Yokohama National University

2 ND YNU Homecoming Day On 10 November the “2nd YNU Homecoming day” was held. Despite the rainy weather, more than 950 participants including YNU alumni, current students, staff as well as local residents attended. It took over 10 months of preparation by chief organizer Mr. Higuchi Shinichiro and over 80 other staff to make this event a Success.This year’s theme was titled “The day of treasures in YNU”. After the keynote lecture by President Iida, representatives of the faculties appealed the merits of each faculty. After that, there were many interesting lectures such as by Emeritus Prof. Miyawaki who is famous for contributing to solving global environmental problems and Mr. Takeuchi, the writer of best sellers. Also the lecture concerts were conducted by Prof. Otaki of Faculty of Education and Human Science and Mr. Matsuoka of Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.

At the dining room, there were a range of presentations on the Topic of “the past and present of YNU”, such as a panel display of Pictures on YNU and a mini motor show were held at the library. Also, the following YNU goods were sold：Instant Noodle, “ka-ra-chi-no” and lunchboxes “wadaben”.Over 600 people joined the banquet held in the sports arena.96-year-old YNU alumni Mr.Hagiwara, now the chief adviser of Hagiwara Electric Co. Ltd, gave a toast to begin the party. The party’s atmosphere was further heightened by some group games, especially the O/X game. The party came to an end as Mr. Kaneko, next year’s chief organizer as well as chairperson of Yushou-Kai (Alumni Association of Education) made the ending speech, quoted “Let’s meet again next year on 15th November!” Public Relations Office

5th YNU International Students Homecoming DayOn 10 November the “5th YNU International Students Homecoming Day” was held in the Education and Culture Hall with YNU alumni and around 60 current students and staff including Japanese students. This HCD for international students is held every year in order to give YNU alumni the chance to strengthen ties among YNU as well as expand YNU alumni network all over the world. The program was separated into two parts. The first part being speeches, first one on “the life after studying abroad in Japan” given by Dr. Nguyen Ngoz An, Head of Fluid Mechanics Department, Hochiminh University of Technology, who graduated from the YNU Civil Engineering PhD course in 1993. It was followed by a speech by a group of 7 YNU alumni, who spoke on the topic of “message to current students – foreigners working in Japan”. Based on their own experiences, they talked about life at YNU and the things that happened as they were looking for jobs in Japan. This became a valuable lesson for current students. The second part was the Banquet in the International Student Center. It gave a good chance to current students to ask the guest speakers for advice, especially on life during and after YNU. Overall, everyone had a great time and found it a very meaningful event. Student Exchange Division

Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Prize for Prof. Kotoji AndoProf. Kotoji Ando from Graduate School of Engineering of YNU was awarded FY2007 Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Prize for his profound contribution in improving labor safety and hygienic standard. As the chairperson of a Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare commissioned project for many years, Prof. Ando　has worked to rationalize and extend the open inspection period of oil refining/petrochemical plant boilers and pressure containers and to disclose the third party inspection system to the public. As a result, the inspection cost decreased by 720 billion yen in one year, with no rise in accidents. Prof. Ando was hence awarded the prize for his great achievements in securing safety and economic efficiency. For Prof. Ando, this becomes his second time being honored a ministerial prize. Graduate School of Engineering

Prime Minister Award for Prof. Hideo KobayashiProf. Hideo Kobayashi from Center for Risk Management and Safety Sciences of YNU was awarded the Prime Minister Award at the Prime Minister’s Residence. As an active member of several Government departments and NPOs on energy saving, Prof. Kobayashi has conducted research on safety in high-pressure gas and nuclear power in Japan and trained many competent young professions. For his great achievements in Japanese industrial safety, Prof. Kobayashi received this award. Center for Risk Management and Safety Sciences

No.52007

December

Special Feature “YNU-Strengthening Alumni Ties”

