’t do . While my father was very strict, he was greatly respected by people in our town. He always instructed me to ‘not irrigate my own fields, but irrigate others’ fields.’ It was this lesson that led me to create Sousei Water.”

Q:”having great desire to succeed , as a layman I had no idea what to make as detergent replacement. While receiving advice from various people and doing my own wide reading, the thing that caught my attention was water. This was because I had heard stories from my grandmother’s era about how long ago they were able to do their laundry in rivers without detergent. If that’s the case, I thought, shouldn’t I just return water to its original form?”

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（machine to produce sousei water）

”With my father’s words in my heart, I felt I had to return the rivers we had polluted to their original state, and continued to silently carry out countless experiments. I made many miraculous discoveries and gradually came closer to my goal. Then by chance I read a newspaper article about obsidian (volcanic glass), which was used in large quantities during the Jomon era, and my instincts told me this was it. At long last this became my replacement for detergents, a primordial water that was good for the body – Sousei Water was born.”

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（Article of national newspaper about the sousei water）

”Sousei Water succeeded in drawing out the ‘original power of water’ – something that was until now thought impossible. It even holds the potential to remake industries – such as beauty, cleaning, food and drink, hot springs, agriculture, and medical services – into ones that are friendly to the natural environment. The chemical with the element number one is hydrogen, right? If you return water to its original form, you will definitely solve environmental problems. Humans, animals, plants, soil, the atmosphere - they all consist of the element water.”

Q: What would you like to see from exchange students and other foreigners in Japan, as well as other Japanese young people?

”There’s no such thing as borders when it comes to protecting the environment. I heard that you volunteered after the 2007 Daehan oil spill in Korea – we also brought over Sousei Water generators from Japan and did clean-up work on the oil-covered rocks by the coast there. Using Sousei Water you can easily separate water and oil from one another, so the work progress smoothly. Everyone was overjoyed and we were even featured in a KBS [Korean Broadcasting Station] broadcast. However, because the seas are connected, these sorts of problems aren’t just faced by Korea. In order to protect the earth I think there is a need for people around the world to engage in action that transcends borders.”

”Sousei Water attempts to return soil back to its original state. Through this, microorganisms are restored to life, and agriculture becomes possible without the use of pesticides. Even after terrible oil spills like the ones in Fukui and Daehan where the sea became black, by dispersing Sousei Water on the sea coast microorganisms burst back to life and by the next year seaweed and fish had returned. In other words, it is possible to regenerate polluted oceans through Sousei Water. Speaking of big oil spills, at the moment there is a lot of commotion over the Gulf of Mexico, and I myself am preparing to go there and help.”

”In Japan and Korea, whenever there are incidents involving large oil spills many young people have helped out as volunteers. If young people develop a consciousness that respects the global environment more, the earth will became a better place to live in not only for humans, but also animals and plants.”

”‘Itadakimasu’ and ‘Gochisousama’ [phrases said before and after meals respectively] are directed not only at the person who made the meals but also to the life of the food. Japan also has an ancient culture where one expresses gratitude towards nature. There’s even a hint in kanji [Chinese pictographs]. If you look at the kanji for ‘sea’, it means ‘water is the mother of people’. By polluting our water, I believe we are polluting the mother of life. The kanji for ‘pollute’ is written ‘to dirty water’. If we try and wash something by using a toxic substance, that’s an act of polluting. Also, the kanji for ‘wash’ is written ‘water is first’. This is teaching us that in order to ‘wash’, water is the most important thing. Considering this, I ask everybody to please understand the importance of water in their daily lives.”

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（New cleaning system invented by using sousei water）

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（The 14th conference of sousei water user staff musicians）

Monash　Univ.）
 


Haung Donsu (Korea) (Hanshin University, spring 2010 graduate) In 2007, he volunteered on site at the Daehan oil spill. He worked in extremely tough conditions where even cleaning one rock was difficult. One of his friends was hospitalized after the clean-up as a result of the fuel oil. Post-interview impressions: Meeting and talking directly with the head of Sousei World Fukai Toshiharu was truly enlightening. I realised that in the end, the most important thing in order for humans to continue living is the environment. In our current world where the environment is gradually deteriorating, it was somewhat relieving to know that people like Mr. Fukai are out there, protecting the environment through actions like volunteering at the Daehan oil spill. I think people should consider the environment more seriously.

