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)
[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)
[PBSG] 2nd Study Meeting on R2P and POC (11 May 2013)
On 11th May 2013, the 2nd study meeting of the Peacebuilding Study Group was held in a conference room in the 80-nenkan building at Hosei University. In this meeting, three of the eight participants made presentations on the “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) and the “Protection of Civilians” (POC), based on the UNU book “Norms of Protection: Responsibility to Protect, Protection of Civilians and Their Interaction.” First, Mr. Taichiro Fujino, who is a graduate student at Hitotsubashi University, made a presentation about the Chapter 1, entitled “Game Change and Regime Change.” He introduced the history of and arguments for and against R2P. Next, Mr. Shogo Yoshida, who is an undergraduate student at Hosei University, discussed Chapter 2, “The Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: Four Concepts,” and Chapter 3, “The Responsibility to Protect and the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: Overlap and Contrast.” He explained the four types of POC: Combatant POC, Peacekeeping POC, Security Council POC, and Humanitarian POC. He also compared POC with R2P in terms of their similarities, interactions, and differences. Finally, Mr. Jason Pratt, who is a graduate student at Hosei University, spoke on the conclusion of the book and analyzed R2P and POC as they apply to the modern situation in Afghanistan. (Shogo Yoshida)
[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)
Announcement for PSG Meeting on May 11, 2013 (closed)
On 11th May 2013 from 13:30 to 16:40, the 2nd study-meeting of Peacebuilding Study Group (PBSG) will be held at the conference room in 7th floor of 80-nenkan-building, Ichigaya campus, Hosei University, Tokyo. In this meeting, we will discuss the two concepts, differences and gaps between Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and Protection of Civilians (POC). In order to understand them efficiently, we will read carefully and debate the book “Norms of Protection: Responsibility to Protect, Protection of Civilians and Their Interaction” (published by UNU press), especially Chapter 1, 2, 3 and 14. This study group is open to anybody such as undergraduate students, graduate students, businessmen and researchers. If you would like to know the details of this conference, please click and check this article. (**This seminar on 11th May 2013 ended successfully, thank you.) (Shogo Yoshida)
Heiwa Kochiku Kenkyuu Kai (H3K) (20 April 2013)
The inaugural session of the Heiwa Kochiku Kenkyu Kai (H3K – Peacebuilding Research Group) was held at Hosei University on April 20th. The group is led under the direction of Special Advisor to the President of Timor-Leste, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa, and managed by students and professionals in and around the Tokyo area. Aiming to broaden their own understandings of peacebuilding and share their learning with the wider world, the group has decided to hold both study sessions led by students and seminars with prominent guest speakers. The first session held on 20 April was divided into two subjects. In the first, Professor Yasunobu Sato of Tokyo University’s Graduate School spoke on the issue of human security. Mr. Sato explained the multifaceted nature of the field, which encompasses a vast range of issues from protection from diseases to disasters. Mr. Shogo Yoshida, who serves as the group’s Secretary General, also spoke on the writings of scholars in this important field. In the second session, Mr. Hideki Hayashi of the Japan Peacekeeping Training&Research Center of the Joint Staff College, and Associate Professor Yuji Uesugi of Waseda University shared their perspectives on the protection of civilians within United Nations peacekeeping missions. Both sessions allowed for members to present questions and engage in discussion. (Jason Pratt)
[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)
[Kurosawa seminar] Kurosawa Seminar starts its studies and activities (Professor Kurosawa) (11 April 2013)
On 11 April 2013, Kurosawa Seminar was held for the first time FY2013. Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama is leader and Ms. Minako Ishikawa is vice leader in Kurosawa Seminar.
In the fourth period, an orientation was held for new Kurosawa Seminar students. Then, students reviewed procedures for printing, an accounting report and programmes for the seminar. Later they tried to decide a country to visit as study tour in this summer. However, it was difficult to choose only one country because countries students wanted to go were deferent.
