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      <title>KGC NEWS</title>
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      <description>Defy Current Common Wisdom, Create Future Common Wisdom</description>
      <language>en</language>
      <copyright>Copyright 2008</copyright>
      <lastBuildDate>Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:04:07 +0900</lastBuildDate>
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            <item>
         <title>Online Salon (Sep 16, 2008)</title>
         <description><![CDATA[The 3rd Online Salon was held at 13:00 (GMT±0) on Sep 16 (Tue), 2008.

==================================================
Note for the salon
(Written by Ms. Hebin Lin, participant of the salon)
==================================================

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General Information
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<b>Guest: Dr. Munehiko SASAJIMA</b>
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Knowledge Systems, ISIR, Osaka Univ., Japan.
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/06/18/munehiko-sasajima/">http://www.zukan.tv/2007/06/18/munehiko-sasajima/</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ei.sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp/members/msasa/index-e.html">http://www.ei.sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp/members/msasa/index-e.html</a>

<b>Facilitator: Dr. Kuniyoshi SHIMIZU</b>
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Forest and Forest Products Sciences, Kyushu Univ., Japan
<a target="_blank" href="http://hyoka.ofc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/search/details/K001655/english.html">http://hyoka.ofc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/search/details/K001655/english.html</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/01/26/kuniyoshi-shimizu/">http://www.zukan.tv/2007/01/26/kuniyoshi-shimizu/</a> (Japanese)

<b>Participants</b>
6 people

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Questions/comments from the participants to Sasajima (guest)
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1)
Question: 
Is "ontology" modeling based on empirical rules and probabilistic methods of human behavior?

Answer:
Yes and no. we can develop based on both empirical rules and probabilistic methods. In that way, it is yes. But it is not the main method. So, it is also no. We are looking at the actual users in the real world. We also borrow the idea from the field of philosophy. In the long term, what elements of this world were concerned is the concern. Currently, in ontology, there are guidelines, but still it is not sure.


2)
Question:
Is it allowed to introduce some irregular (or low probability) tasks intentionally/randomly in the modeling? 

Answer: 
Yes. As I mentioned before, currently there is only guideline. There is not strict rule. I would like to mention that it depends on what application and such introduction is good or not. Currently I apply ontology in analyzing user activity in mobile service. For example, mobile users involved in crimes, they may call for help in low probability. Or people suddenly become sick. In such cases, we should consider these users for low probability actions. To make the usability, we need to introduce such task, even though they are low in probability. Basically, ontology should focus on essential things. If they make the application better, I would suggest. In other cases, it depends on designers.


3)
Question: 
Since it is supposed to be prioritized for high probability tasks, what should be considered in implementing the designs, such as costs and contributional effects?

Answer: 
Interesting question. the first priority is ontology’s potential, and which question should be solved by ontology knowledge. But don’t pay attention to building costs. Many concepts should be modified according to the fields. In education, there are 2000-3000 concepts, in medicine, there are 100,000, in environment, there are about 2000-3000 concepts.


4)
Question: 
How to evaluate the responsibility of the ontology made by people or designers?

Answer:
Frequently asked question. Many ways can be used to evaluate. By testing the usability in real practice, with suggestions we modify our model. In case of sharing ideas, we also consider reasonable comments. In medical field, there is common sense of terminologies, they already share the terms so that they could check by their views and definitions. We can also ask to experts and use their judgements.


5)
Question: 
How about quantitative evaluation? Is it possible?

Answer: 
In some fields, it is possible, for example, in medical field. The numbers of concepts are about 100,000. If to define only 7 terms, then it becomes a quantitative evaluation. Another way is using evaluation software. Such as speed to find the solution. We also evaluated the time to reach appropriate solutions.


6)
Question: 
If so, there is possibility that this modeling will be used for advertising business. It may be abused, though. 

Ansewer: 
We also think so, that it can be used to advertising. If you have a good idea, we would like to listen to. We already model the activity and situations. For train timetable for example, we will tag the information then we could link the needs of the users to this information. Or in newspaper page, if people are looking into travel plans, then we can link such article by looking for the tags. We do have ideas to apply the models for advertisement. Currently, as you know, newspapers are providing services. Sometimes the linked advertisements are relevant but sometimes are not. They may be only for title but not for contents. I think that if we use in a way more semantic, we could connect them more precisely. In search engine optimization (SEO), for those which are not improving usability but only for business, the quality may not be good and it turns out to show the big companies. Our current research project is focusing on designing menu and analysis of user behaviour.


