Book Review: "I Started M-1" by Mr.Ryoichi Tani

◆Book Review: "I Started M-1" by Mr.Ryoichi Tani

Though Mr.Ryoichi Tani’s book was published last year, I wanted to share my review of it again.

It’s that time of year again for the M-1 Grand Prix—the ultimate stand-up comedy (manzai) competition. This year, an astonishing 8,540 duos entered, all vying for a spot in the finals on Christmas Eve. The grueling knockout process spans from August through the semi-finals until only 10 duos remain to compete for the championship. Launched in 2001, this marks the 19th tournament (following a four-year hiatus). It is a spectacular cultural invention of 21st-century Japan.

This book is a documentary chronicle of how M-1 was built from scratch by Tani, a former director at Yoshimoto Kogyo. I am incredibly jealous that he got to be a part of such a project. M-1 isn't just a TV show or a yearly event; it is cultural infrastructure. It turned manzai into a cutting-edge art form and created a pinnacle platform for aspiring young comedians nationwide.

What began 22 years ago as a single project has evolved into a historic cultural phenomenon. At the time, manzai was widely considered a dead medium, with the previous boom having fizzled out in just a few years. Yet today, "M-1" is a household name, and comedians dominate Japanese television. It is a monumental achievement by everyone involved.

Manzai is a remarkably primitive form of entertainment: just two people, a single vintage Type-38 microphone, and an original script. Yet, it can make millions of people roar with laughter. While stand-up and sketch comedy exist in the West and China, Japan has refined the two-person dialogue into a highly sophisticated, lightning-fast art form.

M-1 gives comedy duos just four minutes to showcase their meticulously crafted routines. Most of the 8,540 competing groups (who must be within their first 15 years of formation) struggle to make a living, grinding away at part-time jobs. But winning—or even just making the finals—changes their lives overnight. It is a stoic, high-stakes battlefield.

In the past, young creative geniuses poured their souls into writing novels, staging plays, filming indie movies, or screaming over guitars. Today, that top tier of raw creative talent is flocking to manzai. You don't need instruments, cameras, or computers. All you need is a microphone and two bodies to move an audience. It’s incredibly cool.

Comedians used to be viewed as the underclass of show business, but M-1 elevated them to cultural icons. Those who were once laughed at are now admired. Many were troubled kids with nowhere else to fit in—though recently, we are seeing a massive influx of highly educated competitors as well. Background, lineage, and IQ don't matter on the M-1 stage; the only metric is whether you are funny.

The book also serves as a masterclass in project management. This isn’t the clean, intellectual theory you learn in business school; it’s a gritty, real-world story of how pure legwork, sweat, and relentless persuasion get things done. On the cover, legendary comedian Shinsuke Shimada notes: "M-1 is a treasure that Tani and I built together... Tani took my rough proposal and brought it to life entirely on his own."

They started by interviewing comedians one by one, clashing with TV executives, pitching to sponsors, and even appealing to local shopping districts when funding was tight. They simply refused to give up. Twenty years later, it is a magnificent cultural monument. It’s a classic sign of a successful project when old detractors step forward today to claim credit for its success.

As a massive comedy fan, I go to live shows constantly and have been lucky enough to secure finals tickets through my work with Yoshimoto. This book beautifully captures the backstage tension. I’ve personally wept seeing top-tier artists pacing the corridors of TV Asahi, frantically practicing their lines against a wall right before going live. I have the utmost respect for these performers as artists, and for the visionaries who built this stage for them.

The book highlights the raw, edgy atmosphere of the very first tournament—something television broadcasts can never fully capture. A pivotal moment occurred when Shinsuke Shimada broke agency rivalries to praise the duo American Crayfish (from Shochiku Geino), establishing M-1 as a fair, merit-based battlefield.

Every champion—from the Nakagawa Family to Football Hour, Black Mayonnaise, Tutorial, and Chidori—has a unique story. They chose this battlefield and shaped the entertainment landscape for the next two decades.

Ultimately, this book is a first-class treatise on manzai. Tani traces the evolution of the craft, naming historic reformers like Entatsu & Achako all the way down to Downtown and Warai Meshi. Today’s comedians don't rely on broadcast writers; they are singer-songwriters of comedy who rise purely on their own material. This keeps the medium evolving, preventing it from becoming a rigid, formulaic classic art like rakugo.

Yet, Tani notes a heartwarming truth: comedy isn't truly funny unless the duo genuinely likes each other, which explains the unique strength of real-life brothers like the Nakagawa Family.

I want modern students to study manzai to build real-world communication skills, especially in our hyper-digital era. That’s why, as chairman of the Kyoto International Film Festival, I host the "President's Recommended Stand-up Comedy" showcase for students. We’ve featured incredible, avant-garde lineups like Dr. Heinrich, Kinzoku Bat, and Tensai Pianist. I want to keep doing this every year.

What about me? I still have plenty to learn. My next bucket-list goal is to actually enter M-1 and make it past the first round. I might just have to ask Mr. Tani to coach me.

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Cool Japan: Extreme Modifications

Cool Japan: Extreme Modifications

This episode of NHK's Cool Japan focused on "Extreme Modifications" (Makaizo).

The term originally comes from the world of plastic scale models, but it represents an explosion of creativity where people take an existing object, alter it drastically to create something entirely new, and add value that surpasses the original. This trend is taking off across various fields, and extreme modification videos are going viral overseas.

■Cooking

Anime and games originally came from abroad, but Japan heavily modified them, transformed them into unique cultural expressions, and re-exported them. This is a classic example of "Cool Japan," and the same logic applies to food.

Western food, localized Chinese dishes, and Japanese curry are all, in a sense, extreme modifications. This thrives in Japan because of the sheer abundance of culinary variety (Japanese, Western, Chinese) and an open-minded market that eagerly embraces and commercializes new ideas. Most importantly, even after a radical transformation, the food still tastes amazing. The current trend of extreme food modification is driven by a pure pursuit of new culinary experiences.

■Mini 4WD Models

Over 180 million Mini 4WD cars have been sold since their debut in the 1980s—that's more than one car per person in Japan. I used to do plenty of extreme modifications on these with my sons. It beautifully combines the mechanical joy of tuning for speed with the artistic outlet of creating a sleek, cool design.

Like model railroading, it's a world loved by children and adults alike. Japan has a very loose cultural boundary between childhood and adulthood; adults openly enjoy manga and video games, creating a massive market for high-end toys. This shared passion for modifying mechanics together feels uniquely Japanese.

■Creepy-Cute (Kimo-Kawaii)

The concept of blending a negative emotion ("creepy") with a positive one ("cute") into a single aesthetic is rare globally. When pushed to the extreme through modification, it often takes on a humanoid form. Because Japan doesn't have rigid religious constraints regarding the creation of living things, it provides the perfect cultural incubator for this kind of radical expression.

