Web Radio Innovation Out of Tokyo's Old Town
I would now like to announce the start of the Second International Asakusa Research Symposium. Today’s overall moderator is Professor Soichiro Itoda, who is the chairman of Executive Committee on the International Asakusa Research Project and a professor at Meiji University.
Hello, my name is Itoda. It’s an honour to be with you today.
Before we begin, I would like to add some information to the section on the personal history of today’s participants, which can be found in your handouts. Let me just point out that I happen to come from Taito City, and attended the city-run Iriya Kindergarten and Sakamoto Elementary School. (Laughter.)
Now allow me to introduce Mr. Masayuki Kamiko, the deputy mayor of Taito City and vice-chairman of the Executive Committee on the International Asakusa Research Project. Mr. Kamiko, please join us with your opening address.
Thank you for the introduction. First I would like to thank you for taking the time to attend this symposium. Since Asakusa is an area of some significance, on both a national and global level, Taito City and Meiji University have started this joint project to study it academically.
All geographic regions have their own distinct characteristics. I recall that when I had the chance to read the Constitution over 30 years ago, it listed citizens, territory, and sovereign authority as the three elements that constitute a nation. But today, I think that the culture, or the identity of the nation in question should also be included as another essential element. After all, as the world becomes increasingly internationalized and global, the significance of the individual characteristics of each geographic region is bound to increase. In this sense, I believe that there is a strong foundation for conducting research on Asakusa, which boasts a particularly rich historical background among the many geographic regions of Japan.
All geographic regions have their own distinct characteristics. I recall that when I had the chance to read the Constitution over 30 years ago, it listed citizens, territory, and sovereign authority as the three elements that constitute a nation. But today, I think that the culture, or the identity of the nation in question should also be included as another essential element. After all, as the world becomes increasingly internationalized and global, the significance of the individual characteristics of each geographic region is bound to increase. In this sense, I believe that there is a strong foundation for conducting research on Asakusa, which boasts a particularly rich historical background among the many geographic regions of Japan.
In today’s symposium we have Dr. Schulz from the University of Munich and Dr. Lockyer from the University of London as our guests. I am sure the two doctors will present us with the history of Asakusa as seen from the eyes of people from other countries. We are also joined by Professor Yamashita from Meiji University, who will talk to us about Asakusa’s special qualities from the perspective of business management, including the recent planning of the Tokyo Sky Tree and its impact on the area.
In the following Panel Discussion, we would like to present some insights gained from the working groups, or workshops, led by Professor Yamashita, in which the local residents participated and where heated discussions took place.
Before I end my address, I would like to thank Professors Itoda and Yamashita for their efforts in putting together this symposium. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Schulz and Dr. Lockyer for coming all the way to Japan to take part. I sincerely hope that this project will continue to expand. Thank you for your attention. (Applause.)