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Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006 ? Cleaning of the gingko trees by students of Bunkyo-ku No.6 Junior High School
	About 120 first year students and teachers of Bunkyo-ku No.6 Junior High School cleaned the gingko tree avenues on the Hongo Campus on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 21. This was a part of activities on the theme of ”skills for involvement with people” during the integrated study period and was realized through an offer by the school with the aim of “enhancing involvement with the community and nurturing a spirit of service.” After receiving a welcome by Manager Satomi, in charge of planning and coordination, the students, who gathered that day dressed in sportswear and carrying cleaning gear, were divided into three areas, where they eagerly gathered gingko leaves and totally cleaned up the areas covered in yellow-colored carpets. University staff members also participated in the cleaning, offering an excellent opportunity for a community exchange. The students, who gasped at the stately decorations and lofty ceiling of the large auditorium, where they were taken after the cleaning was finished, had a commemorate photo taken with the building in the background and, given campus guide maps as souvenirs, left the Hongo Campus with cheerful expressions of appreciation.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006 ? Ceremony for President’s Award for operational improvements in FY2006
	The ceremony for presentation of the President’s Award for operational improvements in FY2006, sponsored by the Operational Improvement Project Promotion Headquarters, was held in the large auditorium (Yasuda Auditorium) on Thursday, Dec. 21. As a new initiative beginning this year, in addition to the solicitation of issues proposed by faculty members, voluntary improvement issues were also solicited from staff members for issues devised and undertaken by themselves and 122 applications were received. After a rigorous screening, one President’s Award (training overseas), one President’s Award (training in Japan), one Special President’s Award, three Operational Improvement Project Promotion Headquarters Director’s Awards, and two Planning and Coordination Manager’s Awards were presented. President Komiyama next presented a lecture, conveying strong words of encouragement to the staff members received to perform their work duties with “knowledge to grasp the true essence,” “strength to empathize with others” and ”courage to stand at the forefront.” The presentation by the award winners implemented after that also concluded with [an extremely good reaction with the content of initiatives to be undertaken in the following year. More than 300 staff members also participated in the award ceremony.


Monday, Dec. 18, 2006 ? Renovation of the first floor of the main building (12/18 ? 21)
	The first floor of the main building adjacent to Tatsuoka Gate has been renovated. Besides the completion renovation of the reception and waiting areas, windows have been installed in the walls, giving the floor a feeling of openness. In addition, the installation of display cases and panels, which have the same functions as those used, for example, in museums make is possible to set up a variety of exhibits. Photo right: Silver watch presented by the Emperor Photo left: Display panels （Click here to access more detailed information.）

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006 ? Lecture by Scott McNealy, chairman of Sun Microsystems (12/07 ? 17)
	Scott McNealy, founder of Sun Microsystems, presented a lecture in Large Auditorium No.213 of Faculty of Engineering new Bldg. No.2 at 2:30pm on Tuesday, Dec. 5, as one of the events commemorating the 130th anniversary of The University of Tokyo. There was a total of about 400 participants, primarily students but also including faculty members and the general public. With Prof. Kagami (Head of the Commercialization Promotion Department, Division of University Corporate Relations) leading the proceedings, President Komiyama gave a welcoming address, followed by the speech by McNealy on the theme of “the Entrepreneurial Spirit and Participation Age,” in which he talked about his experience developing from a Silicon Valley entrepreneur to an IT industry leader, challenges as CEO and the good opportunities open to companies and entrepreneurs in the so-called Participation Age (age of participation in the informatization society). In the floor discussion that followed next, students in attendance eagerly raised a flurry of questions in a lively exchange within the one-hour time limit.

