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