Signing Ceremony of Academic Exchange Agreement with University of Santo Tomas (Philippines)YNU concluded its 52nd Academic Exchange Agreement with University of Santo Tomas (UST) of the Philippines and a signing ceremony was held on Oct. 3rd.With approximately 38,000 students enrolled, UST is one of the most prominent universities in the Philippines and the oldest university in Asia, established in 1611. It is currently located in Manila and composed of 15 faculties such as Arts and Letters, Law, Education, Commerce, Engineering and Pharmacy. Among notable alumni are four Presidents of the Philippines and José Rizal, who strongly contributed to the independence of the Republic of the Philippines. UST will also celebrate its 400th anniversary on 2011. Since 2004, YNU International Graduate School of Social Sciences (IGSSS) has been holding joint workshop for 3 times while IGSSS students visited UST 3 times under a study tour. This year also, a joint workshop was held with 30 UST students and faculty members visiting YNU.The signing ceremony was attended by UST Dean of Graduate School Lilian Sison, Dr. Carlos Garcia and Dr. Emilyn Cabanda, who was the visiting professor at IGSSS in 2006, and from YNU, President Iida, Executive Director Nagashima, Prof. Araki and Prof. Ikeda of IGSSS. With the signing, President Iida gave a word of greeting stating, “It is a great honor for us to conclude an exchange agreement with University of Santo Tomas” , Dr. Sison returned a word of greeting and also invited President Iida to visit UST for the next time. Also, there was a friendly discussion exchanging information about history of both universities, and their current exchange activities in the meeting. With the conclusion of the academic exchange agreement, it is expected from the both universities to have deeper exchange relations in the future. Science and International Affairs Division

Joint Academic Research with University of Antananarivo （Republic of Madagascar） This summer Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences of YNU conducted joint research with University of Antananarivo, a YNU partner university. University of Antananarivo, established in 1896 with currently about 17,000 students, has 7 faculties and 5 laboratories and is the largest university in Republic of Madagascar. In 2004, the agreement was reached in advancing exchange programs in academic research and student exchange, mainly related to earth sciences.

The earth science-related academic collaboration was first launched in 2003, and this year’s survey is the third field trip led by Prof. Makoto Arima with participations of Associate Prof. Masahiro Ishikawa of Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Prof. Kazuyuki Shiraishi of National Institute of Polar Research and YNU students N.O.T. Rakotonandrasana, T. Inoue, and T. Ichiki. Prof. M. Arima (left of photograph) paid a visit to President Prof. W.A. Rajerison (right) and Vice-president Prof. M. Ramanamihantatsoarana (center). YNU is the sole Japanese academic exchanges partner with University of Antananarivo and are looking forward to extending mutual scientific collaboration with University of Antananarivo to other fields such as information sciences, environmental sciences, biology, and engineering. Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences

Redlands University (USA) Professors Visited YNUOn 19 October Mr. Jordan Henk, Director of The Redlands Institute of the University of Redlands and Prof. Monty Hempel of Environmental Research Institute paid a visit to Executive director Nagashima as representatives of an academic exchange agreement with YNU’s Center for Risk Management and Safety Sciences. Located in suburban Los Angeles, the Redlands Institute of the University of Redlands has consistently been cooperating with teachers of YNU Center for Risk Management and Safety Sciences since 2006. Currently two students from YNU are researching in University of Redlands on a thesis based on their participation in cutting-edge GIS-based research project there. During their visit, Prof. Satoru Sadohara of YNU Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences participated and exchanged views on recent research in each university as well as current status of Japan and USA’s education on the environment. TheUSA has not been active in education on the environment until the 1990’s, and today they are producing top students who have profound interest in environmental studies and environmental management, such as environmental engineering. Further exchange activities are expected between the two universities in the future. Science and International Affairs Division

Delegation from Major Malaysian Universities Visited YNUOn 19 November, the delegation from major Malaysian universities hosted by the Malaysian Higher Education Department visited YNU. Every year representatives from major Malaysian universities visit countries from all around the world for research purpose, and this year they visited major universities in both Kanto and Kansai regions in Japan. The delegation was composed of a total of 10 universities including Dato’ Prof. Dr. Mohd. Wahid Samsudin from National University of Malaysia and the parties from the Malaysian Higher Education Department and Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo were also included.The morning meeting hosted by Prof. Taura (Cooperative Research and Development Center)began with greeting speeches from President Iida and Dato’ Prof. Dr. Mohd. Wahid Samsudin. The brief intro of YNU was followed by Prof. Nagashima (Executive Director of International Affairs).