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006 - University of Tokyo Life Science Network Symposium “Opening the way to the future for University of Tokyo Life Science”
	The first symposium “Opening the way to the future for University of Tokyo Life Science” sponsored by The University of Tokyo Life Science Network was held at the Yasuda Auditorium and Faculty of Engineering Bldg. No.2 beginning at 9:30am on Nov. 25, 2006. There was a total of about 1,060 participants, consisting primarily of university students but also including university faculty members and the general public. The symposium consisted of a lecture segment using the Yasuda Auditorium and a poster session segment using Faculty of Engineering Bldg. No.2. In the lecture segment, an opening address was given by network director Hirokawa (director of the School of Public Health), followed by forenoon lectures by Prof. Fukuda (School of Science), Prof. Sugano (Graduate School of Frontier Sciences) and Prof. Inoue (Institute of Medical Science). The poster session segment and a welcoming address by the university president were followed by afternoon lectures given by network director Hirokawa (director, School of Public Health), Prof. Ishihara (School of Engineering) and Asst. Prof. Fujii (Institute of Industrial Science). The lecture segment concluded with a closing address by Executive Committee Chairman Kadowaki (professor, Graduate School of Medicine). In the poster session segment, 306 titles were announced, vigorous discussions unfolded at each of the venues and an exchange between life science researchers at the university, which was the purpose of the symposium, was carried out enthusiastically. Photo left: Poster sessions venue (Faculty of Engineering Bldg. No.2 Forum) Photo right: From the right, Executive Committee Chairman Kadowaki, President Komiyama, Network Director Hirokawa and poster presenter Symposium program


Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006 ? Symposium “Information Revolution and the Future of Humanity” co-sponsored by The University of Tokyo and Asahi Shimbun
	The symposium “Information Revolution and the Future of Humanity” co-sponsored by The University of Tokyo and Asahi Shimbun was held on Nov. 18, 2006, beginning at 2:30pm. The symposium, the first in a series entitled “Intellectual Summit” to be held every year for the next five years, was presented as one of the events marking the 130th anniversary of the university. The symposium began with a keynote address by the university president, followed by invitational speeches by President Shih of the National University of Singapore and President Miyahara of Osaka University. They were then joined by former President Kuebler of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Zurich), President Go of Ochanomizu University and Vice Chancellor for Research Peccei of the University of California at Los Angeles for a panel discussion, which focused in particular on ways to overcome the dark side of the information revolution. There were about 650 participants, mainly general public but also including university faculty members and students.


Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006 ? Homecoming Day (11/17 ? 21)
	Homecoming Day at The University of Tokyo was held at both the Hongo and Komaba Campuses on Saturday, Nov. 11. In spite of the inclement weather conditions that day, there were many visitors to came to renew fond memories of the campus. The welcoming ceremony at the Yasuda Auditorium started with an address by President Komiyama and continued with reports of collaboration between graduates and the university and a declaration for the launch of events to commemorate the university’s 130th anniversary. Finally, choral singing of “Ozora to” and “Tada Hitotsu” by the assembled crowd accompanied by a performance and cheers by the cheering leading team aroused an upsurge in enthusiasm. In addition, various other events were also held including a special forum by 21st Century CEO base leaders, Hongo Gingko Art Festival concert by students groups, tea ceremony at the Kaitokukan and campus tours by current students. Lectures, receptions and other events were also carried out departments, alumni association and other groups, bringing cheer to many graduates.


Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006 ? 1st student awards, University of Tokyo President’s Award ceremony, FY2006
	The recipients of the first student awards for The University of Tokyo President’s Award in FY2006 were decided and the award ceremony was held at the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences Large Auditorium on the Komaba Campus at 5:00pm on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Beginning this year, solicitation for first awards also included extracurricular and other activities as well and two individuals and two groups were selected as award recipients. <Recipients> Individual section Akihiro Kunieda (Economic, Senior) Championship winner in the 3rd National Student Rakugo Contest (Sakuden Grand Prize Championship) and contributions through rakugo volunteer activities Sachie Baba (2nd year, MA course, Graduate School Of Humanities And Sociology) Activities for archive education and dissemination in Japan Group section University of Tokyo Undokai Bodybuilding and Weight Lifting Club Team championship winner in the Kanto Student Championships, individual championship winners in the All Japan Intercollegiate Championships, etc. University of Tokyo Legal Consulting Office Establishment of continuous free-of-charge legal consulting and presentation of simulated trials at the May Festival for many years Photo: Scene of commemorative filming of the recipients


Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006 ? Komaba Communication Plaza (10/31 ? 11/12)
	A ceremony commemorating the completion of construction of the Komaba Communication Plaza (KCP) was held at the site on the Komaba Campus at 3:00pm on Oct. 25, 2006. The KCP was established on the site of a demolished dormitory as a place for support the activities of students diligently devoted to their studies and faculty and staff members who work on the campus. The PFI method was adopted in which the design and construction as well as maintenance, management and operations were consigned to the special-purpose company Komaba Communication Plana PFI Co. Ltd. The North Building, which houses the Student Cooperative Purchasing and Book Departments as well as music practice rooms, multipurpose classrooms and theatrical arts practice rooms, was completed in April this year. Meanwhile, the South Building, consisting of a cafeteria and exchange lounge, and the Wakan Building, which has six Japanese style rooms that can be used for meetings, get-togethers or lodging or for flower arrangement or tea ceremony, just opened on October 1. The completion ceremony was held upon opening of the entire facility. With the completion of the KCP, young voices will once again be heard in spaces that had been occupied by a dormitory and cafeteria that had supported the lives of students in past years. The opening of the KCP has brought bustling activity to the location, on the east side of the Komaba Campus, until late at night. It will likely continue to function as a space befitting the cheerful open atmosphere of Komaba.

Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 ? Bronze image on the Hongo Campus (10/20 - 30)

While walking on the Hongo Campus, you may see bronze statues in unexpected locations.

There are actually bronze images of numerous illustrious teachers throughout the campus and there are some among them that you may not be able to locate without a considerable search.
A special feature article on bronze images on the campus will appear in the Campus Information, No. 1345.
Why don’t you try making the rounds of the bronze statues sometime?
Photo: Bronze image of Charles D. West (Engineering Department inner court)

<Profile>
Charles D. West
1847 ? 1908
Professor of civil engineering, Engineering Department Graduate School, originally from Ireland
He taught mechanical engineering and shipbuilding.


Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006 ? Forum “Creating the 21st Century” in the presence of Nobel Prize laureates (10/13 ? 19)
	The forum “Creating the 21st Century” in the presence of Nobel Prize laureates (Science Forum Tokyo) was held in the Yasuda Auditorium at 3:30pm, Wednesday, Oct. 11. Participating Nobel Prize laureates 　Susumu Tonegawa, Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S.A. 　Yuan Tseh Lee, Director, Central Institute of Research, Taiwan, 　Walter Kohn, Professor Emeritus, University of California at Santa Barbara, U.S.A. Panelist: University President Hiroshi Komiyama Coordinator: Mari Oshima, Professor, Interdisciplinary Information Studies


Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006 ? Public course “New Century of Robots” (10/6 ? 12)
	Public courses are held at The University of Tokyo for non-student adults and university and high school students In the public course “New Century of Robots,” lectures of 35-40 minutes each are held four to five times. Twenty-two professors gather together and introduce the academic world of robotics from diverse perspectives. They are being held five days every Saturday between Sept. 30 and Oct. 28. About 600 people gathered on the first day. It is possible to participate one day only or on the days when lectures are held and anyone is free to attend. We will be waiting for you to come. Click below for details. University of Tokyo Public Lectures


Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006 ? Memorandum signing ceremony (9/28 ? 10/5)
	Kotaro Akiyama, president of Asahi Shimbun, and university president Hiroshi Komiyama signed a memorandum on Tuesday, Sept. 26, for the implementation of the series of symposia “Intellectual Summit” co-sponsored by the university and Asahi Shimbun over a five-year period beginning in 2006. The first symposium in the series is scheduled to be held in the Yasuda Auditorium on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 18.