■A Culture Built on Destruction

The Shikinen Sengu ritual at Ise Grand Shrine involves completely dismantling and rebuilding the shrine structures every 20 years. This tradition has been repeated for 1,300 years. It convinces me that the cycle of "destroying to rebuild" is fundamental to Japanese culture.

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iU President Gachon:Mr.Nelson Yamaguchi

◆iU President Gachon:Mr.Nelson Yamaguchi

Born in Malaysia, Mr.Nelson Yamaguchi grew up in poverty before coming to Japan. After studying at Hokkaido University and Osaka University, he became an obstetrician and gynecologist. Today, he runs his own clinic.

His is truly an extraordinary story.

■Childhood Dream

"I grew up in a very poor family. My parents never had the opportunity to receive an education, and they couldn't even read or write. They had no choice but to work in physically demanding jobs

As a child, my dream was simply to graduate from high school. I also wanted to become an office worker. Watching my parents struggle made me realize how difficult life can be without an education."

■Why Japan?

"I came to Japan when I was eighteen.

As a child, I constantly saw unfamiliar words around me—Suzuki, Honda, Toyota, Toshiba. They weren't written in English, Chinese, or Malay. Curious, I asked my teacher what language they were.

'Japanese,' my teacher replied.

I was amazed that products from Japan were found all over the world. I imagined Japan to be a huge and wealthy country.

Later, when I looked at a map in junior high school, I was surprised to discover that Japan was actually a small island nation. I couldn't understand how such a small country had become one of the world's leading exporters. That question sparked my fascination with Japan.

Then I watched the television drama Oshin. I was deeply moved. I had never imagined Japan had once gone through such severe poverty. That only strengthened my admiration for the country.

After World War II, Japan was impoverished. Around the same time, Malaysia was still a British colony, enjoying access to Western technology and culture, while our abundant natural resources made us wealthier than Japan.

Yet within only thirty or forty years, Japan had overtaken Malaysia.

I found that incredible.

I wanted to become like the Japanese."

■Pursuing Medicine

"At first, I gave up on the idea of becoming a doctor.

I was attending Japanese language school while working part-time, and medical school seemed completely out of reach.

Still, I was fascinated by medicine, so I entered pharmacy school and became a licensed pharmacist.

But eventually I asked myself, 'Can I really abandon my dream of becoming a doctor?'

The regret grew stronger.

I knew that if I didn't challenge myself, I would regret it for the rest of my life.

So I applied to medical school.

Today, I practice obstetrics and gynecology in Osaka.

Originally, I thought becoming a doctor would simply be impossible. In Malaysia, studying medicine almost always required going abroad, something my family could never afford. That's why I had settled for the more realistic goal of becoming an office worker."

■Why I'm Glad I Came to Japan

"Obstetrics is an extremely demanding profession, but its challenges are often misunderstood.

I was particularly frustrated by the media's use of the phrase 'ambulances being turned away,' which unfairly suggested that hospitals simply refused patients.

To raise awareness, I even ran for the House of Councillors in Osaka. During my campaign speeches, I spoke passionately about the realities of emergency medical care.

Although I lost the election, my message reached the media.

Eventually, many news organizations stopped using the misleading phrase 'ambulances being turned away' and instead described the situation more accurately as 'hospitals unable to accept emergency patients.'

Something else remarkable happened.

One person who heard my speech was so inspired that they encouraged me to open my own clinic, offering me a location and financial support.

Japan is a country where, if you devote yourself wholeheartedly, your dreams really can come true.

That's why I named my clinic Kisaki Clinic—a place where hope can blossom."

■A Speech That Changed Someone's Life

"After one of my speeches, a man in his thirties came up and asked to shake my hand.

He told me that he had been living an ordinary salaryman's life without any dreams or ambitions.

Hearing how I had come to Japan without money, unable to speak Japanese, yet still managed to become a doctor and build my own clinic made him realize that he couldn't keep making excuses.

Those words meant a great deal to me."

■A Message to Students

"Have the courage to take risks.

Fail often.

Experience setbacks.

Japan is a materially wealthy country, and because life is comfortable, many people become afraid of failure. As a result, they never take the first step.

Failure is painful.

But failure becomes the foundation for your next stage of growth.

Without failure or setbacks, there is no change.

And without change, there is no growth."

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Cool Japan: Game 2

■Cool Japan: Game 2

NHK Cool Japan: "Games" Part 2.

It used to be considered a Japanese specialty, but some people might think that's not the case anymore...but that's completely wrong!

Thanks to people staying home because of the coronavirus, the entire gaming industry, including Japanese game manufacturers, has seen increased sales over the past two years, with some companies even recording their highest sales figures ever .

"Video games"

40 years since home video games were first introduced in Japan .

It originally developed by incorporating American technology.

Even after all this time has passed, and games can now be made in any country in the world, people still say that "Japanese games are unique."

Raising simulation games, otome games, train-themed games.

Japan's strength lies in continuously creating things that are unique and unlike anything else.

Starting with egg-like devices that allow you to raise characters, the art of raising fictional things became a uniquely Japanese pastime.

And fitness games are successful because they target adults.

To create things that both children and adults can enjoy.

A characteristic of Japan that is also found in anime and manga.

I believe that its uniqueness and strengths are actually still very much alive.

"The Game of Life"

A classic example of Cool Japan: American-born games that evolved in Japan.

At first, some people thought that a game involving money was vulgar, but it has now become a firmly established and enjoyable activity for families.

One of its features is that the contents of the spinning tops change every year, but another key point is that "many parts remain the same."

For example, instead of dice, they used roulette, which was new at the time, or a three-dimensional game board shaped like a car. The currency was still dollars.

Even adults playing it today will find it nostalgic and think, " Oh yeah, I remember that !"

reason this game has lasted 50 years is because it strikes the perfect balance between new and old elements .

"Game music"

Game music has now become a genre in itself, on par with anime songs.

Music genres have evolved alongside the advancement of digital technology.

It's amazing to think that two genres of music known by adults and children all over the world are Hollywood movie soundtracks and Japanese video game music.

This is because composers of the past never cut corners, even when creating music for children; rather, they poured in the country's finest talent and deepest affection to create a unique world.

I believe that their growth to the point where they hold concerts all over the world is the result of considerable effort, investment, and accumulated experience.

 

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iU President Gachon:Mrs. Toko Shirakawa

■iU President Gachon:Mrs. Toko Shirakawa

Behind the marriage-hunting and fertility- focused trends . A journalist and professor at a women's university.

Actually, she's a long-time friend of mine.

https://bit.ly/3vvFFrB

◆What about Japan?

Japan is a country that is slow to change. It ranks 120th in the Gender Gap Index.

There are good points too. It's a content-producing country. A country with a declining birthrate can become a major producer of moe content. Good content can be produced. However, even that is being taken over by China and South Korea.

