The highly-praised covers of Tansei have often featured the stunning architectural photographs of renowned photographer Junichi Kaizuka. For this edition of Tansei we have taken a different approach, prevailing on illustrator Ryu Kadosaka to provide an illustration of exquisite detail.
Tansei cover by Ryu Kadosaka.
Ryu Kadosaka
Ryu Kadosaka was born in Kyoto in 1948. In 1968 he entered the Department of Painting of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts. In 1973 he started his career as a creator of pencil and pen artworks, publishing drawings in various formats, mainly for the covers of books and magazine illustrations. From around 1985 his attention turned to copperplate engraving, the methods of which he studied, resulting in various engraving works. Collections of his works were published in 1988 and 1990. In 1999 he was commissioned to provide the illustrations for the Asahi Shimbun novel Hyakunen no Yogen, and a commemorative edition was published in 2000. His works have been exhibited nationwide.
About Tansei
Tansei is the magazine of the University of Tokyo. The school color of the University of Tokyo is light blue (tansei in Japanese). It was initially used at the first rowing regatta between the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University in 1920. The colors of the two universities were determined by drawing lots. Kyoto University drew dark blue and the University of Tokyo light blue. Light blue has been the school color of the University of Tokyo ever since.
Forward
Welcome to the 11th edition of Tansei, in which we present a special feature that focuses on the learning and culture of the University of Tokyo from the perspective of time. Here you will find various articles on a diverse range of academic topics, covering biology, cosmology, history, monetary theory, constitutional issues, concrete, atomic clocks, Indian philosophy and forestry, as well as something of the culture that pervades the environment and spaces of the university. Time may be something that generally ticks by almost unnoticed, but we hope that the articles in here will give you an opportunity to think a little about its deeper meaning in relation to these topics.
Since last year we have been giving a great deal of consideration to how we could revitalize Tansei, making it relevant to the Greater Todai Community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and the wide network of people who have links to the university. This 11th edition will be the final one to be published under the existing Tansei editorial guidelines. From the next edition, Tansei will be reborn as a magazine that has a greater focus on our interaction with society and which features the latest information about education and research activities at Todai. We hope you continue to enjoy what you read inside the pages of Tansei.
Editorial
Osamu Shimizu
I hope you agree with me that Tansei is an ideal format in which to present a special feature that focuses on the learning and culture of the University of Tokyo.
It was seven years ago when I first started work at the Public Relations Division in charge of Tansei, and I thought long and hard about how the magazine could be renewed and developed. Tansei was first published during the tenure of Professor Shigehiko Hasumi, the 26th President of the university, and since then it has flourished as a journal for all those interested in the work and accomplishments of Todai. I was faced with the dilemma of how to preserve the overall tone and nature of the magazine, while at the same time imbuing a new perspective. After much thought I decided to adopt a special feature format, each time introducing the learning and culture of Todai through the prism of a particular theme. In line with this decision the 19th edition presented a special feature on Books and Todai, and the 23rd edition focused on Experiments. This special feature on Time is the third of its kind to appear in the pages of Tansei.
On a personal note, this will be the last edition of Tansei that I will be editing. I would like to thank everyone, both inside and outside the university, for your support and devotion to Tansei over the years. From the next edition you can once again look forward to a renewed Tansei, and I hope that you will continue to enjoy the articles and news it contains.