7)
Question: 
Some attractive irregular tasks or actions bring people into a certain direction. That is called “misdirection”, which is a technique of magic. I just imagined that ontology could bring people into a certain direction like a “misdirection” magic. (e.g. advertisements, websites)

Answer: 
It is our idea to direct to proper services. Since we do our research with docomo, we intend to improve the Icon service. If there is misdirection, docomo will lose reputation to the consumers. Services are not organized for the people. We analyze the user situation and user just select through the movement with their intentions (such as shopping).


8)
Question: 
How do you test models you made? Do you provide some websites for users in order to get date from them? Or mainly collaborate with companies?

Answer: 
We first test form the ontology view. For example, whether the definition is correctly defined. Then, we test from the expert view.


9)
Question: 
In what way will ontology change the current situation of the Web and of the world? For example, to the direction to increase the diversity of the world or to make the world more “homogeneous”?

Answer: 
Deep and interesting question. Some people consider their own world, diversity of providing information is not ensured. We are not aiming at homogenous. But we also use concepts and semantics of their world. Even in terms of a simple concept web, there are many understandings. With just text, some people can’t understand expert’s intention. But with contents, expert ideas could be used. For example, for environmental field, if ideas are informed through semantics, I could find out some ideas to contribute by using computers, because the expert ideas and knowledge are provided with contents and meanings and usages.


10)
Question: 
When you list up the problems in your project, maybe you should be careful to list as much as possible. How do you manage to do it?

Answer: 
We use information science to define user behaviour more details. In the beginning we start from abstract phrase. Then we decompose it into smaller size of situations. For these situations, we consider the problematic situations. For more and more problematic situations, we further decompose.


11)
Question: 
Do you list them with a few people or do it alone?

Answer: 
Firstly we list with few people then review it in front of many people.


12)
Question: 
Ontology is based on domain knowledge, how to model the domain knowledge?

Answer: 
There are two types of knowledge, domain knowledge and activity knowledge. First of all, we model activity as tasks but not consider domain contents. Then we model relevant things in the world. Secondly we describe domain things. So that we won’t get lost with domain knowledge since there are many ways to define domain knowledge.


13)
Question: 
Can the ontology modelling add/remove/change the task lists and the task order correspondingly to the place where I am?

Answer: 
Yes. For example, for mobile phone, we can arrange the priority of the task services by referring to the services.


14)
Question:
Do you have any advice on how to use ontology in our daily life?

Answer: 
Usability is not so good right now. I want to help by improving the interface and mobile menu. To list up the problems in daily life, we give some support ideas for that situation. (Idea by Kachi: I think the way of thought is useful for problem finding and solving, something like MECE or some tools developed by consulting firms) For example, we apply to docomo, and people tend to see user activity very easy and don’t care so much definition but sometimes the sharing of ideas is critical.


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Questions from the guest to the participants
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1)
Question: 
What do you expect from the technology of "Ontology?" What do you think would it be used in the future?

Answer:
I think Ontology is very powerful as a method in framing concepts and relations. Apart from the use based on engineering field, I wish it could be more integrated with social science in decision making, such as policy design. It seems to me that there will be potential for Ontology to be favoured by emerging new science or multi-disciplinary research, since it is useful in discovering possible scenarios and risks, and accordingly providing options and paths.

Re-Comment by Sasajima: 
We have several projects and many of them are multidisciplinary research. Those projects are related to academic fields, such as policy making. One project is on sustainability science. People ask for ontology to define which field is related to other fields or other problems or situations. People are sharing their expertises. Visualizing relationships are developed. So people from different fields can discuss and share knowledge and problems. We aim at more people make outputs and share their ideas to make situation better and produce more knowledge. Currently, people are seeking for how to apply ontology to share knowledge. If you are interested in using ontology, please send me email and describe the domain. (Idea by Kachi: Ontology is a good tool to visualize problems in any field.)]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/09/080927.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/09/080927.html</guid>
                  <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category">News</category>
        
        
         <pubDate>Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:04:07 +0900</pubDate>
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            <item>
         <title>Online Salon</title>
         <description><![CDATA[KGC organizes the "Online Salon", where researchers/scientists can meet and talk with other researchers/scientists through the internet.

<img alt="salon_overview.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon_overview.jpg" width="514" height="302" />


===========================
<b>1st salon: July 26, 2008</b>
===========================

<b>Guest</b>
Dr. Kuniyoshi SHIMIZU, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Forest and Forest Products Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan

<img alt="salon_shimizu.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon_shimizu.jpg" width="114" height="142" />


<b>Theme</b>
Interface Among Human and Nature

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon080626_01.jpg"><img alt="salon080626_01.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon080626_01.jpg" width="216" height="270" />
(Click to zoom)</a>


<b>Facilitator</b>
Dr. Taro TEZUKA, Lecturer, College of Information Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Japan

<img alt="salon_tezuka.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon_tezuka.jpg" width="108" height="138" />


<b>Questions/comments from participants</b>

"I guess that the subjects in your experiments are mostly Japanese people. And I guess that Lavender does not come from Japan originally. Therefore, I felt curious why Japanese, who had not known the smell of lavender for thousands of years, are well affected by the smell of lavender. Have you tried the experiment with subjects from other countries?"

