Tetsuhiko Ikegami
On July 1, 1998, three days after the general meeting of shareholders that approved my resignation from my former position, I assumed the office of University Vice President. My life has drastically changed in other people's eyes. Although I would be astonished at the changes in my life if I examined concrete affairs, I myself feel that the changes are continual from the standpoint of the ``new development of a life-style." My changes are slight compared with those of non-Japanese faculty from Eastern Europe or Russia though I have not yet asked them about it.
Being asked what my impression about Aizu is, I answer that ``Walking around the city, I feel the profundity of the city, and I feel as if I see the strata deposited with many folds." Although a month has not yet passed, I am aware not only of its profundity but also its extension. Last week, I had a chance to drop by Hirasawa Village next to Narai Town, an ancient post town located in Kiso, Nagano Prefecture, where I had a talk with a young owner of the Ishii Lacquerware Shop by chance. He told me that he was going to Aizu-Wakamatsu to attend a meeting for lacquer dealers next year. ``Aizu is not far from here any more," he added. He told me that the Banetsu Expressway had shortened the distance to Aizu from his town by car to 5 hours or so directly, not through Tokyo. I, who had lived in Tokyo, felt as if I had been given a surprise attack. I purchased bowls and plates in the Negoro lacquer style lest I should be blamed after returning to Aizu. Then, I happened to find that the shop where I bought them was just in front of Mr. Natsume's house, who was a famous Negoro lacquerware maker my wife loved. Reminded of Aizu in Kiso Valley, I felt the extensity of Eastern medicine, that is to say, I felt as if the effective spots of Aizu had spread over Japan.
I would additionally answer to the question of my impression about Aizu that it is a place filled with non-Kyoto culture. Though I have not yet spent enough time here to give evidence of it, I may well say that `Anti-Kyotoism' has turned into non-Kyotoism as time goes on. Kyoto has refined a game of rules which do not accept persons just as they are. For me - a man who has fought in the world of high-tech business of similar rules even though the goals of the game are different from those in Kyoto, the warmness of Aizu is so cozy and cherishing. It comes back to my mind that I had the same feeling while in Cotswold, U.K. and Atlanta, U.S.A.
The national government of Japan established the fundamental plan for the promotion of science and technology a year ago hoping that it will survive through the 21st century in the midst of global competition. In the plan, the industry-university linkage is included as its strategy. However, it is anticipated that great difficulties will, in reality, follow the implementation of the linkage. Universities in Japan with a long history are too traditional and have strong inertia. In other words, yesterday's merits have turned into obstacles for tomorrow. Regarding this, the University of Aizu is in a very good position. ``Perhaps, changes at prefectural universities are quicker than those at national universities." I spoke defiantly to Mr. Sato, the Vice-Minister of Education, who shared his a candid opinion that national universities were slow to change. I seriously meant it since I was aware of the expectation and power of execution of Mr. Sato, the Governor of Fukushima Prefecture, for the University of Aizu. It is my great happiness that I have been invited to this new stage as one of the players.
Coincidentally enough, my first mission as a deputy of our University President was to take part in the opening ceremony of the 'Liaison Office' under the presidency of Mr. Yamauchi, the Mayor of Aizu-Wakamatsu City.
The industry-university linkage will contribute not only to setting up a new frontier in industry but also to the education of students greatly. Furthermore, it will largely contribute to development in scientific research, including the search for truth. The environment surrounding the University of Aizu is excellent. The rest depends on the players and the scenarios. Our responsibility is very grave.