Monday, Aug. 21, 2006 ? Press conference (8/26 ? 9/27)
	The ecology promotion mobile website “Minna-de Ekotore!” (Come on, everyone, get ecological!) opened under the supervision of the university and with the cooperation of the Ministry of the Environment. The purpose of “Minna-de Ekotore!” is to enhance the awareness and interest of each individual citizen in environmental problems and realize a society that is involved in ecological activities. The content is built around a quiz menu (a broad range of environmental problems such as “global warming,” “water, food and population” and “energy” prepared by university students) supervised by the Transdiscriplinary Initiative for Global Sustainability, Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science, in a form that can be enjoyed like playing a game including news columns, etc., with the cooperation of the Ministry of the Environment. Prompted by this, a press conference was held at the Ministry of the Environment on Monday, Aug. 21, attended by university president Hiroshi Komiyama, who serves as director of the Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science, and Prof. Akimasa Sumi, general director of the Transdiscriplinary Initiative for Global Sustainability, Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science. Photo: from the right, singer Mai Kuraki, Prof. Sumi, President Komiyama, Minister of the Environment Koike and website developers (photo provided by: Keitai Watch ) Method for accessing press conference details and the mobile website


Tuesday ? Wednesday, Aug. 1-2, 2006 ? Open Campus (8/3 ? 24)
	Open Campus was held at the Hongo Campus on Aug. 1 and on the Komaba Campus on Aug. 2. Blessed with excellent weather on both days, there were about 4,500 visitors at the Hongo Campus and about 1,700 at the Komaba Campus. Lines of visitors overflowed into the gingko lined avenue early in the morning and the sight was frequently seen of people rushing to find the project of their desired department with a gleam in their eyes. The visitors were eagerly attentive to the various projects, enwrapping the campus in youthful enthusiasm. Photo left: Scene of the general reception area on the ginkgo lined avenue Photo right: A simulated lecture (Komaba Campus)


Thursday, July 6, 2006 ? Health and hygiene patrol by President Komiyama (7/20 ? 8/2)
	A health and hygiene patrol was conducted by President Komiyama on Thursday, July 6. July 4th every year is designated as “Safety Day” at the university and, with July as “Safety Month,” this event is held as a way of renewing awareness of the need to prevent accidents and ensure safety in education and research. The health and hygiene patrol by the president demonstrates the attitude of the president himself regarding safety at The University of Tokyo. At The University of Tokyo Hospital Graduate School of Medicine, a total force of 17 including President Komiyama as well as Trustee Okamura (in charge of safety), Tomoko Nakanishi, director of the Division of Safety, Health and Environment and Prof. Hirokawa, director of the School of Public Health, inspected laboratories and other facilities in the School of Medicine education and research wings. They received explanations of research by the faculty members in charge and confirmed the safe usage of experimental instruments, conditions of electric wiring, firm anchoring of experiment shelves, storage of chemicals and so forth. Photo: Scene of the inspection of School of Medicine education and research wings


Tuesday, July 4, 2006 ? Completion of the relocation of the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences to the Kashiwa Campus
	The Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, which had been dispersed between the Hongo and Kashiwa Campuses since first established in 1998, was integrated at the Kashiwa Campus in April of this year. To commemorate this, a relocation ceremony and celebration party were held on Tuesday, July 4. Photo right: President Komiyama delivering an address at the ceremony Photo left: Kashiwa Campus


Saturday, July 15, 2006 ? Oga lotus (6/30 ? 7/12)
	Lotus viewing, which has become a regular annual event at the Experimental Station for Landscape Plants, was held on Saturday, July 15. This is held as a part of the Hanazono Lotus Festival, a summer festival in the Hanazono, Haniwa and Mizuho areas of Chiba City, where the Experimental Station is located. The local community associations in each of these areas sponsor their own events and visitors are given the chance to view blooming lotus flowers raised at the Experimental Station. There were many visitors last year in spite of the early start at 5:00am. Besides native Japanese lotus species, the so-called Oga lotus, Kyoto ogura lotus, American yellow lotus, Chinese lotuses and “bowl lotuses” that can be raised in small containers, it is also possible to view new lotus varieties developed at the Station. Please by all means take advantage of this opportunity to visit the Experimental Station for Landscape Plants. Photo: Scene of lotus viewing last year Click here for information regarding the lotus viewing What is the Oga lotus? Dr. Ichiro Oga discovered three lotus seeds from the Yayoi period (about 2,000 years ago) at the Tokyo University Kemigawa Field in Hanamigawa-ku, Chiba City, in 1951 and succeeded in germinating one of them. It was named the Oga lotus after the discoverer Dr. Oga.


