Yokohama National University YNU January No.11 2010 · Yokohama National University Yokohama...

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Yokohama National University Newsletter YNU Y okohama National University Celebrates 60 th Anniversary of Foundation On Sunday November 8, Yokohama National University (YNU) observed the 60 th anniversary of its foundation with a commemorative ceremony, lecture, and reception. e venue chosen for this event was the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel, located in the Minato Mirai area of the Nishi Ward of Yokohama City. About 150 people aended the commemorative ceremony. Appearing on behalf of the minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology was Deputy Minister Shinjiro Komatsu. Local government representatives, presidents of nearby universities, community leaders, industrial and academic organizations maintaining comprehensive and structured partnerships with YNU, emeritus professors, former faculty and staffers, representatives of alumni associations, and others were also on hand. YNU President Kunio Suzuki opened the event with an address declaring a firm sense of renewed resolution: “We will not be complacent to rest on the laurels or traditions of education and research cultivated to date. Instead, we will move forward in the capacity of an important national university, addressing the needs of society and achieving bold new development.” Appearing next on the podium was Deputy Minister Komatsu, who read a message prepared by Tatsuo Kawabata, the minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology. is was followed by congratulatory addresses from Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi (read in proxy) and Yokohama City University President Tsutomu Fuse. e ceremonial phase of the program was followed with a special lecture by Yoshihiro Iida, a professor emeritus (and previous YNU president). Professor Iida spoke on the theme of: “e Progress and Prospects for Yokohama National University—e Decade Before and Aſter Reorganization into Corporate Status.” is was followed by the commemorative reception, an occasion opened with a welcome address from YNU Executive Director Mutsuhiro Arinobu. Kaneko, the chairman of both the Yushokai alumni association and the YNU Alumni Association, then delivered a congratulatory message and led the group in a tribute toast. e reception provided an excellent and enjoyable opportunity for all present, bringing the celebration to a highly festive and successful conclusion. Y NU Faculty Members Visit University of São Paulo in Brazil YNU Executive Director Mutsuhiro Arinobu (in charge of international affairs), Professor Hisayoshi Miyatake (international strategy coordinator) and Assistant Director Yoko Ito of the Science and International Affairs Division recently traveled for an official visit to the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil, a university with which YNU maintains a partnership agreement. On October 29 (ursday), the trio paid a courtesy call to the office of Dean Ivan G.S. Falleiros of the USP Department of Engineering. ere, they also met with Professor Tachibana (a YNU graduate and current liaison officer at USP), Professor Cheng Liang Yee, and Associate Professor Andre Riyuiti Hirakawa. e group exchanged opinions and ideas on revisions in the existing agreement and future promotion of even more extensive exchanges and interaction. is meeting also served to inform Dean Falleiros that, in addition to the three professors aending, close to 20 members of the current USP faculty have studied abroad at YNU in the past. Upon hearing this, Dean Falleiros appeared pleasantly surprised to learn anew of the depth of the ties forged between USP and YNU. Aſter this, the group viewed a pool equipped with state-of-the-art functions capable of generating waves from four different directions, the office of Professor Tachibana (who doubles as YNU’s liaison officer at USP) and other locations. e huge scale of the campus is truly incredible by Japanese standards, with several soccer fields, athletic grounds, and other facilities included in the site. e atmosphere was that of having the USP research buildings, lecture halls, student dormitories, and other facilities interspersed throughout a vast park. USP is a top-level university in Brazil, and was also ranked No. 207 on the QS World University Rankings in 2009. e visitors were deeply impressed that nearly 20 members of the teaching faculty of such a prestigious global school have studied abroad at YNU and felt deeply honored by this track record. e stay at USP further reinforced the knowledge and confidence that YNU and USP will continue to maintain and further expand their strong bonds of mutual cooperation and understanding. T hirty People Aend Alumni Reunion Event in Brazil University of São Paulo Professor Tachibana Envisions Gathering as “Springboard for Greater Globalization of YNU” To help celebrate the 60 th anniversary of the establishment of Yokohama National University (YNU), a reunion of students studying at YNU in the past was held in at a hotel in São Paulo City, Brazil on October 28 (Wednesday). Despite being held on a weekday, the event was aended by about 30 people, including not only graduates who earned regular or graduate degrees YNU but also researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) who hope to do academic work at YNU in the future. YNU opened a liaison office on the USP campus in March of 2009, with this event being the first full-fledged reunion convened since that unit began operation. To further commemorate this occasion, YNU Executive Director Mutsuhiro No.11 2010 January T opics I nternational Relations

Transcript of Yokohama National University YNU January No.11 2010 · Yokohama National University Yokohama...

