At GRIPS Forum on 8 July, 2019, Ikuo Kabashima, Ph.D., Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo, gave a lecture titled “Creative Reconstruction “Build Back Better” from the Kumamoto Earthquakes – the Role Played by Kumamon”.

Picture left: Governor Kabashima, Professor Tanaka, President of GRIPS and KUMAMON

Picture right: Governor Kabashima and KUMAMON during the lecture

abstract:

The earthquakes that occurred in Kumamoto in April 2016 caused enormous damage around the prefecture. Against a backdrop of unprecedented adversity, I resolved not just to return Kumamoto to the way it was through recovery and reconstruction, but to aim for creative recovery that would lead to further development for Kumamoto.

“Finding a dream in adversity.” Here I will introduce my political philosophy for recovery, the concrete actions taken by Kumamoto Prefecture, and the role played by Kumamon – the symbol of recovery.

Speakers’ Profile:

Education

Ph.D., Political Economy and Government 1979 Harvard University, USA

Master of Public Administration 1977 Harvard University, USA

Master of Science (Agricultural Economics) 1977 University of Nebraska, USA

Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) 1974 University of Nebraska, USA

Kumamoto Prefectural Kamoto Senior High School 1965 Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

Professional Experience

Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture April 16, 2008 – Present Currently in third term

Emeritus Professor 2008 – Present University of Tokyo

Professor 1997 – 2008 Graduate School of Law and Politics, University of Tokyo

College Dean 1996–1997 Graduate School of International Political Economy, Tsukuba University

Professor 1991 – 1996 College of Policy and Planning Sciences, Tsukuba University

Associate Professor 1985 – 1991 College of Policy and Planning Sciences, Tsukuba University

Visiting Scholar of International Relations 1984 Princeton University, USA

Visiting Associate Professor 1984 University of Washington, USA

Lecturer 1980 College of Policy and Planning Sciences, Tsukuba University

Agricultural Trainee 1968 USA

Employee 1965 Inada Village Agricultural Cooperative, Kumamoto Prefecture