（Translated　by　Lance　Truong　(Monash　Univ.）
 

The Inventer of sousei water

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(with volunteer workers at the site of oil spill happened along the coast of fukui pref.)

The Inventer of sousei water　Mr Toshiharu Fukai

Representative of environmental NGO Clean Water World Initiative (CWWI) and Sosei World Co Ltd. Developer of “Sosei Water” and “Sosei Cleaning Wet Pure” - technology whereby dioxin can be decomposed at ordinary temperatures and pressure without the use of detergents or solvents. Working by himself on these technologies, they can now be put into practical use. Also a representative of the Sosei Cleaning Research Institute (“Sosei Kuriiningu Sougou Kenkyuujyo”) ,which is conducting collaborative research with the Canadian Government’s Ministry of the Environment (Wet Cleaning Department).

related article: A lifestyle that doesn’t contaminate our water?
 

GTN's goal for improving the living conditions of non-Japanese residents

FEATURE

GTN's goal for improving the living conditions of non-Japanese residents

The　interview　of　Mr Goto　the　CEO　of　Global　Trust　Networks　Co.,Ltd

The living conditions of non-Japanese residents have been improved over the past few years thanks to guarantor companies like Global Trust Networks Co., Ltd (GTN). This company has been dealing with issues coming from the guarantor system for nine years. With its tireless effort and perseverance, GTN is now one of the leading guarantor companies providing lease guarantor services to non-Japanese citizens. Although this industry does not look so glamorous, it has made a remarkable contribution to the spread of globalization in Japan. We interviewed Mr. Goto, founder and CEO of GTN, to learn about its unique staffing and mobile services.  

Q - What makes GTN's staffing and mobile services different from other existing services?

A - We didn't start staffing and mobile services in pursuit of profits. We had a profound desire to improve the living conditions of international students and those who are new to Japan. There are many companies that offer recruitment services to foreign workers who have language skills and expertise, but those with language barriers are the ones who really need our assistance. Most international students come to Japan with high hopes, but soon hit a wall as job hunting without Japanese fluency is quite difficult. They need a job to support themselves because, without income, they cannot pay tuition and rent. 

We believe that we can be their safety net. We can afford to expand into new markets now that our lease guarantor business is up and running. We do not provide dodgy services at affordable prices. We communicate with the students on a regular basis and try to understand any concerns they might have so that we can find solutions for them. We are growing by word of mouth. 

As for mobile services, we dropped the traditional two-year contract because many people stay in Japan for less than two years. The current contract system also demands a penalty fee for those who stay over two years upon their departure. There is almost no company that provides language services to make a contract. We offer an unlimited data plan for less than 3,000 yen, and this news is spread by word of mouth at universities and Japanese schools. Our knowledge and experiences from the lease guarantee business made it possible to lower the price for non-Japanese citizens.

Q - You've identified the needs of non-Japanese residents and turned it into a new business. What's next? 

A - The Cabinet is aiming to increase the number of international students to 300,000 by 2020, but the target may not be achieved with the current situation. We should offer something which western countries don't have in order to win the international students from those popular study abroad destinations. We will satisfy their basic needs by providing lease guarantee services, affordable mobile services, and recruitment services. 


We will try our best to accommodate their needs by providing high-quality services at affordable prices and help improve the living conditions of non-Japanese residents. 

People see western countries as a place where the American dream can come true, like Silicon Valley which has produced many successful, new billionaires. However, this idea doesn't really apply to Japan where most people see themselves as being middle class. Unlike western countries where very few people can climb the ladder of success, Japan makes it possible for anyone who can integrate with society, master keigo, and understand the way Japanese think to find a job. It shouldn't be that difficult to live a comfortable life once receiving a job offer. The Japanese dream is attainable for a wide range of non-Japanese people. That's why the idea is so attractive. 

