Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program Master s Program in Public Policy and Taxation Yokohama National University NEWSLETTER

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1 Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program Master s Program in Public Policy and Taxation Yokohama National University NEWSLETTER ISSUE 26 NOVEMBER 2010 Message from the Director Inside This Issue Message from the Director 2-7 Articles Field Trip Special Topic Lecture WB Forum 8 Student News Hello, everyone! Hope that this message will find you all well. I had an opportunity to travel to Indonesia last May 26 June 2. I had three objectives: first, to consolidate academic relationship with UI (University of Indonesia) and UGM (University of Gadjah Mada) over management of the ILP (Indonesia Linkage Program); second, to help strengthen the alumni activities of the graduates of IGS and ILP; and third, for me to see and know Indonesia. I was very warmly welcomed by the professors at UI and UGM; our discussion was very fruitful in further fortifying our academic relations. The giant size of the campuses of UI and UGM is overwhelmingly impressive for a Japanese professor who works on a small campus (although the YNU campus is relatively large). In Jakarta, over 20 graduates took the opportunity to gather at the newly-built modern skyscraper of DGT (Directory General of Taxes). I was fully convinced and encouraged by the significant presence of MPE graduates at DGT and in the Indonesian Government. In a room of DGT, we had productive discussion on the issue of future alumni activities before having wonderful lunch at a very nice restaurant nearby. On my way to Jakarta from Yogjakarta, I enjoyed a little study tour with the help of MPE Alumni Gorga-san and Gafur-san. We rented a car with a driver to cross the Java Island from the south to the north, reaching the world famous industrial clustering (IC) of Jepara in the northern coastal zone of mid-java. In Jepara, 12,764 workshops are concentrated for furniture manufacturing out of which 126 units are of large size. Not only chairs and tables but artistically decorative works are also made and shipped to the world market. It is a really amazing IC! Gorga-san referred to Jepara briefly in his excellent Master s thesis (which got a prize from the World Bank) without having an experience of actually seeing the town. Although it was not a major point of his thesis and it was not much necessary from an academic viewpoint to have actually seen the town, I kept telling him even after graduation that he should go see Jepara with his own eyes (maybe because I am a perfectionist). So, now I can say, Mission Complete and that he graduated that day - jokingly! Also I felt very happy to see that alumni Mr. Rain-Forest Afga-san was urbanized and to find elegant but low-profile Lady Reny to be even more elegant but no longer low-profile! My six-day stay in Indonesia was truly rewarding. Many thanks are due to all MPE graduates who kindly got together to meet me and to all who tried to come but did not make it this time for reasons beyond their control. Keiichi Yamazaki 2010 Director, MPE

2 PAGE 2 Articles FIELD TRIP TO HOKKAIDO by Jyparkul Mamytova, Kyrgyz, Cohort 11 (2 nd year student) Each year the MPE program at Yokohama National University provides a great opportunity for foreign students to learn about Japanese institutions, history and culture by means of field trips around Japan. This year Cohorts 11 & 12 visited the wonderful Hokkaidō island, led by Professor Takeoka and Professor Nakajima with the assistance of two tutors, Tani-san and Gosan. Hokkaidō ( 北海道, literally "North Sea Circuit"), formerly known as Yesso, is Japan's second largest island and the largest, northernmost of its prefectures. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaidō from Honshū, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel. With its vast expanse of land, Hokkaidō is blessed with high-quality water, extensive farmland, fishing grounds in three oceans, and rich forest resources accounting for almost a quarter of the total forestland in Japan. On September 21, our group was kindly welcomed by our guide Homma-san at Shin-Chitose Airport in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaidō and also its largest city. By special tour bus we proceeded to our first destination, the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum. The museum features the Exhibit Zone, where we could learn more about competitions through game simulations, and the Competition Information Zone, which provides information about game rules, the latest equipment, and athletes. We saw, touched, experienced and felt the fun and wonder of winter sports. Winter Sports Museum In the afternoon we had a very informative lecture Do We Really Need Tobetsu Dam? at the Citizens Network of Hokkaidō. We found it very interesting as it gave us another image of Japanese society people s eagerness to restore and pass Hokkaidō s rich natural environment onto future generations as one of the nation s assets and to establish local communities where economic activities exist in harmony with the incredibly beautiful nature of the island.