Page 1: Yokohama National University YNU January No.11 2010 · Yokohama National University Yokohama National University Newsletter YNU Y okohama National University Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Yokohama National University

Yokohama National University

Newsletter

YNUYokohama National University Celebrates 60th Anniversary of FoundationOn Sunday November 8, Yokohama National University (YNU) observed the 60th anniversary of its foundation with a

commemorative ceremony, lecture, and reception. � e venue chosen for this event was the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel, located in the Minato Mirai area of the Nishi Ward of Yokohama City. About 150 people a� ended the commemorative ceremony. Appearing on behalf of the minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology was Deputy Minister Shinjiro Komatsu. Local government representatives, presidents of nearby universities, community leaders, industrial and academic organizations maintaining comprehensive and structured partnerships with YNU, emeritus professors, former faculty and sta� ers, representatives of alumni associations, and others were also on hand. YNU President Kunio Suzuki opened the event with an address declaring a � rm sense of renewed resolution: “We will not be complacent to rest on the laurels or traditions of education and research cultivated to date. Instead, we will move forward in the capacity of an important national university, addressing the needs of society and achieving bold new development.” Appearing next on the podium was Deputy Minister Komatsu, who read a message prepared by Tatsuo Kawabata, the minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology. � is was followed by congratulatory addresses from Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi (read in proxy) and Yokohama City University President Tsutomu Fuse. � e ceremonial phase of the program was followed with a special lecture by Yoshihiro Iida, a

professor emeritus (and previous YNU president). Professor Iida spoke on the theme of: “� e Progress and Prospects for Yokohama National University—� e Decade Before and A� er Reorganization into Corporate Status.” � is was followed by the commemorative reception, an occasion opened with a welcome address from YNU Executive Director Mutsuhiro Arinobu. Kaneko, the chairman of both the Yushokai alumni association and the YNU Alumni Association, then delivered a congratulatory message and led the group in a tribute toast. � e reception provided an excellent and enjoyable opportunity for all present, bringing the celebration to a highly festive and successful conclusion.

YNU Faculty Members Visit University of São Paulo in BrazilYNU Executive Director Mutsuhiro Arinobu (in charge of international affairs), Professor Hisayoshi

Miyatake (international strategy coordinator) and Assistant Director Yoko Ito of the Science and International Affairs Division recently traveled for an official visit to the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil, a university with which YNU maintains a partnership agreement. On October 29 (� ursday), the trio paid a courtesy call to the o¢ ce of Dean Ivan G.S. Falleiros of the USP Department of Engineering. � ere, they also met with Professor Tachibana (a YNU graduate and current liaison o¢ cer at USP), Professor Cheng Liang Yee, and Associate Professor Andre Riyuiti Hirakawa. � e group exchanged opinions and ideas on revisions in the existing agreement and future promotion of even more extensive exchanges and interaction. � is meeting also served to inform Dean Falleiros that, in addition to the three professors a� ending, close to 20 members of the current USP faculty have studied abroad at YNU in the past. Upon hearing this, Dean Falleiros appeared pleasantly surprised to learn anew of the depth of the ties forged between USP and YNU. A� er this, the group viewed a pool equipped with state-of-the-art functions capable of generating waves from four di� erent directions, the o¢ ce of Professor Tachibana (who doubles as YNU’s liaison o¢ cer at USP) and other locations. � e huge scale of the campus

is truly incredible by Japanese standards, with several soccer � elds, athletic grounds, and other facilities included in the site. � e atmosphere was that of having the USP research buildings, lecture halls, student dormitories, and other facilities interspersed throughout a vast park. USP is a top-level university in Brazil, and was also ranked No. 207 on the QS World University Rankings in 2009. � e visitors were deeply impressed that nearly 20 members of the teaching faculty of such a prestigious global school have studied abroad at YNU and felt deeply honored by this track record. � e stay at USP further reinforced the knowledge and con� dence that YNU and USP will continue to maintain and further expand their strong bonds of mutual cooperation and understanding.