In the fifth period, Professor Kurosawa taught them how to write proper English, referring to some sentences with mistakes. (Kohei Yokota)
Professor Hasegawa Appointed Special Adviser to Prime Minister of Timor-Leste (11 April 2013)
According to the press release made by the Government of Timor-Leste, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, has appointed Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa, former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General as his Special Adviser on Good Governance and Development. Please refer to the Government’s website: http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=7975&lang=en&n=1 for details of the announcement. (Shogo Yoshida)
Geneva Training Seminar for Graduate Students (1 to 5 April 2013)
From 1st to 5th of April, Japanese students attending graduate schools in the United Kingdom and other European universities participated in the training program on the path to become UN professional staff and the competencies required for the entry to UN organizations. This program, which was organized by the Matsumoto Kenshukai in Geneva, was assisted by many supporters and volunteers. It reflected the recognition of Japanese government and people about the need to increase Japanese staff presence in the UN and other international organizations commensurate with the share of Japanese financial contributions to the organizations. In this program, we visited several agencies such as UNCTAD, WHO, IOM, UNHCR and UNICEF and met current and former staff of the UN and other international organizations. All of the lectures were most helpful in providing us with not only relevant information but also lessons we should keep in mind for our studies and future career goals. On the first and third days of the seminar, Professor Hasegawa made informative talks on transformation of roles and policies of international organizations and the latest doctrines on norms of protection. He also advised us on the importance of knowing ourselves thoroughly in terms of our suitability to any specific career path we wish to pursue by using the Myers-Briggs personality type indicators. I am sure this training program will be a turning point for us in making decisions for our career paths. (Yuhei Shiratsuchi)
Geneva Training Seminar for Entry to International Organizations (31 March 2013)
We participated in a study trip to visit UN organizations in Geneva from March 25th to 29th. On our last day, we had a seminar by Mr. Alain Dick and Professor Hasegawa. They mainly presented about skills and knowledge necessary to work in the international organisations with their experiences in their UN careers and current attempts to develop the structure of international organisations. At the beginning, Mr. Dick explained two core important concepts to build UN career in terms of mind perspective; motivation and communication. In particularly, he strongly emphasized the importance of knowing and understanding “who I am”; in the other words, what I am eager to achieve in both short and long time periods. At the same time, he advised us to understand the aspirations of our partners and gave us examples of the impotence of communication with interviewers as they expect when we apply the international organisation and we move forward in our UN careers. (Ayaka Izu)
長谷川ゼミ5期生、7名が卒業しました(30 March 2013)
長谷川先生、式から日が経ってしまいましたが卒業式の報告をいたします。3月24日、5期生のうち7名(高橋、加藤、橋本、平田、光達、近藤、野田)が卒業いたしました。卒業式当日は、4期生の大山さん、山崎さんが式に駆けつけてくださりました。 当日、国際政治学科では学位記が、菱田先生と萩谷先生から学生に渡されました。学位記を授与される際、大学4年間のこと、長谷川ゼミでの経験が走馬灯のごとく思い出されました。大きなセレモニーとはもっと形式的なものとこのときまで思っていましたが、直接経験すると、感慨深いものがあり、過去の思い出と、学位を授与された重みを感じました。また大山さんからは、「野田君をはじめ後輩のみんなが頑張ってきたからその学位記には重みがあるんだ」といった旨の言葉を頂きました。最後になりましたが、スイスからのゼミ生へのメッセージありがとうございました。春に、先生にお会い出来るのを楽しみにしております。(野田悠将)
Full-blown Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo (29 March 2013)
Dear Professor Hasegawa (Cc. All seminar students), thank you for your nice pictures of Swiss Alps Mountains, Professor Hasegawa. They are majestic but I felt freezing cold when I saw these photos. Yesterday, I walked on streets around Hosei University and enjoyed seeing full-blown cherry blossoms that were so beautiful. They showed me spring is coming here. Cherry blossom is a symbol of meeting people and parting them. When the cherry blossom ends and the new school year starts in April, we will start our own separate lives. You will no longer be with us in class, so I wish you and all seminar students a good start of your new lives. (Shogo Yoshida)
Greetings from Top of Swiss Alps (28 March 2013)
皆さん、お元気ですか。3月23日にスイス・アルプスの標高3020mのティルスという山の頂上までケーブルカーで家族と一緒に上ってきました。一年を通して氷の中にある山頂は素晴らしかったです。3月の後半というのに、スイスでは今日も雪が降りました。自宅の周りの雪かきに1時間ほどかかりました。早く春になってもらいたいです。(長谷川祐弘)
Message from Geneva (18 March 2013)
長谷川ゼミ生、OB/OGのみなさん、今、スイスに来ております。ジュネーブでは昨夜より雪が降り、真っ白の美しい世界となりました。まもなく、国際機関人材育成セミナーが2週間あり、講義をいたします。4月には東京に戻り、20日には平和構築研究会の第1回を法政大学で開催します。土曜日ですので、参加して下さい。今後も一緒に学んでいきましょう。 (長谷川祐弘)
Norms of Protection: Difference and Interaction between R2P and POC (12 March 2013)