Mr. Goto has been leading the company since its foundation. It began when Mr. Goto was just a student, but the company has grown to become an organization where employees can work harmoniously as a team while simultaneously nurturing their individuality. Nearly 70% of the company's 50 employees are from overseas and the management team consists of a mix of both genders with multiple nationalities. University researchers often visit the company for their diversity management studies. This small, international company will definitely be one leading the way to the globalization of Japan. 

Let’s make Osaka a City for International Students

FEATURE

『Let’s make Osaka a City for International Students』


Their contribution to the local community should be appreciated.

Keiichi Hasegawa was born in 1947. After graduating from Doshisha University in 1969, he started his career at Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. He became the executive director at Ehle Institute in 1976. He became the president of Ehle Institute in 1983. He is the president of Save the Children Japan, the vice president of the Minami Township Forum, and the president of the International Mentoring Association. He dedicates himself to providing support for international students as a committee membor of the Osaka Prefecture Vocational College Association.


We intervied Keiichi Hasegawa, the president at Ehle institute, which provides a variety of services to support international students in cooporation with local community.


『The course that ensures 100% employment rates.』


Ehle Institute launched a special course for qualified students that ensures 100% employment rates. The school believes in the importance of mentorship and offers extensive internship opportunities for students in coorporation with the local community.

The school supports students to set clear goals and work out a concrete plan towards these outcomes. This inspires others to pursue their dreams as well. Unfortunately, the modern educational system lacks this idea and puts too much focus on scoring marks in exams. It does not help students prepare for the job market. We aim to equip students with the necessary teamwork and communication skills through a mentorship program.

『Internship at local companies』

Faculty and students at Ehle institute have been expanding the number and type of internship opportunities for students. It took time for international students to find a company to work, but now local organizations and companies offer us more opportunities.


Students participate in unpaid internships in their course of study. Once their attitude and skills toward work are acknowledged, they may be offered a part-time job or paid internship. Hasegawa said that international students should contribute to the local community by adapting to Japanese society. Now they play an important role in the local community. Recently, they participated in an evacuation drill to keep the elderly people in a safe area. Like that, educational institutions should help international students build good relationship with locals so that their social status can be enhanced and they are welcomed by society. That's Hasegawa's goal to achieve the city for international students.

Importance of local history


While Hasegawa has dedicated himself to improving international students experience, he is also known as a committee member of the Osaka Prefecture Vocational College Association. Officials of the Ministry of Education seek educational advice from him as well. Ehle institute is a community-based school where most of its students are from overseas.


Hasegawa said that Osaka has something to attract foreign people and cultures. In fact, Osaka used to be the city that sent envoys overseas to gain new knowledge. Likewise, this city welcomed people from China and the Korean peninsula to spread their cultures.

I would like to conclude the interview with Hasegawa's remark: 'There is a reason why you study in Osaka. Don't forget that you have a mission to promote mutual understanding between Osaka and your countries. Work with us for bright future in Asia.'

I also dedicate myself to providing a variety of services for international students, including internship programs, and clubs and events to make local friends. Through this interview, I was inspired by Hasegawa from Ehle institute and people from the Osaka Prefecture Vocational College Association. Unfortunately, international students are not always welcomed by local community. That's why people like us should help them. There is an old saying, 'It takes 10 generations to succeed in Kyoto, 3 generations in Tokyo, and 1 generation in Osaka.' That means you are always outsider in Kyoto and Tokyo even if you become successful. However, you can make it in Osaka no matter what your background. You can be an Osakan. It's up to you. If you plan to study in Japan, why don't you come to this city? We look forward to seeing you here!　（Kazumi Miyazaki, chief editor at the Global Community）　（translated　by　Kaori　Asakami　Monash　Univ.）