[Kurosawa seminar] Kurosawa Seminar Successfully Has Finished its Study and Activities (Professor Kurosawa) (9 January 2014)

 The final Kurosawa seminar class was held on 9 January 2014. In the 4th period, Professor Kurosawa gave some important presentations to seminar students. At first, he explained about international contributions by Japanese then he referred to the structure of United Nations’ staff. After that, he showed some models to start working for the United Nations and explained some important preparations needed to work for the UN. In addition, he pointed out some fundamental skills as a member of Japanese society.
 In the first half of the 5th period, Professor Kurosawa mentioned former Yugoslavia conflict, using some movies, pictures and news. He elaborated that this conflict was tripartite conflict by Croats, Muslim and Serbs. There were various opinions regarding causes of the conflict, but one of them was fear of genocide by other ethnic groups and self-protection.
 Finally, all seminar students commented impressions and playbacks looking back the Kurosawa seminar’s activities of this year. Then the students presented their study reports to Professor Kurosawa.
 After the seminars, seminar students and Professor Kurosawa enjoyed the last diner together. (Yasuki Uchiyama)

2014-01-10
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[Kurosawa Seminar] Visiting ADB office in Tokyo (Mr. Tomomi Tamaki) (14 November 2013)

 On 14 November 2013, Kurosawa seminar students visited ADB (Asia Development Bank) office in Tokyo, which was located in Kasumigaseki building, to report back results of a study trip to Cambodia. Kurosawa seminar students met Mr. Tomomi Tamaki, Representative of Tokyo Office. Each of governance team, human rights team and education team explained respectively what they learned in Cambodia. After that Mr. Tamaki made comments about their reports. He told that governance and education are very sensitive. ADB tackles with governance issues by project base. For education, ADB provides secondary education support. (Yuko Honda)

2013-11-14
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[Kurosawa Seminar] The Overview of PKO activities in Somalia and the DRC (Professor Kurosawa) (7 November 2013)

 On 7 November 2013, two seminar students gave presentations on current situation in African countries: Somalia and the Congo. Yuko Honda explained the process of civil war in Somalia and UNSOMⅠ/Ⅱ (United Nations Operation in SomaliaⅠ/Ⅱ). Yuhi Kawase talked about conflicts in DRC and MONUC (Mission of the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). After questions and answers among seminar students, Professor Kurosawa mentioned changes in a role of PKO and problems related to armed soldiers in refugee camps. (Sayaka Yatabe)

2013-11-08
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[Kurosawa seminar] The theme of seminar essays (Professor Kurosawa) (17 October 2013)

 On 17 October, eight seminar students gave presentations about the themes and outlines of their seminar reports. After each presentation, many students asked questions actively and discussed various issues. Then at the end of 5th period, Professor Kurosawa described his impression about the joint session of the study tours which was held on 12 October 2013. He pointed out some points which should be improved. Students learned appropriate manners and behaviors for working in the society. (Yuhi Kawase)

2013-10-18
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[Kurosawa seminar] 5 Seminars Jointly Reported Their Annual Study Tour Together (12 October 2013)

 On 12 October 2013, there was seminar presentation in which 5 (Mori, Suzuki, Okada, Kurosawa, Goto) seminars reported their study tours. Firstly, Mori seminar presented about policy of America regarding Asia rebalance.
 Secondly, Suzuki seminar presented about relationship between Japan and Vietnam.
 Thirdly, Okada seminar presented about Hong Kong.
 Fourthly, Kurosawa seminar presented about Cambodia.
 Finally, Goto seminar presented about Indonesia and Myanmar.
 After their presentations, four professors commented about presentation of five seminars.
Goto professor: It is dangerous to believe 100% of what staff of JICA and other institutions explained, because they said only good things.
Okada professor: it is important to meet local people.
Suzuki professor: it is important to make a plan by students.
Kurosawa professor; it is important to think about oneself objectively and to think about various issues from global perspectives. (Yoon Junho)

2013-10-13
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[Kurosawa seminar] Kurosawa Seminar’s first class of the Fall Semester was held (Professor Kurosawa) (26 September 2013)

 Kurosawa Seminar’s first class of fall semester was held on September 26 of 2013. During 4th period, Yasuki Uchiyama gave the orientation about the fall semester. He explained about a plan of lecture. After this orientation, we saw a video of the study tour in Cambodia which was created by Professor Kurosawa.
 During 5th period, we discussed the reports of Cambodian study tour. All of the seminar students checked the reports of the meetings of organizations which we visited, such as UNICEF, CJCC, World Bank, Japanese Embassy. Finally, Professor Kurosawa provides his comments on the reports. (Yuhi Kawase)