Thirty People A  end Alumni Reunion Event in BrazilUniversity of São Paulo Professor Tachibana Envisions Gathering as “Springboard for Greater Globalization of YNU”

To help celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Yokohama National University (YNU), a reunion of students studying at YNU in the past was held in at a hotel in São Paulo City, Brazil on October 28 (Wednesday). Despite being held on a weekday, the event was a� ended by about 30 people, including not only graduates who earned regular or graduate degrees YNU but also researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) who hope to do academic work at YNU in the future. YNU opened a liaison o¢ ce on the USP campus in March of 2009, with this event being the � rst full-« edged reunion convened since that unit began operation. To further commemorate this occasion, YNU Executive Director Mutsuhiro

No.112010

January

Topics

International Relations

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Arinobu (in charge of international a� airs), Professor Hisayoshi Miyatake (international strategy coordinator), and Assistant Director Yoko Ito of the Science and International A� airs Division also traveled to São Paulo for the event. At the start of the get-together, a special message from YNU President Kunio Suzuki was introduced. In President Suzuki’s words: “� e University of São Paulo is located on the exact opposite side of the earth from YNU, and thus ranks as the most distant of all of our partnership agreement schools. Yet, it is also the oldest of the approximately 85 YNU agreement schools, and an institution with which we maintain one of the highest levels of exchange and interaction. We sincerely hope that this alumni reunion, which is being held on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of YNU, will be an occasion that leads to even wider and more signi� cant exchanges of research, education, and culture between our two campuses.” � e graduates a� ending the reunion were delighted at the occasion and o� ered upbeat comments, such as “I’ve go� en together with old friends for the � rst time in 15 years and feel truly glad that I came!” “I recalled the days I spent in Yokohama and felt renewed pride at being a member of the extended YNU community.” “Seeing all my fellow alumni makes me want to return to Yokohama again!” Representing the YNU’s liaison o¢ ce located on the USP campus, USP Professor Tachibana (specializing in marine engineering) delivered an address in which he stressed the importance of international student alumni associations and reunions: “The true significance of overseas alumni reunions does not lie in becoming absorbed in nostalgia, but rather in providing a springboard for globalization of your own alma

mater. Alumni societies serve as a medium through which new human relations are born. It is our most earnest hope that the international network of YNU will reach beyond São Paulo and around the world, thereby coming to embody a genuine ‘Global YNU.’” One young researcher hoping to study at YNU in the near future was noticeably inspired by the gathering, and noted: “A� ending this wonderful gathering has inspired me want to go to Yokohama even more.” � e three hours scheduled for the reunion seemed to « y by in no time at all. � e participants pledged to meet again next year, travel to Yokohama for studies very soon, and exchanged other greetings and promises as they le� the hotel.

Europe Night Convened for � ird Time July 7 (Tuesday) of last year marked the third convening of the YNU Europe Night event. The purpose of

Europe Night celebrations is to enhance student understanding of Europe from various di� erent angles, with the seminar programs of Professors Fumikazu Osuka, Hideki Hasegawa, and Masayasu Komiya—all of which are a� ached to the Course of Social Network Globalization under the Faculty of Education and Human Sciences—cooperating to jointly sponsor this latest get-together. � e evening featured participation by the instructors from each seminar, a large number of students ranging in age from sophomores to seniors, as well as those studying at the graduate level. Well a� ended in this way, this proved to be a very lively and enjoyable gathering. Featured on the dining side was an impressive selection of European dishes prepared by the seminar students (from France: Burgundy-style beef stewed in red wine, Quiche Lorraine, crème brulee, and macaroons; from Switzerland: Cheese fondue; and from Germany and Austria: Baltic Sea-style potatoes, Frittatensuppe [German consomme soup], and sauerkraut). Also on tap for the night was musical entertainment, with a group of students from the Hasegawa Seminar doing versions of French hit songs, a recital by instructors playing the theremin (an early electronic musical instrument) and chanson style singing. On a more academic side, students from the Komiya Seminar used panels to showcase the results of their research on European culture, further contributing to the educational nature and enjoyment of the evening. � is latest Europe Night proved highly successful in raising student a� ention and interest in various aspects of the European nations, making this an occasion that we certainly hope to carry on annually in future years as well.