On 12 March 2013, the 17th interactive seminar on global issues was held at United Nations University, Tokyo. It was entitled “Civilians in Harm’s Way: A Tale of Two Protection Norms”. In this seminar, the participants discussed the two complex concepts: Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and Protection of Civilian (POC). First of all, Dr. Sampford, Professor of Law and Research Professor of Ethics at Griffith University, made a presentation about his analysis on their development of R2P and POC as international norms. Then, Dr. Popovski, Senior Academic Programme Officer of UNU-ISP, made a presentation about their difference between R2P and POC and the “myth” of R2P. He compared R2P with POC in the way of their legal sources and actors. After their presentation, three guests: His Excellency Dr. Charles Murigande, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Rwanda to Japan, Mr. Reiichiro Takahashi, Director-General, International Peace Cooperation Headquarters, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, and Dr. Johan Cels, Representative in Japan, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), made a few comments. Finally, some audiences asked several interesting questions of the presenters and commentators. (Shogo Yoshida)
Five Hosei High School Students Emphasize Importance of Their Study at Boarding Schools in USA (9 March 2013)
On March 9th, we visited Professor Hasegawa at his residence in Hiroo, Tokyo. These students were Torai Takenawa, Takaya Furukawa and Masanobu Hayama who had studied abroad at South Kent School, Masako Ota who had spent one year at Kent School, and Misano Matsue who had gone to Marvelwood School located in Connecticut, USA. They informed Professor Hasegawa what they did in their study and sports at their schools. They felt strongly that Japanese high school students should have more opportunities to study abroad as they would benefit significantly from their experience. We enjoyed talking to not only Professor Hasegawa but also Ms. Ikeda and Mr. Tsuchiya who also participated in the reunion. (Masako Ota)
[PBSG] Lunching of Peacebuilding Study Group (2 March 2013)
The organizational meeting for the establishment of a Peacebuilding Study Group (PBSG) was held on 2nd March 2013 at Hosei University. The meeting was attended by eleven persons from Hosei University and other institutions. First, we identified the roles and functions of respective persons. The meeting asked Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa to act as Chairman and took note of Professor Yuji Suzuki`s agreement to act as an Advisor. The meeting then agreed to the following persons to perform respective roles: Mr. Shogo Yoshida, Secretary-General; Messrs. Norimasa Tochibayashi and Taichiro Fujino for planning and organization of the study meetings; Messrs. Kazuo Watanabe and Yusuke Noda for the management of general affairs; Ms. Asami Ikeda, for public relations; Ms. Masumi Asano for liaison with guest speakers; Ms. Saki Sakamoto for liaison with other universities; and Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama for contacting the Faculty of Law, the International Center and other departments within Hosei University. Second, we have conducted the hearing from each member to share their ideas and views concerning the PSG’s purposes and roles, and discussed how to make this organization as an integrated institution so that we can achieve specific outcomes and achievements. Thirdly, we also discussed the process of the forthcoming seminar which will be held on 20th April and 11th May 2013. (Asami Ikeda)
Professor Hasegawa Commends Seminar Chief Uchiyama for His Leadership (23 Feb 2013)
On 23rd February 2013, Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama held a farewell party, “oikon”, for the outgoing seminar students. He showed a memorial video which contained photos and stories of what had happened during the past year. They included memorial pictures of study tours to India/Bangladesh, Myanmar and Former Yugoslavia as well as seminars and symposia held at Hosei University including the visit of former President Ramos-Horta. After the wonderful movie, Mr. Uchiyama and his classmates gave cards to Professor Hasegawa and the third-year students who were graduating from the seminar class. Professor Hasegawa thanked Mr. Uchiyama for having organized such a memorable event and presented the certificates of appreciation and special contributions made by the seminar president and his deputies, Yui Narikawa and Minako Ishikawa. Professor Hasegawa also handed certificates of contributions and special efforts made by other members of the seminar class. (Shogo Yoshida)
Professor Hasegawa Explains Strategic Mission Leadership to HPC Trainees (29th-30th Jan 2013)
On 29th and 30th January 2013, Professor Hasegawa gave a lecture to a group of about 25 trainees of the Hiroshima Peacebuilders Center (HPC) from Asian countries and Japan on the role of the United Nations and leadership in peacebuilding. His lecture consisted of a presentation of the evolutional changes in peacekeeping operations, transition from peacekeeping into peacebuilding phases, the significance of peacebuilding in a wider context, UN’s peacebuilding architecture and lessons learned from UN experience in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations. […] (Shogo Yoshida)