2013-09-27
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[Kurosawa seminar] Visiting ADB office in Tokyo (Mr. Tomomi Tamaki) (22 August 2013)

 On 22 August 2013, Kurosawa seminar visited ADB (Asian Development Bank) office in Tokyo, which was located in Kasumigaseki building.
 Mr. Tomomi Tamaki, Representative of Tokyo Office, explained us about outline of ADB.
 The main salient points are as follows:
– ADB was founded by 1966, headquarter was located in Manila, Philippines.
– The member countriesof ADB are 57.
– Main purpose is to help developing countries in Asia.
– Main investment countries are Japan and America.
– The number of professional staff from Japan in ADB is 149, while the number of total professional staff is 1076.
– The share of Japanese staff is about 15.3%.
– There are two types of financing in ADB; one is OCR (Ordinary Capital Resources), the other is ADF (Asian Development Fund).

 Comparatively developed country in Asia such as India can receive OCR. OCR is concessional loan, so country which accepts OCR should repay back.
 On the other hand, a poverty-stricken country such as Bangladesh can receive ADF. ADF has a low interest rate, but country which accepts ADF has responsibility of explaining how they use money for their country. ADF is usually used for project such as education, social security. More a poverty-stricken country receive grant. Also some countries receive both OCR and ADF.
– The share of Japanese and American contribution to OCR is same percentage, but Japanese contribution to ADF is much higher than America.
– ADB has long-term strategy for 2020.
 There are three development agendas for Asia and the Pacific;
1. Inclusive Economic Growth
2. Environmentally Sustainable Growth
3. Regional Integration.
5 core areas of operations:
 (1) Infrastructure
 (2) Environment
 (3) Regional cooperation and Integration
 (4) Finance Sector development
 (5) Education
(Yoon Junho)

2013-08-23
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[Kurosawa seminar] The all-inclusive lecture (Professor Kurosawa) (25 July 2013)

 On 25 July 2013, two seminar students: Keiki Takemasa and Kohei Yokota made presentations about Arab spring in Syria and Egypt. Both students explained progress of demonstration against their political power and revolution. After their presentations, Professor Kurosawa lectured outline of JICA as wrap-up lecture of the spring semester. He explained Japanese ODA system and operations of JICA. There are two aid approaches in JICA, i.e. regional/country approach and issue-based approach. In addition, JICA has two systems of operations, such as direct management and consignment of business activities. (Yuko Honda)

2013-07-25
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[Kurosawa semiar] Overview of Arab Spring and the situation in Tunisia and Libya (Professor Kurosawa) (11 July 2013)

 On 11 July 2013, Professor Kurosawa gave his lecture on Arab Spring in the 4th period. In his lecture, the seminar students learned the national structural factor and the cause which triggered the spread of Arab Spring from Tunisia to Arab countries. They understood the movement for democratization up to the present in Egypt. In the 5th period, two seminar students Mai Uchida and Yasuki Uchiyama made presentation about the situation of Arab Spring in Tunisia and Libya. (Sayaka Yatabe)

2013-07-11
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[Kurosawa Seminar] A joint seminar with Kyoritsu Women’s University and Toyo Eiwa University (Ms. Sachiko Furuya) (27 June 2013)

 On 27 June 2013, during 4th period class, Minako Ishikawa made a presentation about an armed conflict of Cambodia in 1997. Then, Lisa Kato talked about current situation of Cambodia. During 5th period class, a joint seminar was held with Kyoritsu Women’s University and Toyo Eiwa University students. Ms. Sachiko Furuya explained history and current situation of Afghanistan, as well as Japanese assistance toward to Afghanistan. Professor Kurosawa made some comments about her speech. Then Mr. Ikeda, professor of Toyo Eiwa University, commented that corruption is different meaning with perspective of country. After that Mr. Tateyama, ex-professor of National Defense Academy of Japan, explained the reason Japan has supported Afghanistan. (Yoon Junho)

2013-06-27
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[Kurosawa seminar] The overview of Cambodia and PKO activities in Bosnia (Professor Kurosawa) (20 June 2013)

 On 20 June 2013, two seminar students: Yuko Honda and Junho Yoon gave an overview of Cambodia in the 4th period. First, Yuko Honda explained the Cambodian conflict, especially Pre-Khmer Rouge to Khmer Rouge rule. Then, Junho Yoon made a presentation on the international supports to Cambodia. After their presentation, Professor Kurosawa and seminar students entered into a discussion about various aspects in Cambodia. In the 5th period, Professor Kurosawa gave his lecture on PKO activities in Bosnia. In his lecture, the seminar students gained insight into the details of causes and effects in Bosnian War. (Minako Ishikawa)

