2015.09.04

CAMPUS Asia Fortnight 2015 at GRIPS was held (Tokyo, GRIPS)

GRIPS CAMPUS Asia Program organized the Fortnight 2015 in Tokyo from 10th to 21st August. In the program of this year, 4 students from SPPM, Tsinghua University and 8 students from KDI School participated in the regular lecture – Urban Development Policy provided by a World Bank Consultant. The participants also took part in the joint field trip and workshop organized by GRIPS Development Policy Program.

Regular Lecture

The regular course, entitled “Urban Development Policy – Sustainable Urban Development Theory”, was taught by a World Bank Consultant – Mr. Hiroaki SUZUKI. In addition to a series of classroom lectures, a field study was held to see the frontier of the innovative urban planning methodologies and practices at Kashiwanoha Smart City Gate Square in Chiba. In the final session, the participants made group presentation combining the knowledge learnt in the course.

Special Lectures

Two special lectures were conducted on 11th and 17th August. The first lecture was given by Prof. Wataru TAKAHASHI from Osaka University of Economics about “Central Bank and Asian Financial Market,” illustrating the collaboration among Asian countries. The second lecture by the World Bank consultant- Mr. Hiroaki SUZUKI introduced urban finance for urban (re)development and infrastructure investment. These special lectures, given as part of GRIPS Summer Program, attracted many participants in and outside of GRIPS and followed by very vibrant discussions. 

Prof. Wataru TAKAHASHI, Osaka University of Economics

Topic: Central Banking and Asian Financial Markets

Mr. Hiroaki SUZUKI, World Bank Consultant

Topic: Innovative Urban Public Transport Financing- Transit-Oriented Development and Land Value Capture

Tea Ceremony Experience

Between the intensive lectures, participants experienced a tea ceremony at a Japanese-style room in GRIPS. With the assistance of Lena OKADA, a Cultural Policy Program student, and GRIPS staffs, the lecturer, Ms. Megumi SAITO instructed the proper way of making and appreciating the tea in detail. Struggling with the unfamiliarity of sitting straight, the tranquility and mindful moments were enjoyable. 

Bank of Japan Tour

The Fortnight participants and GRIPS students visited the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and were lectured on the history and roles of the BOJ. They also had a tour inside the original BOJ headquarter built in 1896. 

Commencement and Farewell Party

At the commencement, surrounded by GRIPS professors and staffs, the participants received certificates of the Fortnight Program individually from Prof. HOSOE. After the remarks from the representatives from KDI School and Tsinghua University, the CAMPUS Asia Research Associate, Dr. Huang played the folk songs from Japan, Korea and China using the Chinese classical instrument “Er-hu”. The CAMPUS Asia Fortnight was topped off with pleasant chatting and melody during the farewell dinner.