International Exchange

Prof. Kadokura (International Student Center) gave a brief introduction of academic exchange between YNU and Malaysia’s universities. Prof. Koike (International Graduate School of Social Sciences) and Prof. Shimada (Faculty of Education and Human Sciences) gave an outline of the research exchange respectively. Prof.Kisugi (Executive Director of General affairs) then did a small presentation on Center for Oceanic Studies and Integrated Education’s efforts in recent years. Afterwards was the Q&A time, giving chances for representatives from each university to have better understanding of each other as well as to exchange opinions. Prof. Watanabe (Executive Director of the Research affairs) and Mr. Saito (Secretary-General) joined the Luncheon, and campus tour was held by guiding international students from Malaysia. The seminar was summed up with Prof. Ikeda’s speech on the Master’s Program in Infrastructure Management (World Bank Scholarship Program).This exchange program was proved to be a successful one, giving the chance for universities to make progress in educational integration. Science and International Affairs Division

International Student Exchange

Fall Semester Opening Ceremony of JOY & JOY/J ProgramThe 2007 JOY & JOY/J Program Fall Semester Opening Ceremony was held in the Education and Culture Hall on 4 October.Members of the 2007 fall cohort are as follows: 4 students from San Diego State University,3 students each from San José State University, University of Osnabruck and Cardiff University, 2 students each from University Jean Moulin-Lyon3, University of Otago University of Erfurt and Universite Paris XII,1 student from University Illinois, University of Georgia, Utha State University, California State University Sacramento, University of Sheffield, Flinders University, Macquarie University, University of Poitiers, Universite Stendhal – Grenoble 3 and Nottingham Trent University. There are a total of 31 new students with 8 students who enrolled in spring, adding up to a total of 39 students.In addition, 4 new students, 2 from University of Seoul, 1 each from Yeungnam University and Sookmyung Women’s University also enrolled in the new JOY/J program for advanced Japanese, for a total of 7 students . Student Exchange Division

YNU Participates in “Korea Education Expo 2007”“Korea Education Expo 2007” was held by the Japan Student Services Organization in the cities of Busan (on 8 July), and Seoul (on 9 July) and Associate Prof.Yukiko Okuno of International Student Center and Mr. Hirofumi Ueno of Student Exchange Division participated in the Fair as representatives of YNU.In this fair, 23 National University Corporations, 50 Private Universities and 90 other Educational institutes set up booths. The exhibition halls where the Fair was held are amongst the biggest, located in the hearts of the cities, and thus reflected Korea’s passion for studying abroad. The number of participants were record high for the Fair, with 2,200 (320 in YNU’s booth) in Busan and 4,100 in Seoul.Also on 7 July, a party was held with the fellow members of YNU Busan alumni association. Discussions were made reporting recent situations of our home countries, as well as lots of beautiful memories from studying abroad in Japan. On 10 July, we visited Yonsei University, one of the famous private universities in Korea as well as one of the universities conducted Academic Exchange Agreement with YNU. The opinions we harvested during the trip would be very useful in enhancing our progress for cross-countries educational programs. Student Exchange Division

YNU Participates in “China Education Expo 2007”From 20 to 21 October “China Education Expo 2007” sponsored by the Japan Student Services Organization was held at China World Exhibition Hall in Beijing, and Prof. Chie Yomota of International Student Center and Ms. Yuki Tsuchiya of Student Exchange Division participated as representatives of YNU.This Fair was a large-scale function with more than 600 participating universities and other educational institutions. A total of 36 institutions participated in the Fair. Around 3,000 people visited the Japan booths.