2013-06-20
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[Kurosawa seminar] Overview of UNMIT after the June 2006 Crisis and Understanding of TICAD V (Professor Kurosawa) (13 June 2013)

 On 13 June 2013, in the first half of the seminar, Mr. Junho Yoon made a presentation on the June 2006 crisis of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), referring to the last chapter of the “UN PKO and peace building” written by Mr. Katsumi Ishizuka. During his presentation, he first showed a background and details of the June 2006 crisis. After his brief explanation of UNMIT, he referred to several issues of peacebuilding operations in Timor-Leste in details, e.g. security, law-enforcement, judiciary and governance issues. Finally he pointed out an importance of exit strategy of UNPKO missions, by explaining the peace building process of Timor-Leste as an example. Following his presentation, Professor Kurosawa elaborated the exit strategy, by giving some examples of UNHCR and ODA assistance. He emphasized that it is difficult to decide when external actors withdraw from their operations on the ground.
 In the latter half of the seminar, Professor Kurosawa mainly explained the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) as TICAD Ⅴ was held from 1 June to 3 June 2013. Then he mentioned that main themes of TICAD Ⅴ were investments and trades whereas former first to fourth TICAD’s themes rather focused on assistances. He also pointed out significance of holding TICADs in Japan. According to him, the Government of Japan holds TICADs in order to enhance relationships between Japan and African countries as well as to expand investments of Japanese enterprises to Africa. Moreover, he referred to differences of assistance to African countries between Japan and China. Finally Professor Kurosawa showed DVD of international peace cooperation to Timor-Leste operated by the Japan Self-Defense Forces. (Yasuki Uchiyama)

2013-06-13
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[Kurosawa seminar] The peace building in East-Timor, UNMISET (Professor Kurosawa) (6 June 2013)

 On 6 June 2013, Kurosawa seminar students discussed the prospectus of 2013 study tour.
 After that, two students Minako Ishikawa and Yasuki Uchiyama made presentation on Peace-building operation in East-Timor called UNMISET (United Nations Mission of Support in East-Timor). They explained processes from the establishment of UNMISET to the end and some problems of this mission.
 After two students’ presentation, Professor Kurosawa lectured UNPKO in Somalia, Cambodia and Rwanda. He explained contents of each activity and some problems of the traditional peacekeeping operation through the movie such as “Shooting Dogs”. (Mai Uchida)

2013-06-06
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[Kurosawa seminar] The peace-building in East Timor, UNTAET and Brahimi Report (30 May 2013)

 On 30 May 2013, during the 4th period class, Sayaka Yatabe and Keiki Takemasa made presentations on the peace operations in East Timor, especially focusing on UNTAET. First, Keiki Takemasa explained differences between UNTAET and other previous PKO and 20 achievements made by UNTAET. Then, Sayaka Yatabe pointed out three issues of UNTAET: (1) inadequate preparations of establishment, (2) security problem, (3) lack of personnel and equipment to enforce a law. Finally, Keiki Takemasa mentioned the necessity of role-sharing to make good governance. He also referred to the lessons learned from UNTAET.
 In the 5th period, Yasuki Uchiyama made presentations on Brahimi Report. First, he introduced Lakhadar Brahimi and overview of Brahimi Report. Secondly, he mentioned comprehensive peacekeeping operations and emphasized that peace building and peacekeeping need to be performed at the same time. Finally he explained the change of the concept of peace operations. (Risa Kato)

2013-05-30
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[Kurosawa seminar] Enforcement of PKO: Effort and Historical Background of East Timor (Professor Kurosawa) (23 May 2013)

 On 23 May 2013, during 4th period class, presentation on the chapter 3 and 4 of the book “UN PKO missions and Peace buildings” was given by Moe Kurisu, Kohei Yokota and Yuko Honda. First, Moe Kurisu explained the issue of ownership under the UN missions and the key to nation building after conflict. Most important thing to build nation is making confidence between the local people and international organization. By doing so, we can continue to sustainable development.
 Secondly Kohei Yokota and Yuko Honda made presentations about East Timor. They referred the history of East Timor include of territorial dispute, election problem, international society supports and UN missions.
 Finally Professor Kurosawa gave us lecture about the summary of peace building supports. He mainly delivered the conflict factor and the point of peace building. JICA also support nation buildings from 4 fields. Students asked various questions to professor and got answer. (Yuhi Kawase)

2013-05-23
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[Kurosawa seminar] The Ambassador of Russian Federation to Japan holds Dialogue with Hosei students (16 May 2013)