YNU Team Achieves 6th Place Finish at 2009 Concrete Canoe CompetitionOn Saturday August 29, the Concrete Laboratory (Professor Tatsuya Tsubaki, Associate Professor Akira

Hosoda) of the Department of Civil Engineering, Division of Architecture and Building Science under the School of Engineering, competed in the 15th Concrete Canoe Competition by Civil Engineering Students. � is is an annual event sponsored by Kanto Branch of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. This contest brings together canoes produced by students using concrete as the major material, to vie on the strength of manufacturing technology and � nal speed. Taking part in the 2009 edition of this unique canoeing occasion from the YNU Concrete Laboratory was a student-led team headed up by Takashi Kohiyama, a first-year student in the master’s program of the

Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences. � is was the fourth time that YNU has participated in the event. Determined to put the lessons learned from past competitions to e� ective use, this time the team began the work of designing and constructing its entry from May—far earlier than in normal years. With the preparations being advanced during the time that university classes were in session, it o� en proved di¢ cult to coordinate everyone’s schedules. Nevertheless, the members of the Concrete Laboratory, along with other students from outside the lab who also participated in the project, furnished strong and enthusiastic support, with the canoe completed on schedule and with no major problems. This undertaking also benefited from the precious support of people from various different fields. For example, the team received assistance from instructors of Utsunomiya University, the reigning powerhouse in the concrete canoe � eld, on the secret techniques needed to excel in the actual race. Professors from the YNU Department of Systems Design for Ocean-Space in the Division of Architecture and Building Science, who have been assisting in this e� ort since 2008, kindly provided a location for the canoe’s

launching ceremony. Also pitching in were members of the Yokohama Canoe Club, who furnished the team members with detailed instruction in canoes operation (starting from the very basics of rowing), along with others possessing knowledge in the � eld. � ese e� orts paid o� in the end, and the YNU team advanced to the championship heat for the very � rst time! Among the total of 35 teams competing in the overall tournament, the team � nished in sixth place. � e members taking part in the ba� le reported that they were keenly aware of the high level of skill that the other teams in the championship heat possessed and were therefore determined to work hard, improve their own skill,

and do their best in the current year’s event. To view a record of the 2009 project, please access the following Web site: h� p://www.cvg.ynu.ac.jp/G5/canoe2009/. We encourage anyone interested in taking part in such a challenge to join us in our quest to emerge victorious in the 2010 race!

YNU’s Formula Project Team Takes Overall � ird Place in National Competition� e Yokohama National University’s (YNU) Formula Project Team took part in the 7th Student Formula

SAE Competition of Japan. � e most recent edition of this event featured participation by an all-time high of 80 teams, including some from overseas. While the majority of teams are focused on graduate students, the YNU team consists primarily of � rst to third year undergraduate students. Yet despite this age di� erence, the YNU team achieved a � nish of third place overall—its best performance yet! � is competition brings together formula cars independently designed and built by students, for evaluation in “static competition” (design, production costs, and presentation) and “dynamic competition” (acceleration, handling, fuel e¢ ciency, etc.). � e objective is to supply students with a practice forum for creating actual machines and to cultivate highly capable future engineers. � e members of the YNU team identify closely with the student formula creed of “a� aining a broad range of knowledge unavailable in the classroom alone.” � e YNU team was launched in 2003 and has participated in this competition from the third time it was held. Each year the YNU vehicle is redesigned and remanufactured, bundling on a steady stream of improvements to date. � e team contains about 30 members from YNU as a whole. � e working space at Cooperative Research and Development Center as well as the machine shops serve as vehicle manufacturing sites, while support from over 30 sponsor companies is currently being obtained. � e YNU team is now gearing up for the 8th competition to be this year. � e goal is to win the national championship, with steady daily e� orts underway to develop a new vehicle for that event.