"Is there a possibility that there's a special volatile that is very effective for Japanese but not for foreign people?"

"If some smells are found that at first glance does not seem to affect human being but in reality very effective to human (such as the smell of soil or grass, I guess?), it would be more interesting."

"I've also read in some aromatic article that says there is significant differences for the favarable smells between male and female, so it should be attributed to physical matter."

"There are some people who "eat" soil. That might be a good reference when thinking about the relationship between the soil and human."

"Which is more effective for vigilance, taste or smell? And which is more effective for vigilance, "smell from air (=from outside)" or "smell from mouth (= from inside)"?"


===========================
<b>2nd salon: Aug 18, 2008</b>
===========================

<b>Guest</b>
Dr. Masanori ONISHI, Post-doctoral, Graduate School on Human and Environmental Studies,  Kyoto University, Japan

<img alt="salon_onishi.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon_onishi.jpg" width="102" height="136" />


<b> Theme</b>
Atomospheric Observation to Solve Environmental Problems
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2008/03/28/masanori-onishi/">See the guest's interview video</a>


<b>Facilitator</b>
Dr. Masakazu YOSHIDA, the Researcher Zukan interviewer, freelance computer engineer

<img alt="salon_yoshida.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon_yoshida.jpg" width="108" height="138" />


<b>Questions/comments from participants</b>

"What kind of problem can be solved by your research?"

"Is there any other researchers who is studying similar research topics as you?"

"You've been working on sky colors in daytime. Can your method be applied to the night sky, for example when the moon is bright?"

"I thought photographers may find values in sky colors. Is it possible to predict whether the sky color would be vivid or not today, using your data?"

"Is it possible to transfer data got from general digital cameras to the format of this device?"

"I think the color of sky is related to feeling, emotion of human. How do you think about the relationship between the color of sky and feeling of human?"

"Is it possible to compare sky color data and emotion data?  If it's done. it would be very original research!"


===========================
<b>3rd salon: Sep 16, 2008</b>
===========================

Coming soon

<!--
<b>Guest: Dr. Munehiko SASAJIMA, Assistant Professor of Dept. of Knowledge Systems, ISIR, Osaka Univ., Japan
<img alt="salon_sasajima.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon_sasajima.jpg" width="101" height="144" />

Facilitator:Dr. Kuniyoshi SHIMIZU, Assistant Professor of Dept. of Forest and Forest Products Sciences, Kyushu Univ., Japan
<img alt="salon_shimizu.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/salon_shimizu.jpg" width="114" height="142" />

-->]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/09/online_salon.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/09/online_salon.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:37:39 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>&quot;Career Development&quot; Study Group</title>
         <description><![CDATA[Since December 2007, KGC has been supporting the "Career Development" Study Group.

In this study group, various professionals in university, college, highschool and educational NPO discuss and study how the career development program for young people in the 21st century.

<b>KGC's support:</b>
- Advising how to organize a workshop
- Selecting guest speakers for the workshop
- Facilitating discussion


<b>"Career Development" Study Group (Japanese):</b>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.13hw.com/worklab/index.html">http://www.13hw.com/worklab/index.html</a>


<b>Published news:</b>
1) NIKKEI (Japanese)
<a href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/nikkei080722.pdf">Read the article (PDF)</a>

2) JAPAN EDUCATIONAL PRESS (Japanese)
<a href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/nikyo080714.pdf">Read the article (PDF)</a>


<b>Past Workshop</b>
1st workshop: March 1, 2008
  Guest: Mr. Yoshinori Sugimoto, Division of career guidance, Teshima highschool, Odaka, Japan

2nd workshop: May 17, 2008
  Guest: Mr. Takahiro Shimomura, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan

3rd workshop: July 12, 2008
  Guest: Mr. Tadayoshi Yoshida, Career class teacher, Kansai Univ Hokuyo highschool, Osaka, Japan


<b>Pictures</b>

<img alt="080712shigoto01.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080712shigoto01.jpg" width="360" height="270" />
Workshop overview


<img alt="080517shigoto001.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080517shigoto001.jpg" width="360" height="270" />
Mr. Shirota, President of Wada junior highschool, Japan
(Former chief editor of <a href="http://www.13hw.com">a website for career development</a>)


<img alt="080517shigoto003.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080517shigoto003.jpg" width="360" height="270" />
Mr. Yagi, Producer of ASPECT, Japan


<img alt="080517shigoto018.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080517shigoto018.jpg" width="360" height="270" />
Study tour of a career college


<img alt="080517shigoto027.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080517shigoto027.jpg" width="360" height="270" />
Discussion


<img alt="080712shigoto09.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080712shigoto09.jpg" width="360" height="270" />
Informal discussion after the study group]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/07/080725.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/07/080725.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:20:11 +0900</pubDate>
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            <item>
         <title>&quot;New Kansai Vison&quot; Study Group</title>
         <description><![CDATA[On May 22, Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren) started "New Kansai Vison" Study Group with the support of KGC.