Working conditions are also a contributing factor. For example, in South Korean productions, interval regulations are in place to prevent workers from becoming too exhausted. In Japan, however, long working hours, power harassment, and low wages persist. When the workplace becomes exhausted, young people leave. Japan is lagging behind in creating an environment where working conditions are improved and good content can be produced.

◆When I was a student

I was just playing around. I wish I had studied more.

Fragments of what you learned in university can prove useful later on. Assignments make you want to learn more. However, there are many things you don't realize during your student years.

◆Learning and Retraining

My university days weren't a one-time thing. I earned my MBA last year.

I realized the importance of learning systematically as an academic discipline. For example, work style reform is a management strategy, so I listen carefully to what business leaders have to say. They share a lot of information based on their experience, and the more I listen, the more I want to learn.

The best environment is one where you have both people with practical experience and academic expertise. It's beneficial for students to learn while working on projects with adults in society, as this allows them to gain such insights quickly.

◆A message for you

Life doesn't always go as planned; many unexpected things happen. We live in unpredictable times. It's best not to believe someone's words like, "If you go this way, this is what will happen."

We can offer the best advice we can based on what we know at this point. Unpredictable things like pandemics happen. Don't plan too rigidly so you don't panic when that happens. You'll panic when things don't go according to plan. It's good to have a plan in place so you can start from where you left off if something happens.

When a good wave of chance comes along, ride it. Look forward.

Read some science fiction. If you read SF, you'll realize that you've seen something like this pandemic before. Knowing about different worlds is key to staying calm.

★Postscript

I met Momoko nearly 20 years ago. She was the same age as me, a refined lady working for a trading company, then became an otaku journalist, and achieved great success by launching a "marriage-seeking" campaign. I accompanied her to events like Japan Expo in Paris, and she taught me a lot. She also provides invaluable support as a visiting professor at iU .

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Cool Japan: Urban Development

■Cool Japan: Urban Development

NHK Cool Japan: The "Community Development" episode.

A town where everyone can continue to live – that's not something that's simply there; it's something that's built up through the accumulated will and culture of the people who live there .

These kinds of Japanese towns are now being featured in many posts on social media and are receiving high praise from foreigners.

"Underground power lines, aging infrastructure"

Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tsukiji, Hamamatsucho—Tokyo is a super-metropolis where many towns and cities converge.

Redevelopment is currently underway in various cities.

It is also a rare city that has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt since the Edo period due to major fires, earthquakes, and air raids .

hastily rebuilt for the 1964 Olympics , and half a century has passed since then, so it's time for maintenance and rebuilding again.

Furthermore, in recent years, a formidable challenge has emerged: torrential downpours caused by global warming. This necessitates new countermeasures such as underground rainwater harvesting tanks.

Maintenance used to be done with hammers, but from now on, we'll be rebuilding things using new technologies like IT, drones, and AI.

"Toshima Ward Disaster Prevention Park"

Japan is characterized by its high level of safety and security, but with the increasing frequency of natural disasters, awareness of disaster prevention is rising even further.

Creating a "city where people can continue to live" requires a balance between safety and security and the economy. It's important to have a cycle where people gather, the economy thrives, money is invested in disaster prevention to ensure safety, and then people gather again.

Urban development centered around disaster prevention parks could serve as a model.

"Making high schools more attractive"

High schools tend to have a stronger local focus than universities.

High schools represent their communities in sports such as baseball, soccer, and brass band competitions.

And they are more mature than middle school students, and they are able to initiate things themselves.

This program has previously covered the fact that Japanese schools have many unique and thriving extracurricular activities.

Younger generations are now showing more interest in social issues than in economic issues.

Using that power would be very effective in solving local problems and revitalizing the community. It seems likely to spread.

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iU President Gachon: Mr.Tetsuya Yasukochi

■iU President Gachon: Mr.Tetsuya Yasukochi

A charismatic English teacher. He's also an entrepreneur and a bestselling author. And a visiting professor at iU . This is the kind of teacher you want to learn English from!

the age of AI

iU teaches business presentations. In many businesses, reading and writing have already been replaced by AI. At iU , we teach English that will capture, persuade, provoke, and move people when you go out into the world for business.

Japanese English learners are diligently studying only the parts that will be replaced by AI. They are not doing what humans need to do. At iU , we will focus on the skills that will not be replaced by AI when you enter society in 10 years.

◆ An impactful self-introduction

Practice making an impactful self-introduction or speech that people will remember. I'd like to make it a graduation requirement at iU . You need to be able to speak English to a certain extent in order to effectively convey your strengths. Be able to deliver a full speech and give a compelling self-introduction.

◆ Reasons for continuing to learn English

During my student days, I spent all my time mountain climbing. I enjoyed studying English for my entrance exams, so I majored in English. I got a job during the bubble economy. I disliked the typical job hunting process, so I became a part-time lecturer at a cram school. In my late twenties, I started my own company. I began writing. I established a foundation. I moved into the field of English education.

◆The fun things about English

I enjoy communicating with people in a foreign language. It's not necessarily the English I learned for university entrance exams that I find enjoyable; rather, it's the ability to communicate with people after learning the language that I find truly enjoyable. I love talking to people from all over the world.

◆Starting a business

A one-person agency where I produce myself and then send myself out to work.

When I talk to students, they seem to think that it's not entrepreneurship unless it's something big. But entrepreneurship is simply about deciding to do something starting today. It's about not joining the framework of a large company, but starting something on your own. It's about starting a business.

◆Show your face and make your point

They should show their faces and express their opinions. They should produce themselves and market themselves to the world. It would be good if all iU students had YouTube channels and shared their thoughts and feelings with their faces shown.

◆ You have the freedom to fail.

Students are young. No matter how many mistakes they make, in 10 years no one will remember. They have the freedom to make mistakes. When they make a mistake, they can learn from it and avoid making the same mistake again. Humans do n't learn until they make mistakes themselves . The number of mistakes equals the number of things they can do.

◆ Failure experience

I've written a lot of books. I've sold around 5 million copies in total. Of those, only about 20 out of 100 are selling well. The remaining 80 don't even sell their first print run.

When we find someone who has been successful, we only see the parts that went well. But they 've probably failed about eight times as much.

◆Student days

During my university years, I spent a year studying for entrance exams before moving to Tokyo. All the classes were in English, and I grew to hate English. I avoided English for about a year and a half. I thought that things would work out if I went to America, so I wandered around there for about two and a half months. There, I realized that I wouldn't become fluent in English just by being in America. Just being there was like changing locations. It gave me the impetus to realize that I had to study English.

I used to think of English as synonymous with America, but when I went there, I saw people from all sorts of countries and regions communicating in broken English. I thought, "This is fine!" When I returned to university, I gained the courage to speak broken English in front of my fluent classmates, and that's how I became able to speak English.

