President Dobelle's Trip to Japan

University of Hawai'i President Evan S. Dobelle embarked on a trip to six Asian countries that covered late June and early July. Dobelle's itinerary included stops in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Tokyo and Kyoto, Hanoi, and Bangkok. In each location, the president met with UH alumni and supporters as well as top-level Asia university leaders.

Center for Japanese Studies Director Sharon A. Minichiello accompanied Dr. Dobelle on the Japan leg of his journey, acting as an adviser as well as coordinator and guide for several meetings and events. Among the many top academic and business leaders that the President met with included University of Tokyo President Takeshi Sasaki; President of The Japan Foundation Hiroaki Fujii; Rector Hans van Ginkel of United Nations University; and Mr. Yoshio Nakamura, Senior Managing Director of Keidanren.Dr. Dobelle also traveled to Kyoto by train in order to meet with leaders of the Urasenke Foundation, whose head, Dr. Soshitsu Sen XV, presented an endowment to the Center for Japanese Studies in July 2002.

The President's Japan trip was highlighted by an "Alumni and Friends of the University of Hawai'i"" on June 27 at the International House of Japan in Tokyo.This event featured many distinguished guests, including Mr. Yoshio Okawara, Former Ambassador to the United States and current President of the America-Japan Society; Minister of Public Affairs Hugh Hara of the US Embassy in Tokyo; Mr. Sam Shepherd of the Japan-US Education Commission and Fulbright Program; Mrs. Ellen Mashiko, Executive Director for Scholarships, Tokyo Foundation; and Mr. Ernest Higa, President and CEO of Higa Industries.

The success of the reception was due in large part to the support of Mr. Herbert Kimura and other members of the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Aikane Club, who volunteered much of their time assisting the Center for Japanese Studies and UH Special Events in the organizational process. The reception sought to build on the already deep connection between Hawai'i and Japan, emphasizing the cultural and academic strength of this tie especially through University of Hawai'i alumni who are vital to the University's progress toward the future.

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