June 5, 2006 ? Hazardous Substance Safety Week fire drill (6/7 - 29)
	A fire drill was held by the Hongo Fire Department on the gingko-lined avenue of the Hongo Campus on June 5. The drill was carried out with the assumption that a fire had started in hazardous substances. As the drill started, the formula car (belonging to the School of Engineering) appeared to the accompaniment of the familiar F1 theme (formal title: Truth (T-Square))! Overflowing gasoline ignited while refueling after a run…based on this assumption, the chemical mobile unit and others from the Hongo Fire Department promoted firefighting activities. Even though a drill, the firefighters demonstrated vigorous action just as if it were the real thing. There were resounding cheers from the children who gathered to catch sight of the unusual activity of extinguishing a fire in a burning formula car.

May 18, 2006 ? UN Secretary General Annan receives honorary doctorate (5/22 ? 6/6)

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was welcomed to the Yasuda Auditorium on May 18 to be given an honorary doctorate and to present a commemorate speech.
In the ceremony, University Trustee and Vice President Furuta introduced Secretary General Annan’s accomplishments and President Komiyama then gave him the honorary doctorate and a commemorative gift.
Annan delivered the commemorative speech following an address by President Komiyama and a congratulatory message by United Nations University Rector Hans van Ginkel.
There were about 1,100 people in attendance both from the university and outside for the ceremony and speech.

Photo right: UN Secretary General Annan and President Komiyama
Photo left: Scene from the commemorative event

Commemorative speech (UN Information Center website) <Japanese>

Commemorative speech (UN headquarters website) <English>

The event can be viewed as indicated below.

Information Center,	10:00 - 16:00
International Center(3rd Floor, Exchange Office)	10:00 ? 18:00

It can also be view on TODAI-TV.


May 3, 2006 ? Speech by President Komiyama at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (5/13 ? 21)
	President Komiyama participated as a panelist on Wednesday, May 3, on the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) currently being held at the UN Headquarters in New York and presented a speech entitled “Century of Technological and Social Reform.” In addition, he also paid a courtesy call on UN Secretary General Annan and formally requested his presence for the honorary doctorate ceremony and commemorative speech (Yasuda Auditorium) scheduled for Thursday, May 18.


April 15, 2006 ? University of Tokyo life science symposium (5/12)
	The University of Tokyo Life Science symposium with backing by The University of Tokyo Life Science Education Support Network launched in October of last year was held at the Yasuda Auditorium on Saturday, April 15, with more than 1,000 participants. The symposium started with attempts to achieve broad-ranging release to the general public of the results of live science research conducted by university researchers and this was the third such event. The symposium started with a keynote address by President Komiyama entitled “For the achievement of a distributed autonomous cooperative type university” and talks were presented by representatives of eight graduate schools and five research institutes. An extremely wide range of research was introduced including research and environmental problems dealing with single molecules to the level of individual organisms and biosocieties formed of multiple individual organisms. This symposium will likely develop into an opportunity for exchanges of information in the university’s life science education and researchers, for the provision of information to young people aspiring to a career in life science and for conveying information outside of the university. In addition, the textbooks for life science, a required subject in Natural Science I of the College of Arts and Sciences, were published with the cooperation of The University of Tokyo Life Science Education Support Network Photo left: President Komiyama delivering the keynote address at the symposium Photo right: Cover of a Life Science textbook University of Tokyo Life Science Education Support Network


April 12, 2006 ? University entrance ceremony (4/18 ? 5/11)
	The entrance ceremony for FY2006 was held at the Nippon Budokan on Wednesday, April 12. The ceremony was attended by about 3,100 new students and about 5,300 parents and others, a total of about 8.400. At the ceremony, addresses by President Komiyama and Prof. Yoichi Kibata, director of the College of Arts and Sciences were followed by a congratulatory statement (video letter) by astronaut Soichi Noguchi and the ceremony concluded with a group rendition of the university song “Tada hitotsu.”