Just speak in front of people in your own English. If you make a mistake, just correct it. Don't study and then speak.

◆ Discomfort at school

In our time, middle and high school were organizations designed to help us adapt to group living. I hated that kind of thing.

Once I entered university, I was free to do as I pleased. However, I couldn't keep up with the pressure to act like everyone else during job hunting.

I wanted to teach, so I entered a job that involves developing people.

◆Challenges in Japanese schools

Individualized optimization is highly advanced in each country. Despite the existence of diverse children specializing in sports, musical instruments, programming, English, etc., they all use the same mark sheet and are expected to achieve the same score. In the future, individualized optimization tailored to each child will be necessary.

◆ Become a team

A team where someone good at presentations takes on sales challenges, someone who can speak English aggressively pursues deals, and someone with programming skills provides backup—that kind of teamwork. It would be great if they could build networks with each other within iU .

◆A message for you

iU is a place where students who question the trends of the world gather. When you want to start a life where you pursue what you truly want to do, iU is an option. Let's study together!

★Postscript

I like the story of how he got back into English after hating it. Mr. Yasukochi looks cool and inspiring riding his Honda Monkey motorcycle. Riding a Monkey. I've been dreaming of it since I was a student , but I still haven't been able to do it. It's my homework.

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iU Tatekan(Signboard) Special Zone

■ iU Tatekan(Signboard) Special Zone

1. GO PUNK

iU will be designated a special zone for protest banners. iU will inherit the regrettable protest banner culture of Kyoto University .

The president shouted it out, but the students looked bewildered, so the president made one himself.

Total of 10 pieces.

2. President-kun, Gachoon

The university president makes a banner.

What do you think?

I wonder if the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will take disciplinary action.

That might be true!

I apologize in advance.

3.L'innovation et la création

Innovation and creation.

In the style of Godard.

4. Bang bang bang

Godard-esque, part 2.

(This banner was purchased for 100,000 yen by Nobutaka Tsubota, the author of "Biri Gal.")

5. Desperate

Desperate efforts

The vice president, who is from Osaka, often says this.

Desperate Batch

Because many staff members make that mistake.

I make and sell badges that say "desperate."

100 yen each

6. President's Takoyaki (500 yen)

Students are conducting a joint research project with a local takoyaki shop.

The university president is selling Kyoto-style tanuki (raccoon dog) flavored takoyaki .

6 pieces for 500 yen

7. You are here, and so am I.

iU

You & I.

An homage to Charlie Hama.

8. The Recommendation of Failure

Everyone starts their own business.

It usually fails.

Failure University: Learning from Failure.

9. Create an extremely idle society.

Each university is formulating its own policy on how to handle AI.

iU 's policy is "We encourage the use of AI." That's all.

Let AI do the work, and we'll have a lot of free time.

10. Prohibiting prohibition is prohibited!!!

A few years ago, when Kyoto University banned protest signs,

The banners I wanted to put up but couldn't.

When making the banners,

Kenji Murakami, a resident of Kyoto University's Kumano Dormitory during the 1960 Anpo protests.

The 1970 Anpo protests, Katsuyuki Fujii from the Komaba dormitory at the University of Tokyo.

We received supervision from both iU Visiting Professors.

( Item 10 was requested by Mr. Murakami.)

This is just the first installment. We're still going strong !

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Cool Japan: Rice

■Cool Japan: Rice

NHK Cool Japan: The "Rice" episode.

Rice consumption in Japan is steadily declining, while conversely, Japanese rice ball specialty shops that have expanded overseas have seen their sales double or even quadruple, even during the COVID-19 pandemic .

is genuine Japanese rice, grown by Japanese farmers and air-shipped from Japan .

I get the feeling that people overseas are now more appreciating the excellence of Japanese rice.

"Packaged rice"

We call rice "gohan," and we also call cooking and meals "gohan." Food equals rice .

food equals bread, or food equals pasta.

Rice is an object of worship and is connected to the very foundation of this country.

At the same time, it was also the center of the economic system, encompassing land value (kokudaka), wages, land tax, and other related matters.

A country whose culture and economy are built on rice.

However, until about 100 years ago, there were disputes over rice, such as the Rice Riots, and it's only recently that everyone has been able to eat rice.

Since the 1970s, when there was talk of a rice surplus and a decline in rice consumption, rice has rapidly become tastier.

The rice we eat now is so much tastier than the rice we ate when we were kids.

Brands and specific varieties have become more prominent, and delicious rice is now being exported.

This is a huge change.

"smart"

IT, robots, drones, AI.

Surprisingly, cutting-edge technology is quite compatible with agriculture, and smart farming is progressing rapidly.

The goal is to increase efficiency and improve crop quality, thereby raising food self-sufficiency. However, from the perspective of those on the ground, it's about making farming more enjoyable and profitable.

This has sparked interest among younger generations, and more people are considering trying their hand at agriculture.

Smart technology is a beacon of hope.

"Rinse-free rice"

It saves you time and effort at home.

Using rice bran as fertilizer helps protect the environment.

Because it can be cooked with little water, it is used as relief rice for disaster-stricken areas.

And it's delicious.

It's all good, and it looks like it's going to become the standard for rice in the future.

While domestic demand for rice is declining, the production of pre-washed rice continues to increase, exceeding 450,000 tons per year.

However, it would be a shame if the wonderful phrase "to wash rice" were to fall out of use.

Japan is a country of the United States, therefore the United States is Japan.

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NTT R&D FORUM2023

■NTT R&D FORUM2023

NTT R&D FORUM 2023

Technology Showcase @ Musashino Telecommunications Research Institute, again this year.

IOWN is a technology-driven vision unveiled by the leadership of Chairman Sawada and Vice President Kawazoe.

This is a grand vision following in the footsteps of INS (New Media) in the 1980s, VIP (Multimedia) in the 1990s, and NGN (Natural Network Network) in the 2000s.

IOWN.

Network modernization through "all-optical" technology that transcends IP, and "digital twins" that create a model identical to the real world in cyberspace.

Technologies such as AI, VR/AR, quantum computing, and biomedical fields are intertwined within this, like nested layers.

This is a comprehensive technological approach, distinct from Web3, aiming to surpass GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon).

"IOWN concept"

http://ichiyanakamura.blogspot.com/2020/11/iown.html

wrote about this last year too, you know.

"NTT R&D FORUM2022"

https://ichiyanakamura.blogspot.com/2023/02/ntt-r-forum2022.html

always absolutely blown away every year .

Last year, the digital twin metaverse on a gigantic display really blew me away .

But this year was the biggest surprise yet .

We've unveiled the large-scale language model Tsuzumi , which fully demonstrates our AI x IOWN strategy.

Tsuzumi, whose president, Shimada, and head of research and planning department, Shingo Kinoshita, just held a press conference on November 1st .

An LLM (Learning Language Master) that incorporates over 40 years of expertise in natural language processing technology.