For further information on this story, please access the following Web site (winner of the Best Web Site Award in the competition): h� p://ynfp.jp/index.html) Overall Performance Ranking

1st University of Tokyo 4th Osaka University 7th Tokai University 10th Nagoya University2nd Sophia University 5th Shizuoka University 8th Ibaraki University3rd Yokohama National University 6th Tokyo City University 9th Utsunomiya University

7th Student Formula SAE Competition of Japan Results • Overall Champion Award: Third Place (overall marks) • Spirit of Static Events Award: Third Place (overall marks in design, presentation, and cost) • Presentation Award: Third Place (presentation technology and contents) • Cost Awards: Second Place (cost-conscious vehicle design) • Acceleration Awards: Second Place (accelerating time over a 75-meter straight stretch) • Endurance Awards: First Place (combined time for 20 laps around the course). • Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Chairman Awards (for teams participating in all competition judging events) • Best Web Site Award (determined by votes by all teams)

Overseas Students Rise to the Challenge of Mashikoyaki Ceramics in NikkoOver the two days of October 29 (Thursday) and 30 (Friday), 80 overseas students currently studying at YNU

visited the area around Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture for a � eld trip, during which they experienced Japanese culture and traditions. On Day 1, they traveled through local mountains lit up in rich autumn shades, arriving at a producer of Mashikoyaki ceramic ware—a traditional cra� of the Tochigi area. On the way there, the members of the group let out exclamations of wonder at the brilliant colors of the trees. Once at the kiln, everyone was able to experience the hand-twisting method of forming clay pieces at a special class for that purpose. Under the guidance of professional ceramic artists, the students tried their hands at the “board-forming” approach used to make dishes and other « at-shaped objects; the “string-forming” method for creating teacups, bowls, and similar taller pieces; and other techniques. Fascinated by this rare opportunity, all members became intently involved in the challenge of producing their own original Mashikoyaki ceramic ware. A� er lunch, the group visited Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a world’s cultural heritage famed enshrining the soul of the great Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. � ere, they posed for a group photo in front of Yomei-mon Gate, a structure decorated with over 500 sculptures depicting historical events and anecdotes, children at play, saints and sages, and other assorted images. During their free activity time, the students wandered around and viewed with great interest the “slumbering cat” sculpture on the gate leading to the inner shrine, the three monkeys shaped to “See no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil,” the “roaring dragon” painting on the ceiling (where striking wooden clappers together generates a booming echo

between the ceiling and « oor), and other intriguing sights. On Day 2, some group members arose early and strolled around the hotel grounds, savoring the autumnal tints of the trees there as well. A� er that, all members traveled to Edo Wonderland, a local theme park conjuring up images of a time warp back into the Edo Period (1603–1868). � ere, they delighted in the sights of nimbly maneuvering ninja, lavishly a� ired courtesans, mind-boggling water juggling tricks, judgments rendered at the Kitamachi Magistrate’s O¢ ce in an atmosphere rich in reality, and other stimulating a� ractions. In this way, the members of this overseas student group were able to directly experience a rich selection of Japanese culture and tradition during their overnight excursion to Nikko. � ey returned highly satis� ed, and it would appear that the outing was well worth the time and e� ort.