April 1, 2006 Spring (4/1 ? 17)
	Are you all aware? When you enter through the Tatsuoka Gate and proceed straight ahead, you will come to a spot on the left that is bustling with activity this time of year. The cherry trees are in bloom in front of the bronze images of Erwin von Baetz and Julius Scriba and there are many people stop there and gaze up. Why not visit there yourself sometime?


March 24, 2006 ? FY2005 University of Tokyo Graduation Ceremony (3/27 ? 31)
	The FY2005 Graduation Ceremony was held at the large auditorium (Yasuda Auditorium) on Friday, March 24 and 3,298 students graduated. The ceremony for the first part for the humanities-related departments (law, literature, economics, liberal education and education) started at 9:00 and the second part for science-related departments (medicine, engineering, science, agriculture and pharmaceuticals) started at 11:00. Both the first and second parts started with a performance of J.S. Bach’s Orchestral Suite #1, continued with the introduction of those gathered on the speaker’s platform, administrative report and the presentation of diplomas and message to the assembled graduating students by President Komiyama and concluded with a group singing of the university songs “Ozora to” and “Tada hitotsu.” In addition, a Diploma Presentation Ceremony was held on Thursday, March 23, upon the completion of the MA course by 2,732 students, PhD course by 1,126 students and professional courses by 271 students. Message by President Komiyama FY2005 University of Tokyo Graduation Ceremony FY2005 University of Tokyo Diploma Presentation Ceremony


March 10, 2006 ? FY2006 announcement of student acceptance
	Students successfully passing The University of Tokyo entrance examination (early term schedule) and The University of Tokyo latter term preliminary stage selection were announced on Friday, March 10. Though unfortunately a rainy day, dramas of hope and despair were repeated one after the other at the roadway in front of the Institute of Social Science where many people gathered. Though an event that occurs every year, the scene, seething with milling exam recipients and their families, media representatives and students enticing the new students to join their clubs, it has an atmosphere like that of a festival, giving a glimpse of the strong interest of society as a whole in the announcement of newly accepted students at The University of Tokyo.


2006/2/25-26 2006 fiscal year Tokyo University Admission Examination Secondary Achievement Tests First Half (2/28 )
	2006 fiscal year Tokyo University Admission Examination Secondary Achievement Tests First Half were held on Saturday, February 25th and Sunday, February 26th. Approximately, 8000 people took part in the tests at both Hongo and Komaba campuses. Photo (Right) Examinees approaching the testing site (Hongo campus gingko avenue) Photo (Top Left) scenes from the testing site(the departments of law, economics and literature bldg.1) Photo (Top Right) cheering squad encourages the examinees (main gate at Hongo campus)


2006/2/15 2005 fiscal year get together with international students who graduated/soon to graduate Tokyo University, support groups for international students and the President (2/23-2/27)
	A get together was held for international students who will graduate/complete their studies at this university in March 2006, as well as support groups who helped the international students, gathered in one place with the President to get acquainted with one another on Wednesday, February 15th at 6pm. The event `2005 fiscal year get together with international students who graduated/soon to graduate Tokyo University, support groups for international students and the President’ was attended by approximately 370 people, including 170 international students, and was a big success. Picutred: President Komiyama and attendees at the get together


2006/1/25-29 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (2/16-2/22)
	World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting (also called Davos Meeting) was held Wednesday, January 25th – 29th in Davos. President Komiyama attended the meeting. The main reason was to attend the ‘World University President Meeting’ to discuss global risks. This was the first year this meeting was held. Davos Meeting is ordinarily attended by people in the financial circles. Since the forum requested that there be a discussion for the collaboration between the financial circles and the university, this meeting was held. Therefore, our University President also held a meeting with WEF Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab attending. Photos: From Right, President Levin, Yale University, Vice President Lorimer, President Hiroshi Komiyama