3 PAGE 3 On 22 nd September, we started our day by visiting the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum to view the former Otaru Branch built in Western-style, which played the role of the financial center of northern Japan. Stepping back to three-quarters of a century ago, you can see Northern Japan s Wall Street which made an important connection between economy and daily life. After having lunch at Grand Park Otaru we enjoyed the zestful atmosphere of Otaru, a harbor city located half an hour northwest of Sapporo by train, with its wonderful sightseeing spots, especially with glass products and thousand kinds of music boxes. We were also blessed by shiny weather what a nice time! That day ended logically in a pleasant way: viewing sunset and fireworks at the beautiful Toya lake, enjoying the natural hot springs in Toyako-onsen and trying Japanese life style with kimono, tatami and futon we were full of impressions, emotions, and, of course, full of famous oishii Hokkaido s seafood. The next day our group proceeded to Usuzan and rode the ropeway close to the top of Mount Usu where we could view the young volcano Showa Shinzan down below. The next point of destination was Onuma Park with its lovely, island-dotted lakes and Goryokaku Tower. From this Tower we could observe the whole Hakodate city, the third largest city of Hokkaidō, and the Western-style star shaped Goryokaku fort as well as learn the history of Bakumatsu-Ishin period at the twilight of the Tokugawa shogunate and dawning of the Meiji Restoration. I guessed that day was the highest point of field trip program and our visit to the Mount Hakodate to enjoy spectacular views of the evening city was a proof of it. Showa Shinzan Hakodate City at Night

4 PAGE 4 On the last day of our trip, September 24, we had a lecture by the Hokkaido Development Bureau: Snow Removal Station and Joso Dam Bay Area. This lecture gave us a future vision of Hokkaido based on the general profile of the Hokkaido Development Strategies. This prospective view reflects the most significant side of the Bureau s efforts developing into a sustainable economic society while facing the challenge of economic and social effects of a full-scale population decrease, falling birthrates and aging population. Joso Dam Bay Area The last, but not least, point of the trip program was a walking tour to Motomachi area, the former residential area of foreign traders. That place was definitely worth a visit as it told us the story about the harbor of Hakodate which was one of the first to be opened to foreign trade in 1854 after Japan's era of isolation had come to an end. As a result, many traders from Russia, China and Western countries moved to Hakodate and built the Russian Orthodox Church, the Chinese Memorial Hall, the Old British Consulate and other European-style buildings giving the streets an exotic mood. Finally we had to leave the island and say Sayonara to wonderful Hokkaido! All MPE students would like to say, Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu to Professor Takeoka, Professor Nakajima, Tanisan, Go-san, Professor Yamazaki and all the MPE staff for arranging a very nice and memorable trip for us.

5 PAGE 5 The 2010 Field Trip to Hokkaido by Associate Professor Norio Takeoka The field trip is an annual event of the MPE program in the Graduate School of Social Sciences, Yokohama National University. It provides a valuable opportunity for learning about Japanese institutions, history, and culture. This year, we visited the west part of Hokkaido prefecture, particularly Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate cities. A main purpose of the field trip this time was to learn about the current status and future prospects of local public policy. Another aspect of this trip was to experience the beautiful nature of Hokkaido. A total of 20 people attended this trip: 16 MPE students, two tutors, Associate Professor Ryo Nakajima and myself. On September 21, we left Tokyo for New Chitose Airport. After joining our tour guide, Mr. Homma, at the airport, we left for Sapporo city by a chartered bus. We first visited the Winter Sports Museum, where documents and materials about the history of winter sports and the Winter Olympics are exhibited. Next, we visited the office of the Citizen s Network Hokkaido in order to hear their opinions about the current status and the future prospect of public policy around Sapporo city. Ms. Numahata and Ms. Ishikawa made a presentation about their activities against the plans for the Chitose River dispersion channel and for Tobetsu Dam. After this presentation, the students asked many questions and gave comments. Through this discussion, we learned a lot about the importance of citizen s participation in the process of local public policy. Citizen s Network Hokkaido We left Sapporo for Otaru city on September 22. In Otaru, we saw the old canal area, the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum, and the famous shopping street for tourists. The next place to visit was the Nikka whiskey distillery in Yoichi city. Inside of the distillery is like a beautiful park, and there are Scottish-like buildings. We really enjoyed walking around this interesting place with looking at the production process, and also tasting a nice whisky. Finally, we went to Lake Toya and stayed at a Japanese-style hotel close to the lake and enjoyed the hot springs. On September 23, we went up Mt. Usu by cable car. This mountain is located near Lake Toya and was formed by volcanic activity. We enjoyed a great view from the observatory. After taking a break at Onuma Park, which was the second leg of the tour, our chartered bus eventually arrived at Hakodate city in the afternoon. We visited a historical place, Goryokaku, which was built as a fortress, and is famous as the site of the last battle of the Japanese civil war in the 19th century. This fortress has a unique shape like a five-pointed star, which can be seen very well from the observatory of Goryokaku Tower. In the evening, we went up to the viewpoint at Mt. Hakodate and had a beautiful view of the city.