Within the exhibition hall, each university set up their own booth consulting visitors about studying abroad in Japan. Questions included the characteristics of faculties and masters degree courses, approaches to becoming researchers, scholarships and exemptions of school fees and dormitories. Around 130 visitors dropped by the YNU booth. During the Fair, with the help of YNU alumni and Prof. Keiji Ujikawa of the International Graduate School of Social Sciences of YNU who was there on a business trip, we were able to answer the huge numbers of questions smoothly, making it a meaningful Fair.By making use of the opportunity in Beijing, we visited Beijing Normal University –one of the universities conducted academic exchange agreement with YNU. Both parties were able to deepen their understandings toward each other. Student Exchange Division

Sumo Wrestling Excursion for International StudentsOn 20 September around 20 international students of YNU participated in a excursion and went to Ryugoku kokugikan in Tokyo to watch the 12th round of the September tournament of Sumo wrestling.The excursion is held every year in order to give international students of YNU the chance to be in touch with traditional Japanese culture and deepen their understanding toward Japan. After visiting the Sumo Wrestling museum and some ceremonies done by the Yokozuna (highest rank in Professional Sumo wrestling), they then spent the rest of the evening watching Sumo wrestling. Although the seats were on the second floor of the stadium, all students could see clearly every detail of the ring and were amazed by the quick yet powerful moves of the Sumo wrestlers, and were excited. Some feedbacks on this excursion were “The wrestlers were huge, but they all have great flexibility.” “The battles were stimulating and absorbing” “I can feel the Japanese tradition everywhere at the stadium.” Overall it was a highly successful excursion. Student Exchange Division

Historical Filed Trip in Kyoto for International StudentsFrom 5 to 7 September around 80 international students and YNU staff visited Kyoto. The annual excursions aim to give international students the chance to deepen their understanding of Japanese traditional culture as well as strengthen ties among students. After arriving in Kyoto by plane they had a 1-hour walk from Nanzan Temple to Ginkaku Temple, and then touched the historical construction of the Oten gate, and lastly to the world heritage listed temple, the Kiyomizu Temple. The second day started with a boat ride down the Hozu river, and each person had a chance to use the oar called “櫓 ” . The next stop was the world famous Kinkaku temple, followed by Nijyo castle. The historical trip was summed up on the final day, visiting the TOEI movie village, where the students could take pictures of the sets of traditional Japanese dramas. Overall, the trip was an educational one, but also an exciting one. Student Exchange Division

“Mother Farm” and “ Kamogawa Seaworld ” in Chiba Excursion for International StudentsFollowing the historical field trip in Kyoto back in September, the2nd excursion for international students was held in Chiba from 1 to 2 November.The trip started with a ferry ride from Tokyo Bay to the first destination–“Mother Farm” in Chiba. At Lunch the participants enjoyed the famous dish of the farm, lamb BBQ.After lunch the students were separated into groups and had a great time with the following “mother farm experience events”: butter making, jam making, horseback riding, pottery etc. For some of international students it was their first stay at Japanese styled hotel, Ryokan, and the students were given a chance to get to know more about other students as well as the staff and teachers. The next day we visited “Kamogawa Seaworld”, the largest scale Aquarium in Japan with over 800 sea animals and the amazing shows such as killer whales, Sea lions and Dolphins. Almost all the international students who participated left with positive feedbacks such as “It was great fun because we could experience so many things and make many friends during the two days. We hope we will have more chances like this!” It was again another successful excursion and everyone was looking forward for the next event. Student Exchange Division

～ Comments and Contributions Welcome ～This newsletter was first published last year and has been distributed to YNU alumni, overseas international students associations as well as the universities with YNU partner universities. We would like to know your impressions of YNU Newsletter.If you would like to comment on our articles or contribute your own articles, you are most welcome to do so. Please feel free to contact us via the email below. We are looking forward to hearing from you. E-mail：ryugakusei.kikaku@nuc.ynu.ac.jp

For additional information about YNU please contact:

Yokohama National University Student Affairs Department, Student Exchange Division79-1 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan 240-8501 TEL: +81-45-339-3185E-mail: ryugakusei.kikaku@nuc.ynu.ac.jp URL: http://www.ynu.ac.jp//index_en.htmlTranslator: Chan Oswald (Faculty of Economics)