It is said to have three key features: being ultra-lightweight, proficient in Japanese, and flexible.

The parameter size is significantly smaller, at 600-700 million compared to GPT-3's 175 billion, resulting in lower training and tuning costs.

It boasts world-class performance in Japanese language processing, supports modal information such as visual and auditory input, and allows for tuning specifically tailored to particular organizations and job roles.

They plan to launch their commercial service in March 2024.

 

Based on LLM, each organization customizes and implements its specialized AI.

This will be the main battleground for the AI business.

The fact that they implemented and fully showcased ChatGPT within a year demonstrates the strong commitment of a heavyweight organization.

(And I was impressed by how well-rehearsed the researchers' presentations were!)

This research involves extracting specific words from noise.

It seems possible to create a system that retrieves clips from a video archive based on specific keywords.

It looks like it could be sold to film and television companies around the world.

If applied, it could be used to create a system that extracts high-purity data from rough data and uses it to train AI.

It looks like it will sell to AI-using companies all over the world.

It's surprisingly big .

IOWN seems poised to realize low-latency, low-cost AI services, and I imagine they'll integrate them into spaces like stores and cars .

They're developing an all-light car. The car's interior becomes a single, integrated computer. It becomes a terminal directly connected to other cars, roads, and the cloud via light. It's going to be interesting.

Speaking of light, they proposed a system that changes the color of clothing using lighting.

Interesting research. And apparently, they even showcased it at Paris Fashion Week .

We take basic research and bring it to practical use, presenting it to the world through collaborations with fashion.

This is a good example of research outreach.

Artificial photosynthesis. I didn't know NTT was working on something like this .

I heard that while it's still some time away from being put into practical use, this will allow NTT to reduce the CO2 emissions necessary for communications and become "carbon negative . "

NTT is supposed to reduce the Earth's CO2 emissions.

Anyway, I like those kinds of stories.

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iU President Gachon. Kenji Sudo

■iU President Gachon:Mr.Kenji Sudo

From being the youngest executive officer at Recruit to starting a Silicon Valley company, he listed his UI improvement platform "Kaizen Platform" on the Mothers market. This is Sudoken.

https://bit.ly/3VLt66k

◆Why I quit my job

If I were the CEO, I would pursue M&A of overseas companies.

Indeed was the most formidable, and I couldn't think of any way to beat it, so I thought I would lose if it came along. Then Recruit, the company I used to work for, acquired it. It's amazing that they bought a company that I thought I couldn't beat. It's also amazing that they decided to acquire a company that possesses technology. If it were me, I would manage it that way. Cash flow comes from domestic companies, so I would buy overseas companies and do business in areas where the population is growing more rapidly.

I like creating businesses and doing hands-on work. I felt that what Recruit was trying to do didn't fit with my interests. I quit in order to work in a way that made me happy.

◆Why start a business in America?

There was no market for it within Japan. At Recruit, I was in charge of M&A and investments in overseas companies, and while observing how market capitalization grew, I realized how much of a discount you get when doing business within Japan. That's when I thought I had to go abroad. I wanted to become someone who could do business globally.

◆Difficulties after starting a business

Things went smoothly for about three years, but most startups struggle in their fourth to sixth year. There was a period of stagnation. When the growth of our initial business stalled, we had difficulty generating growth for our next business. Our video production business didn't grow until 2019, but it grew thanks to our partnership with Facebook and a 20% increase in wholesale paper prices in Japan.

This level of difficulty was beyond anything I had anticipated.

◆Did you start a business even though you knew it would be difficult?

If I had a time machine, I would do everything in my power to stop myself from starting a business. Global competition is incredibly tough.

However, my ignorance was actually a good thing. Because I started, I felt I had to do something about it, and that motivated me to keep going.

◆The existence of schools

There are so many things I wish I had studied. I only realize this when I understand how that knowledge is useful. To start a business in America, you need English. School was a place that taught me that in advance.

I lacked the social experience to know how to apply what I learned in school, so I slacked off a lot back then. I understand the meaning of school much better now that I've graduated.

I study more now that I'm an adult.

◆Areas where school education should change and areas where it has been useful

Those relationships continue to this day and are still useful. KNOW WHO. Who do you know? The friends you've shared meals with are irreplaceable.

It would be good to understand how the studying you're doing is actually useful. I think rote memorization is quite important, but it would be good to understand why you're rote memorization and what benefits it brings.

To thrive abroad, you need to be well-educated. Not just be able to speak English, but have a language to speak in. You need to be able to answer questions like, "What's Japan like?"

I didn't have many opportunities to interact with adults or members of society during my school life, so it would be great to have such opportunities.

◆A message for you

What we learn in school is about the past. We learn about things that have happened up to now. People who will live in the future might wonder if knowing the past is useful.

History repeats itself. Humans won't change much in the future. For example, cryptocurrencies and the tulip bubble have some similarities. Thanks to COVID-19, I researched the plague, and there are some commonalities. Knowing and learning from the past is never a waste of time when it comes to knowing the future.

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STEAM? Leave it to me.

 ■STEAM? Leave it to me.

Nikkei Children's Future Economy Forum: "What kind of learning fosters creativity in the DX era?"

Four women and one middle-aged man. I was completely out of place.

The theme is STEAM. First, let's introduce ourselves.

I've been involved in STEAM activities as a pioneer in Japan for the past 20 years, but the education sector has been hesitant about digitalization. From 2010, I worked with Hiroshi Komiyama, former president of the University of Tokyo, and Masayoshi Son to promote the digitalization of schools, but we faced opposition from the education sector and were even blacklisted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which was very difficult.

It took 10 years to enact legislation promoting digital education and to make programming a mandatory subject. Then COVID-19 hit, and the GIGA School initiative made it possible to have one PC per student all at once. There was hope that Japan could quickly transform from a digitally developing country to a developed one. However, AI is changing the landscape again. Now we are working on "super education" for the AI era.

iU, a university dedicated to cultivating digitally-driven innovators . While some predict that AI will eliminate half the world's universities, we aim to create a creative environment that will still be in demand. Digital technology and AI present a significant opportunity to shift from traditional, knowledge-cramming-based education to a more creative one, from early childhood to higher education.

Two questions.

1. How's GIGA ?

According to a survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, teachers say there have been positive changes and are hopeful for future results.

The important thing is that they are being evaluated as having improved motivation to learn.

The biggest challenge in Japanese education is that, compared to other countries, children don't find lessons interesting or useful.

The primary role of digital technology is to make things interesting and useful, and the results are showing.

There are regional disparities, but they will eventually be resolved. Above all, Japan was a developing country with a large information and digital gap with the rest of the world, so we should be happy that this gap has been closed in a leap of 25 years.

Japan has built a world-class education system using analog methods, and its teachers are excellent.

From here, we'll use digital technology to raise the overall level nationwide.