6 PAGE 6 Our main purpose on our last day of the trip, September 24, was to visit Kamiiso Dam as a field study of local public policy. At the parking lot of the dam site, Mr. Ozawa and Mr. Takeishi from the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau welcomed us and showed us Kamiiso Dam. This dam was mainly built for agricultural use, but it is also used for supplying tap water around the local region. Students asked several questions about the function and management of this dam. On this day, we also visited the bay area and the old city area of Hakodate, which are famous sites for sightseeing. The last place to visit on this field trip was Trappistine Monastery, where we could see a beautiful garden and learn about the lifestyle of nuns. And then, on schedule, we left Hakodate Airport for Tokyo. Trappestine Monastery This is the second time for me to plan and lead the MPE field trip. The last time was two years ago when I visited the east part of Hokkaido with different cohort students and learned about nature preservation and environmental problems. This time, we could learn about a related but somewhat different aspect of Hokkaido in terms of development and local public policy. I am very happy if the students make good use of this experience in their careers. Since the field trip is one of the most important events in the MPE program, I feel relieved to have finished leading the field trip without any serious problems and accidents. I appreciate very much the cooperation of all the participants. I would like to thank all the people and agencies associated with this trip, especially, Citizen s Network Hokkaido, Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, our tour guide Mr. Homma, and the staff members of MPE Office.

7 PAGE 7 THE AGE OF PRODUCTIVITY by Sedillage Iyesha Asanthi, Sri Lanka, Cohort 12 (1 st yr student) This is a short article on the Special Topic Lecture presented by Dr. Fausto Medina-Lopez, Senior International Development Advisor. The seminar was held at Yokohama National University on June 23, The main theme of the seminar was the chronic productivity growth deficit of Latin American and Caribbean countries. Since productivity is the main driver of a country, the Less Developed Countries (LDC) and particularly Latin American Countries (LAC), need to make it the cornerstone of their economic policies. Economic policies will determine the economic growth of a country. Higher economic growth represents better living standards of the people. This is where efficiency plays a key role for higher productivity. It involves the reallocation of resources to achieve better results of output. This is why some sectors in a government s economy need to be privatized. However, human capital plays a key role. He said that training human capital has an impact on productivity. Therefore, accumulating and efficient utilization of this human capital leads to key of higher economic growth of the country. Additionally, it is important to identify core industries or sectors of each country when reallocating resources. If a country has a comparative advantage in the manufacturing sector, for example, resources need to be reallocated from agriculture. In doing so, the manufacturing sector should be able to develop in such a way that it absorbs the human labor from agriculture. Otherwise, those who will be displaced will create a high informal sector where there is low productivity. Dr. Medina-Lopez concluded by saying that LDCs, particularly those in LAC, can unlock the process of accelerated growth with policies that address current constraints, promote more innovation and a better allocation of existing resources in their economies. In this regard, all the parties, such as the private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), Labor Unions and Government, must be brought together. In summary, productivity is not everything but in the long run it is almost everything. Dr. Fausto Medina-Lopez at Yokohama National University