2006/2/4 Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science (IR3S) Public Symposium (2/8-2/15)
	On Saturday, February 4th, in the main auditorium (Yasuda Hall), Tokyo University, The Association of East Asian Research Universities (AEARU) and Nihon Keizai Shimbun cosponsored a public symposium titled `The Future of Global Culture developed by Sustainability’ At the symposium, Yuriko Koike, Minister of Environment gave a commemorative speech. Following President Komiyama’s keynote speech, Amory Robbins (COE, Rocky Mountain), Takamitsu Sawa, Director of Economic Research Institute of Kyoto University also gave speeches. In addition, a combined discussion took place under the theme ‘Aiming to build Stategy to maintain the earth’. There were over 1000 attendees from the public. The event was so successful that it was standing room only. Before the public symposium, an experts meeting was held (on Thursday, Februrary 2nd and on Friday, February 3rd at Koshiba Hall). Experts were invited to give lectures, 16 from abroad and 11 from universities and research institutions in Japan; heated discussion took place - there was an active exchange of questions and opinions. Throughout the 3-day international symposium, we were able to see that there was huge interest in sustainability a not only among the researchers but also among the attendees from the general public. We plan to report about this symposium at the Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science (IR3S) website. Picture Shown: Scenes from the symposium in the main auditorium (Yasuda Hall) Top Left: Yuriko Koike, Minster of Environment Lower Left: President Komiyama Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science (IR3S) Website


2006/1/25 Fire Drill (Akamon) (1/26-2/7)
	On Wednesday, January 25th, a fire drill took place at the Akamon on the Tokyo University Hongo campus, in cooperation with Hongo Fire Department and fire brigades from neighborhood associations. This was part of ‘Fire Drill Series to Protect Cultural Properties in Hongo’ which was performed by the Hongo Fire Department. Drills on how to report a fire, to extinguish a fire at an early stage were given, and the fire fighters sprayed water. Hongo Fire Department gave this message: “In the event of a fire, it is very important to immediately report the fire via 119, extinguish the fire at an early stage, and to find a safe escape route. To protect this town, it is necessary for the fire department, residents in the area, and the university to come together and to have the same awareness when it comes to protecting cultural properties from fire, and to make a habit of conducting fire drills.”

2006/1/13-14 International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) Established (1/19-1/25)

International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) was established (International Alliance Headquarters).

A meeting among University Presidents from 10* of the worlds’ top rated universities, including our university was held to establish the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) on Friday, January 13th and Saturday, January 14th at Singapore National University.
At the Meeting of the University Presidents, presidents and vice presidents from 10 universities signed an agreement, elected a chairman, and discussed collaborative research of IARU, interaction of researchers and students, and common benchmarking. For the 2006-2007 term, President Ian Chubb from Australian National University was elected.

As for the collaborative research of IARU, under the big theme of ‘Changes in the earth and earth’s sustainability’, there are topics such as ‘movement of humans’ ‘population aging and health’ ‘energy and the environment’ ‘sustainability of towns/cities/farming villages’ and ‘guaranteed security’. From now on, the hosting university will hold workshops (this university will hold workshops on ‘Sustainability of cities/farming towns’ during the fall of this year.)

Photo: President Komiyama at the discussion table at the meeting

Fourth person to the left of him is President Ian Chubb of Australian National University, first Chairman of the alliance

*10 universities
Australian National University
National University of Singapore
Beijing University
Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology University
University of California, Berkeley
Cambridge University
Copenhagen University
Oxford University
Tokyo University
Yale University


2006/1/1 The Year of the Dog (1/4-1/18)
	The Faculty of Medicine and Division of Tissue Engineering at the University of Tokyo Hospital, with assistance from Technology Development Organization, The University of Tokyo School of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Center, RIKEN Advanced Development and Supporting Center, and in collaboration with Next Corporation created an artificial bone that made from CT imaging which ideal to transplant into patients themselves. Picture shown: Mi-chan (6 yrs.. old), a Welch Corgie that received this artificial bone implant surgery after removing a brain tumor. Press Conference: Development of technology in creating taylor made artificial bones for transplant