 On 16 May 2013, His Excellency Ambassador Evgeny Vladimirovich Afanasiev of Russian Federation to Japan visited Hosei University and held a dialogue with professors and students. The ambassador explained the Russian foreign policy towards East Asia.
 After opening remarks made by Mr. Fukuda, Ambassador Afanasiev mentioned the historical, cultural, political and economic relationship between Japan and Russia. In his speech, he emphasized the significance of cooperating each other for the prosperity of each society. He regarded the recent relationship between both countries as of optimum importance, and put an emphasis on improving the understanding and cooperation between each other. Ambassador Afanasiev also made a reference to the negotiation of peace treaty between Russia and Japan, and he referred to a progress to be made by the leaders of both countries as the significant goal for the development of relationship of two countries.
 At the end of the symposium, we had a comments and questions session moderated by Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa, in which three professors commented, Professors Nobuto Shimotomai, Andrei Ivanovich Kravtsevich and Satoru Kurosawa. As a conclusion, Professor Hasegawa referred to the importance of appreciating various cognitions held by those concerned when it comes to solving territorial disputes. He introduced three indispensable ways to solve some territorial problems through (1) the role of ICJ; (2) a shelving of the determination and (3) the settlement of issues through dividing the territories equally as referred to by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. In addition, Professor Hasegawa pointed out the importance of grasping different opinions held by both sides on territorial disputes. (Keiki Takemasa)

2013-05-16
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[Kurosawa seminar] Peace Keeping Operations and Peacebuilding frameworks (Professor Kurosawa) (16 May 2013)

 On 16 May 2013, two students, Mai Uchida and Yuhi Kawase, made presentations on PKO (Peace Keeping Operation). Mai Uchida explained, firstly, the connection between PKO and national interests. She mainly mentioned reasons why small states send a number of troops to other countries as PKF (Peace Keeping Forces). She reiterated that there were external and domestic reasons. As a conclusion, she pointed out that small states participate in PKO for not only altruism but also national profits.
 After presentation made by Mai Uchida, Yuhi Kawase explained the legitimacy and concept of Peace Keeping Operation. In his presentation, he mentioned the progress of peacebuilding, in which there are four stages, preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. He finally defined peacebuilding as the activity which establishes suitable peace and protects states from reoccurrence of conflicts through state-building in various countries.
 Professor Kurosawa lectured how to write an official letter in English. Then, he explained, firstly, peacebuilding frameworks, which are divided into three pillars i.e. military, political and economic and social framework. In addition to that, he pointed out that the conflict sensitive approach played a significant role in peacebuilding. Finally he introduced recent and past deployments of PKO in the world. The number of PKO activities is 67 in 2012 and 119.154 participants are deployed in the current PKO activities. (Keiki Takemasa)

2013-05-16
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[Kurosawa seminar] UNPKO and national interests (Professor Kurosawa) (9 May 2013)

 On 9 May 2013, Risa Kato made a presentation on various reasons why countries contribute to UN peacekeeping operation (PKO) on the basis of the text book, referring to the chapter 2 of the “UN PKO and peace building.” She explained the reasons from international factors. Contributing countries consider their own national interests. PKO policy of great power countries is just one of the foreign policies. Small countries expect direct profit from PKO. Keiki Takemasa made presentations on dispatching the Self-defense force to Haiti and Cambodia. Kohei Yokota explained United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).
 In the latter half of our class, Professor Kurosawa gave a lecture about English grammar. In addition, he made a presentation on democratization and governance. He explained the United Nations, focusing on the UN Chapters, the Security Council and the right of veto. Then he referred to the framework of peace building support. (Yuko Honda)

2013-05-09
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[Kurosawa seminar] The Support to Mine Countermeasures in Cambodia (Professor Kurosawa) (18 April 2013)

 On 18 April, Kurosawa seminar students discussed the 2013 study tour and decided to visit Cambodia this summer. Professor Kurosawa gave a lecture on the support to demining programmes in Cambodia, referring to the survey conducted by JICA in 2009. Firstly, he talked about the situation of damage caused by landmines in Cambodia. In Cambodia, there still remain landmines and UXOs dropped during the Vietnam War. In 1992, UNTAC founded Cambodia Mine Action Center (CMAC). Thanks to extensive demining activities and Mine Awareness Program, the number of victims of landmines has reduced. About 46 percent of the whole area of Cambodia, however, is still contaminated by landmines and UXOs. Secondly, he mentioned the process and various projects of demining. At the time of mine clearance, it is important to choose the area fairly. CMAC introduced a successful project of Community Based Demining Platoons (CBDP), which contributes to poverty reduction by employing many villagers from poor family. USA implements Exposing Harvest Project and reuses gunpowder from landmines. Japan has four programmes to address the landmine issues in Cambodia; i.e. support for mine clearance, support for victims, rehabilitation and vocational training, and Mine Awareness Program. (Sayaka Yatabe)

2013-04-18
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