The cost of replacing the terminals was a problem, but with the recent supplementary budget, after receiving opinions from mayors and education superintendents nationwide, and with the support of members of parliament, 260 billion yen has been allocated, and funds will be established in each prefecture. I'm relieved.

The next challenge is how to integrate information technology into the home and how to approach AI.

GIGA devices haven't been brought home. This is a problem of internet inequality within households.

From how to connect 40,000 schools to how to connect 10 million households with children.

Digital education universal service.

In that context, it is necessary to learn digital literacy.

This is more of a Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications job than a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology job.

And then there's the question of how to use AI. Universities are taking a wide range of approaches.

AI will become integrated into the digital world, and its use will become unavoidable. AI literacy will become crucial.

The Super Education Association proposed using AI in all classes.

iU also kept its AI policy to just seven characters: "We recommend using it."

Having suffered a digital defeat, Japan will have no chance if it also suffers a defeat in AI.

Q2. What should adults do?

The government should focus on infrastructure.

The money will be invested in public education. - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

(Subsidies to companies are not needed.)

Home digitalization and internet connectivity. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The Digital Agency will promote the use of AI and data.

Coordination among these relevant ministries is crucial. In other words, it's a political issue.

I want this to be the government's top priority.

The younger generation will naturally become DX (Digital Transformation) professionals. The problem lies with the adults.

Recurrent education is important, but companies no longer have the resources to cultivate it internally as they once did.

We will nurture them in collaboration with universities and other institutions.

iU 's partnerships with 1,000 companies also stem from its desire to create a learning environment for the talent of those companies.

Recurrent education or reskilling—working and then going back to school to study again—is not a realistic option.

In this era of 100-year lifespans and constant change, designing an ever-learning approach—a continuous learning process—is crucial.

Universities shouldn't be limited to two or four years of study; we need a subscription-based system where students can stay for 10 or 20 years, learning whenever they want.

Before that happens, AI tutors may become highly developed, and having a good AI tutor could become a key factor in determining competitiveness.

The disparity in whether or not people can afford to invest in AI is likely to become a decisive factor.

Therefore, a guarantee that "everyone can use AI" is important.

 

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Cool Japan: Housing

 ■Cool Japan: Housing

NHK Cool Japan: The "Housing" episode.

The importance of "staying at home" has become paramount due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to one survey, more than 70% of Japanese people said they have spent more time at home in the past year.

Furthermore, more than 60% of people said that their stress levels have increased as a result of spending more time at home.

Is the home where we spend so much time comfortable? Are Japanese homes cool?

"Storage"

In the past, Japanese homes had fewer possessions and furniture.

Storage space was limited, so a wardrobe was part of the bride's trousseau.

As we became wealthier, we accumulated more possessions. We started showing them off, and things became chaotic.

These days, it's actually considered smarter to keep your home tidy.

Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic has increased the amount of time I spend at home.

I'm currently re-evaluating my family's lifestyle from a hardware perspective.

"Share house"

This is a row house from the Edo period.

A lifestyle where wells, tools, and food are all shared within a single town.

In the modern era, life became centered around the workplace, and communities became more fragmented.

For generations that have grown accustomed to smartphone sharing services, a lifestyle of sharing and living together in a relaxed and enjoyable way has become natural.

with the decrease in person-to-person interaction due to the COVID-19 pandemic , I think this is a lifestyle worth paying attention to.

"Subscription"

Subscriptions are familiar to the smartphone generation.

I think that working from home during the coronavirus pandemic is less about forcing people to stay indoors and more about giving them the freedom to be wherever and whenever they want.

An era where people can live anywhere. A service that anticipates this.

In Japan, the problem of vacant houses is becoming serious due to an aging population and depopulation, and some estimates suggest that by 2033, approximately one in three houses will be vacant.

Furthermore, it serves as a means of matching people with new ways of working and living.

This could be seen as a more accessible way to revitalize a region than relocating, and it's likely to attract attention.

"Traditional construction methods"

Currently, the mainstream method of house construction is the "pre-cut" method, where lumber is processed by machines rather than by the hands of craftsmen.

Because carpenters only need to assemble pre-processed lumber on-site, traditional construction methods like hand-cutting are steadily declining.

This program often shows foreigners struggling to preserve Japanese traditions, but I think we Japanese should realize the importance of the wisdom we have passed down through generations.

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Coronavirus, Ukraine, and the Future: Academic Conference @ iU

 ■Coronavirus, Ukraine, and the Future: Academic Conference @ iU

I am the chairman of the International Association for Public Economics (CIRIEC).

Its headquarters are in Belgium. It is an international academic network.

We held our first academic conference at iU . Welcome!

Symposium: "Coronavirus, Ukraine, and the Future."

"In recent years, the world has faced two challenges: COVID-19 and Ukraine."

While the virus threatened human lives and devastated the economy, it also spurred digital transformation, such as teleworking and distance education.

The 14th-century plague is considered a contributing factor to the Renaissance, but what will the 21st-century epidemic produce?

"The conflict initiated by Russia involves modern nations still engaging in infantry battles over territory, while also incorporating digital warfare such as cyberattacks and disinformation. And now, fighting is also erupting in Israel and Gaza."

The world has entered another period of war. What legacy will 21st-century warfare leave behind?

The coronavirus and Ukraine. This double challenge, a combination of natural and artificial factors, is a pivotal event marking the turning point of the era.

What kind of changes await us after we overcome these challenges?

Some will develop, grow, and become larger.

Some may decline, be suppressed, and become smaller.

How should we respond?

And what are the challenges that public economics faces?

Panelists

Hiroto Fujii, Mayor of Minokamo City

Monte Cassem, President of AIU (International Christian University)

Naoto Kikuchi CIRIEC Director

Hiroshi Osaki, Chairman of the Expo Organizing Committee

Professor Nanako Ishido, KMD

Kang Hanna

Professor Noriyuki Yanagawa, University of Tokyo

Shinichi Yamaguchi, Associate Professor, International University of Japan

Everyone has a completely different background.

Politics, cities, music, comedy, education, society, economics, the internet.

As expected, the comments were all over the place.

However , if we try to interpret it forcefully,

This change will continue (Osaki), the entrance (Yanagawa).

The impact of AI (Ishido and Yamaguchi) may, conversely, lead to a return to the nation and nature (Kang).

using a different yardstick than growth or evolution ( Osaki ), and requiring well-being (Yanagawa) and satisfaction indicators (Yamaguchi).

"Festivals" are important (Osaki), and micro-communities and connections with people are being re-evaluated (Yanagawa and Yamaguchi).

That's where it all came together.

However, what's important, on top of all that, is "gardening" (according to Osaki) and "romance" (according to Fujii).

That might be the case.

International public economics is a broad field of study that deals with macroeconomics.

However, when specialists gather together, a tendency towards tunnel vision comes into play.

