Over these 20 years and more, I have been pointing out the importance of having young people involved in competition away from home ground (Taryu-jiai) in the world. Professional sports opened up their doors to the world too; Nomo in 1995 in Major League, FIFA World Cup and J League. These sports earn high television viewerships in Japan just like in any other countries – the goals and values of young people are changing to the same direction as the young people in the rest of the world.
Even Sumo, the 'National sport' of Japan, have internationalized totally and the last two matches in the last two days of latest summer tournament were done by non-Japanese only. The rates of number of foreign rikishis (sumo wrestlers) were in grand total 7%, Makuuchi 30%, Sanyaku 40%, and Yokozuna 100%. Nevertheless, I don't think Japanese are being especially furious or anything about this. Japanese also cheer for their good plays, and at the same time this in effect spreads the value of Japanese cultures to the world. People liking Japan will increase through such experiences.
Yes, the basis of a nation is human resource development and this is the most important task for the future of Japan. For the coming global age nothing is more needed than to urge young people to see the world outside – in order to recognize the differences or variety of people of the world, the value of oneself and to build up global networks of friends and colleagues for their future. This is the recommendation I have been proposing repeatedly in my website.
In this year's January/February issue of 'Foreign Affairs,' Dr. Anne Marie Slaughter, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, wrote a wonderful paper. When I compare this with the universities in Japan, I feel very uneasy and worried about the future of Japan. Dr. Slaughter was appointed to the Director of Policy Planning of the U.S. Department of State starting from the end of January. A nice selection!
Recently, I participated in a meeting at the World Bank. The content of my discussion is highlighted in its website. I take this as a sign that people are supporting my view. It is about the importance of 'Multilayered Brain Circulation.'
Now, can Japan change? Ozumo-nization of universities and industries are so tardy – too many professors and CEOs are interested in domestics only, don't you think?
Please search within this website by various key words as the ones I have highlighted in Bold.