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YNU Graduate Competes in Dea� ympic Games Yuji Takada, a 2007 graduate of the YNU Faculty of Education and Human Sciences, was chosen

to represent Japan in the track-and-field competition for the 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009 (scheduled from September 5 [Saturday] to 15 [Tuesday], 2009 in Taipei, Taiwan). � e Dea« ympics is the Olympic-style athletic festival for people with hearing disabilities. Following his o¢ cial selection, Mr. Takada visited YNU to report upon that achievement to President Kunio Suzuki, Professor Tatsuo Nakagawa (his academic advisor) of the Faculty of Education and Human Sciences, and Associate Professor Nobuyuki Ito (his athletic advisor) of that same faculty. Mr. Takada participated in the track-and-field team while he attended YNU, and recorded an outstanding record at a steady number of meets. Although he now works as a company employee, he continues to take part on track-and-� eld events in his spare time. Mr. Takada mastered the skill of lip-reading. Although having a hearing impairment, he has always managed to converse normally with Professor Nakagawa and Associate Professor Ito since his student days. With this being his � rst meeting with President Suzuki, he chose to enlist the assistance of a sign-language interpreter to ensure maximum communication. � e meeting took place in an extremely friendly and update atmosphere, with the conversation lively and interspersed with considerable smiles and humor. Mr. Takada used this occasion to present President Suzuki with an o¢ cial Dea« ympic commemorative T-shirt, and President Suzuki gave him a selection of original YNU goods to serve as good-luck charms and encouraged him to do his very best at the competition. Everyone at YNU certainly cheered him on, both in their hearts and minds, as he concentrated on his quest to compete for a medal at the summer competition.

Fourth YNU Homecoming Day a Shining Success!Sunday November 8 marked the holding of the now traditional YNU Homecoming Day (HCD) festivities. � is was the

fourth time that this celebration has been organized, with a� endance steadily increasing each year. For this latest celebration, over 1,000 people traveled to the YNU campus to take part. � e day was blessed with sunny weather, with all a� ending able to fully enjoy the rich green nature and landscaping of the campus environment that the university is so proud of. A major highlight of the day’s program was a lecture by former YNU Professor Junko Nakanishi, currently the director of the Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability under the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (an independent administrative agency). Ms. Nakanishi spoke on the keynote theme of: “Food risks and environmental risks—

� e safety of our food is said to be in danger, but we need to learn to what degree that risk has advanced and how far global warming gas emissions can be tolerated to maintain food safety.” She delivered her talk in layman’s terms, earning high marks from the audience for the content and the clarity alike. Newly incorporated as one phase of the HDC schedule was the “Entrance Examination Special Lecture—For � ose Interested in A� ending Yokohama National University” (a lecture series that has been held as an independent event in previous years). Also available that day was the “Campus Exploration” hands-on tour, “Trends in the Business World and Pro� les of Required Human Resources” (a session for interaction between YNU graduates and current students), additional lectures, exhibitions, and numerous other opportunities. As sporting events, children from the local community were able to learn the basic skills of running and benefit from other knowledge. Meanwhile, with the YNU 60th Anniversary Commemorative Celebration and Reception held the same day at a separate venue, a Goodwill Exchange and 60th Anniversary Celebration Get-Together was included as one part of the HCD activities as well. To o¢ cially begin Homecoming Day, current students acted as the masters of ceremonies, with a spirited call from Mr. Yamazaki of HCD Executive Commi� ee kicking o� the events. � e day also included performances by the YNU Student Brass Band, the Folk Song Society Chorus, and the Mixed Chorus. Upon the singing of Miharukasu, the YNU school song, a large number of the participants

also joined in the chorus. At the end of the day’s agenda, the position of secretary of the HCD Executive Commi� ee, � lled over the past year by Akio Irie, the chairman of the Fukyukai alumni association, was o¢ cially transferred to Inoue, representative of the YNU School of Engineering Alumni Associations. With this, the daylong HDC events came to a gala close. � is year’s HDC was characterized by a generous selection of events designed to interest people of all different ages, as well as not being limited to YNU alumni. All participants were thus able to take part in various events and enjoy their time on the YNU campus. With the completion of the fourth HCD festival, it is now clear that this annual event is rapidly emerging as an endearing symbol of YNU for the local community, the graduates, and other extended stakeholders.

For additional information about YNU please contact:Yokohama National University Student A� airs Department, Student Exchange Division

79-1 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan 240-8501 TEL: +81-45-339-3185

E-mail: [email protected] URL: h� p://www.ynu.ac.jp/index_en.html

A lumni