Embrace big changes, break down assumptions, and focus on the micro.

I think this is very important right now. Thank you.

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iU President Gachon: Prof.Masaru Sugiyama

■iU President Gachon: Prof.Masaru Sugiyama

He is a professor at the University of Tokyo and the director of the RIKEN AIP Center. In other words, he is at the top of AI research in Japan.

It's amazing that he became the top leader at the age of 41, and the government that appointed him deserves credit for that .

◆ AI research in Japan

There are a certain number of brilliant people conducting world-class research. However, their numbers are small, and the pool of talent is thin.

The RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project will continue basic research for 10 years, but to do so, we need a solid team of talented people. Therefore, we invite researchers not only from within Japan but also from overseas.

◆Singularity

It cannot be said that the era when AI surpasses human capabilities will not come. Indeed, AI is already surpassing humans in various aspects. We are in the midst of the beginning of the singularity.

◆Gap between researchers and users

Researchers enjoy developing technology because they understand its inner workings. On the other hand, ordinary users worry that their data is being collected without their knowledge, that they are being monitored, or that they will be controlled by AI. This gap is difficult to bridge. I would like to explain this from the perspective of a researcher.

◆ Let's make use of our technology

I personally like working in isolation. I'm comfortable working alone from home. That's fine when I'm developing technology, but when it comes to actually getting people to use it, I need to communicate with various people around me. I want to convey the possibilities to many people and connect them to actual applications, even if only a little.

◆ Research Institutes and Universities

RIKEN is a research institute, so it's mainly staffed by postdoctoral researchers who have earned their doctorates. Universities, on the other hand, are mainly staffed by graduate and undergraduate students. The age range and the degree to which research is dominated by different groups are different. There is value in doing both. If you do it right, you can get the best of both worlds.

◆Today's students

They are always excellent. Today's students know a wide range of things. They possess knowledge that we don't have, so we can learn from them.

◆ Working with companies

It's fun. Universities have students, RIKEN has researchers from public institutions, and companies have lots of people with the drive to actually turn that into a business. When you go there, you're just a newbie in your first year. You get all sorts of stimulation. You learn from that and use it as the seed for basic research.

◆Time Management

It depends on the time. My main job is at a university and research institute, so I only act as a corporate advisor in my spare time.

◆Student days

I didn't have a particularly fulfilling student life. I didn't really like school. I studied in class to some extent, but nothing more, nothing less. I spent my time at home playing on computers and video games. I'm from the Famicom generation. Programming came naturally as a result of that.

◆The reason I decided to pursue a career as a researcher

Without any hesitation, I chose information engineering. However, once I entered university, programming suddenly became less enjoyable. I didn't study very hard during university.

In my fourth year, I joined a research lab studying mathematical theory. I had a great professor, and working with him there made me realize how interesting it all was. After entering graduate school, I started researching machine learning. That's when I finally understood the meaning of coming to university. As an undergraduate, I thought I was done with studying since I was just attending lectures, but as a graduate student, I realized that output is what's required. That's when I understood that I had been studying in order to produce output. In my first year of graduate school, I realized how necessary it was, so I started attending first and second-year undergraduate classes. That's when I first found it interesting.

◆Motivation to learn

I'm trying my best to convey to first and second graders that even the seemingly boring math lessons they'll be taking are actually useful, but it's difficult.

◆Japanese Education

We're always adding things, wanting to do this and that. We need to subtract. Time is limited. Let them find something they love and enjoy studying it. We can create new things, but we can never destroy them.

◆A message for you

There's no need to rush. Life is long. You might feel anxious when you see young people who are very successful, but you can start new things even at 22, 30, or 40. Don't get discouraged; just enjoy it at your own pace. The world is constantly changing, so trying to keep up will be exhausting. It's important to focus on doing things that don't change much.

★Postscript

He apparently didn't study much at university. Then something clicked, and he rose to the top of academia and management at a young age. But he doesn't seem to give off any sense of gravitas . I admire him. Though, even if I admire him, I could never imitate him!

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My number one recommendation for a Kyoto book: Ken Ariga's "Kyoto"

■My number one recommendation for a Kyoto book: Ken Ariga's "Kyoto"

I've read all sorts of books about Kyoto, from history and culture to the Kyoto School of Studies, long-established businesses, and people who love or hate Kyoto, but this is the Kyoto book I would recommend as number one.

A senior alumnus of the Faculty of Economics at Kyoto University re-examines Kyoto's industry, culture, society, and infrastructure from the perspective of its modern development, based on applied economics.

This is a dense and insightful book.

There are stereotypes in books about Kyoto.

A town that is both old and new, represented by Nishijin weaving and companies like Nintendo and Kyocera.

The coexistence of conservatism and innovation. The contrast between closed-off, conservative societies and radical student movements/punk.

And then there's the sense of chosenness among the people of Kyoto and the disconnect from those outside the city.

This book will unravel its secrets. So that's how it is.

The conclusion, as stated in the final chapter, is that "Kyoto failed to achieve what Tokyo and Osaka did" because "the city and society of Kyoto could not completely break away from the cities and societies of the early modern period."

low mobility .

First, there's the outdated and closed-off nature of the heart of Kyoto.

The "rice field" district in central Kyoto is home to traditional industries such as Nishijin weaving.

The "townspeople," who are small and medium-sized self-employed individuals involved in handicrafts such as silk weaving, are the ones who hold society together.

This shows that while the culture is preserved, the economy is stagnant and hollowed out.

The area known as "田の字," or the district that supports the Gion Festival, is called the "former school district" of the Bancho Elementary School, which was established after the Meiji era.

The exclusive system of self-governance among the townspeople is depicted.

I live in the former school district of "Honnō Elementary School," where the burnt-down Honnō-ji Temple once stood.

I participated in the Gion Festival's "Kamakiri-yama" float procession as a former member of the Honno school district.

Until the Meiji era, Kami-Kyo, Naka-Kyo, and Shimo-Kyo wards were part of the city. Sakyo, Ukyo, Higashiyama, Kita, and Fushimi were outside the city, and low-income residents migrated to these areas.

Population trends since the modern era and the perception of regional divisions have also been analyzed.

The author's impression of the Shirakawa area around 1970 as a rural town inhabited by shabby old people resonates with me, as I spent my childhood in that region.

Meanwhile, industry grew in the suburbs and southwest.

High-tech companies such as Nintendo, Kyocera, Murata, Omron, and Nidec are located in the southwest and experienced rapid growth in the latter half of the Showa era.

These isolated companies, primarily B2B parts manufacturers with limited business relationships with other companies, have ventured into the global market.

Its location, due to its proximity to the Hanshin Industrial Zone and excellent transportation access, meant it was separated from central Kyoto.

In central Kyoto, people were cautious about market transactions, and the financial industry did not develop.