8 PAGE JJ/WBGSP-Scholars Networking Forum by James Manuel Kenani, Malawi, Cohort 11 (2 nd Year student) History was re-written on October, when Ritsumeikan Tokyo Campus of Tokyo University hosted the 2010 Discussion Forum for JJ/WBGSP scholars. The forum drew participants from JJ/WBGSP scholars who graduated from universities outside Japan and those who are currently studying in Japan. 12 current scholars and 15 alumni gathered on the eighth floor of Japan s epitome of information and knowledge exchange centre Sapia Tower Building in Tokyo. It was a forum which did not only attract JJ/WBGSP scholars, but also professors and staff of Japanese universities currently hosting JJ/WBGSP scholars, as well as officials from World Bank Institute. The event, sponsored by World Bank, aimed at encouraging participants to share experiences, advice and networking opportunities. The current scholars did exactly what alumni had come to hear and talked about their reasons for choosing to study in Japan. Throughout the presentations, the elite cluster of alumni listened attentively regarding the social and economic prosperity of Japan knowledge students had gained in their classroom seminars: Culturally - homogenous country; Language - unique and well blended; Politically - less infighting between and within parties; Socially - less talkative but hardworking, never complaining but result-oriented; Economically - developed with high debt to GDP ratio in the world, were usual words used to describe Japan. Questions were asked, comments were made, but current scholars never disappointed in articulating the little knowledge they have grasped about Japan. The group was later invited to dinner at Tokyo Garden Palace where lovely Japanese food, including the popular sushi, was served to the delight of participants. The discussions continued among the participants, and indeed s, business cards and phone numbers were exchanged to fulfill the aim of the forum. The day ended with words of thanks to Japan Government and World Bank by one of the alumni participants on behalf of the JJ/WBGSP scholars for fulfilling our lifelong dreams of getting better education. The alumni scholars had discussions with officials from the Ministry of Finance and JICA during their one-week stay in Japan. They also went by the famous bullet train Shinkansen to visit the historic city of Kyoto. We kindly thank the Director and staff of MPE Program for their assistance and support during this forum. I would like to take this opportunity of wishing all the Professors, Staff, Students of MPE Program and their spouses a MERRY CHRISTMAS and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

9 PAGE 9 Student News Congratulations to Indonesia Linkage Program (ILP) Graduates! On August 6, the Thesis Presentation and Graduation Ceremony of Mr. Prastiawan and Mr. Lucky Ambrita was held. These two scholars are the 3 rd set of ILP graduates and also had the distinction of becoming the 99 th and 100 th graduates of the Masters in Public Policy and Taxation (PPT) at YNU. The presentations were well-attended and both professors and students had questions and comments for the new graduates regarding their research. The graduation ceremony was followed by an enjoyable lunch reception in the International Lounge of the Economics Building. ILP Graduates and Thesis Titles: Prastiawan: Tourism as Development Investment in Less Developed Regions in Indonesia Lucky Ambrita: Government Policy and Local Disparity in Indonesia: A Study Using Human Development Indicator MPE Director Keiichi Yamazaki, IGSSS Dean Tatsuhiko Ikeda, Bunji Ando of Asia Seed, Lucky Ambrita, Prastiawan, and Prof. Craig Parsons Kampai! Congratulations! Selamat!

10 PAGE 10 Two ILP Students begin study at YNU! Welcome to the 4 th set of Indonesia Linkage Program (ILP) students, Mr. Adinugroho Dwiutomo and Mr. Bunbun Buana, who arrived in October to begin their one-year study in the Master s Degree program in Economics at Yokohama National University. Adinugroho Dwiutomo Head of Budget Planning Technical Support, Directorate General of Budget, Ministry of Finance Bunbun Buana Auditor, Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Ministry of Finance Contact MPE PPT NEWSLETTER Publisher: MPE Office International Graduate School of Social Sciences Yokohama National University 79-4 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama JAPAN Director: Professor Keiichi Yamazaki Editor: Joanna Chinen chinenjo@ynu.ac.jp