Kyoto Bank is the only bank headquartered in Kyoto. This is a difference from Osaka.

There is also a lack of venture capital firms, securities companies, and other entities that act as "guides to the market."

The city also has a weak incubation function, which the author calls a "cradle city."

Another characteristic is the lack of urban infrastructure.

It has particular peculiarities in its railway network.

While the city's streetcar system was abolished and subways were built to the east and west, the Keifuku and Eizan Electric Railway lines are essentially dead ends.

From Kyoto towards Osaka, there are the Keihan, Hankyu, Kintetsu, and JR lines, but the coordination between them is poor.

The city center is practically empty, while there's a lot of waste in the outward-facing areas.

We will also touch upon Japanese cuisine, particularly Kyoto cuisine, which has now become a central part of tourism.

Originally, Kyoto was known for its extravagant clothing and Osaka's extravagant food, but it wasn't a city of food.

A town with no fish and food that's too expensive for ordinary people.

I wonder if the emergence of restaurants like Osho and Tenkaippin was a reaction to that?

There's an interesting analysis using web data from sites like Tabelog that shows the majority of popular restaurants were founded this century.

The comparative analysis of Boston and Paris is also interesting.

Boston was an old industrial city centered on the textile industry, with universities such as MIT and Harvard concentrated there.

After its decline, it revived in the 1990s and beyond through strengthened incubation programs and urban redevelopment.

The finance and consulting industries, as well as the IT industry, are strong, and venture businesses are also thriving.

Insightful.

And Kyoto aims to be the city that comes closest to its ideal, which is Paris.

"A city of culture, art, and cutting-edge industry."

However, Paris's prosperity is also a mirror image of France's extreme centralization, and some argue that Kyoto has no chance of occupying a similar position.

Besides Kyoto and Tokyo, I've also lived in Boston and Paris.

Both cities are sister cities of Kyoto. Let's learn from our sister city.

Now, the two policy recommendations stand out.

First, the "rice field" district will be redeveloped to have two lanes.

Destroy the city center. It's reminiscent of Haussmann's redevelopment of Paris.

In addition to the circular subway system, the plan includes extending the expressway into the city and converting it to an underground expressway.

It's reminiscent of the redevelopment of Boston.

Bold.

It has also been pointed out that Kyoto lacked power within the central political system.

Finally, the topic of digital defeat will also be mentioned.

The loss of international competitiveness in the ICT sector is attributed to a failure of central government policy.

My ears hurt.

Furthermore, they are placing their hopes on creating a cluster of ICT companies that can rival Tokyo.

I too closed the book, feeling a sense of hope.

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Cool Japan: Motorcycles

■Cool Japan: Motorcycles

NHK Cool Japan: The "Motorcycle" episode.

All four of the world's major motorcycle manufacturers are Japanese.

Recognized for its high quality, it has achieved a global market share of 50%.

While the motorcycle itself is appealing, there's also a whole range of related cultures that can be called motorcycle culture.

"Various Motorcycles"

Motorcycles have developed in Japan because they are well-suited to the Japanese environment.

Due to the narrowness of the roads, it has been highly valued for practical purposes such as transportation and delivery.

In rural areas with limited public transportation, some universities and even some high schools allow students to commute by motorcycle.

Securing a parking space for a car is difficult, but a motorcycle doesn't take up much space.

This is likely why there's been an increase in the variety of motorcycles available to suit a wide range of uses and age groups.

Furthermore, this has given rise to a unique culture, which could be described as a form of "Galapagos syndrome," particularly in fashion.

Classic cars

When I was young, the epitome of cool things were electric guitars and motorcycles.

The motorcycle, in particular, was an integral part of the hero's character.

Moonlight Mask and Kamen Rider. I admire them.

However, things that made such loud noises were also symbols of delinquency. Biker gangs.

Even though I longed for it, it was expensive, and adults weren't allowed to do it, so I missed my chance.

Having grown up and let go of his children, the uncle rekindled his old dream and once again embraced motorcycles.

"Police motorcycle"

In Japan, where roads are narrow and winding, police motorcycles are effective for enforcing speed limits.

In Japan, where there are many mountain roads and fallen trees during disasters, the role of off-road units is highly anticipated.

A cool vehicle that zooms along at high speed.

On the other hand, the image of police motorcycles these days is that of people leading marathons and ekiden (long-distance relay races).

It runs slowly and steadily, ensuring safety. A gentle presence.

Recently, the number of female members has increased and they are playing an active role.

They're cool and kind. The role of motorcycle police officers is also expanding.

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Arizona State University, making its first appearance.

■Arizona State University, making its first appearance.

Low and sparsely covered with cacti, Arizona's Phoenix is a place for that.

Sunday morning, quiet. Lots of homeless people .

The Diamondbacks must be disappointed after losing to the Rangers 4-1 in the World Series.

growing city that's ranked 5th in the US .

TSMC is apparently setting up a factory there. I wonder if everyone will become rich like in Hsinchu City.

The whole town is filled with Arizona State University (ASU) buildings.

It has six campuses and 50,000 students. It is considered a world leader in online learning.

Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, and Kate Spade all grew up there.

They filled the area with universities, which improved public safety and even reduced the number of homeless people.

So, it's a city development project centered around a university.

Thunderbird School of Global Management.

It maintains its No. 1 ranking in the US for international management, innovation, and other areas.

It's advertised everywhere as being superior to MIT and Stanford.

It is a prestigious MBA program with a 75-year history, which was merged into ASU in 2014.

I had an in-depth conversation with President Sajeev Khagram.

Global, digital, and innovation are our guiding principles.

We are developing and implementing a digital environment that could be called the "school of the future."

're making it themselves . Amazing.

LED 360-degree immersive video classroom, VR learning, and digital tables for action learning.

There are no traditional classes; instead, we use video-on-demand (VOD) and workshops.

Right?

They've also created a digital twin, and it's capable of metaverse learning.

You can learn just as much, if not more, than you would on campus, no matter where you are.

Right?

In reality, we have offices in Moscow and Geneva.

So, they want to open an Asian school in Tokyo.

President Khagram suggested, "Why don't we do that at iU ?"

Thank you for choosing me.

Let me show you another good thing.

I was then taken to the Media Immersive eXperience (MIX) Centre at the Sydney-Poitiers Film School of ASU.

This film school utilizes cutting-edge Hollywood studio environments, such as theater-like classrooms where 8K projections are shown while editing, and 360-degree immersive labs .

Video production, media technology, game development, and incubation.

It opened in the fall of 2022 and has 1,000 students.

Learn and create in a cutting-edge environment, then go out into Hollywood/the world.

I was blown away by the scale of it.

The director who guided us, Cheryl Isaacs, was a former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

That's the person who decided on the Academy Awards , right ?

This is a university that makes students envious.

"Let's do it together," I said, shaking hands, and my whirlwind inspection came to an end.

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