In this Study Group, various leaders in academia, industry, and government discuss the future of Kansai.

<b>KGC's support:</b>
- Advising how to make vison
- Selecting the members
- Facilitating the discussion

<b>Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren):</b>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kankeiren.or.jp/English/">http://www.kankeiren.or.jp/English/</a>

<b>Published news:</b>
1) YOMIURI (Japanese)
<a target="_blank" href="http://osaka.yomiuri.co.jp/eco_news/20080522ke02.htm">http://osaka.yomiuri.co.jp/eco_news/20080522ke02.htm</a>
2) NIKKAN KOGYO (Japanese)
<a target="_blank" href="http://robonable.typepad.jp/news/2008/05/20080522-13f7.html">http://robonable.typepad.jp/news/2008/05/20080522-13f7.html</a>
3) NIKKEI
4) ASAHI]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/05/080522.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/05/080522.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 08:17:50 +0900</pubDate>
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            <item>
         <title>&quot;Environmental Model City&quot; Study Group</title>
         <description><![CDATA[On March 15 (Sat) and 31 (Mon), the "Environmental Model City Study Group" was held in a Machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) in Kyoto.

"Environmental Model City" is one of the Japanese government's project with the objective of reducing greenhouse gases.

In the project, the government selects cities which address the issues of greenhouse gases emission from all over the country and support them.

Kyoto city, where the Kyoto Protocol was contracted in 1997, is also standing as a candidate of Environmental Model City. The purpose of this study group is to discuss a Kyoto city's plan for the project, which will deny current common wisdom and impress the whole world.

Hear are those who participated in this study group.

<b>Client:</b>
Mr. Motoki YAMAZAKI, 
Deputy mayer of Kyoto City

<b>Other participants:</b>
- Producer of new mobility management in Kyoto
- Solar energy generation engineer who contributed to PC revolution in 20th century
- Researcher who suggests research project focusing on 100 years out
- Researcher who deals with infrastructure design based on system methodology
- CEO of IT company which has one of the largest online community in Japan
- Robot creator whose work has been introduced by TIME
- Producer of famous proficiency test that has 2.6 million examees
and etc.

<b>Presentation:</b>
First of all, Mr. Yamazaki made a presentation about the planning of environmantal model in Kyoto city. And then each participant brought out her/his own point of view toward the environment of Kyoto city.


<img alt="030315env_kyoto002.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary/030315env_kyoto002.jpg" width="360" height="270" />
<font color="#999999">Mr. Yamazaki</font>


<b>Discussion:</b>
After Mr. Yamazaki's presentation, sun-like burning discussion has been started.

Here are snapshots of the discussion.


"Reducing CO2 is only finagle and temporary measure"
"Do not rely on fossile fuel of which must run out"
"The idea of emission trading came from western thought. Why don't we Japanese think different from Buddhist view"
"It took 1000 years for us to make agriculture sustainable"
"Industrial revolution has not complete yet"
"Old and/or poorly maintained trees do not absorb CO2, while young trees do well"
"If Kyoto city has some bycycle-friendly roads, more people use bicycles instead of cars"</b>


<img alt="080315env_kyoto010.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080315env_kyoto010.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<img alt="080315env_kyoto005.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080315env_kyoto005.jpg" width="360" height="270" />


"Using cars is just like hard-to-quit habit, such as drinking"
"Toyota is producing passenger car of good design.  Why not bus??"
"Never allow the cars under 5 million$ to run in Kyoto city"
"Human of 75kg rides a car of 1.5t,  How unethical!"


<img alt="080315env_kyoto004.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080315env_kyoto004.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<img alt="080315env_kyoto012.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080315env_kyoto012.jpg" width="360" height="270" />


"Kyoto has 1200-year history. But next 1200 years never come if nothing is done"
"Use the culture of 'Kamado-kin (furnace money)', where people make a donation according to the number of furnace they have"
"People in Kyoto don't deny new things. They just leave them"
"Kyoto has climate of think new things as cool"
"Only Kyoto city can deny Kyoto Protocol"</b>


<img alt="080315env_kyoto003.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080315env_kyoto003.jpg" width="360" height="270" />


"The idea of eco will never spread as long as it is just to force people to be tolerable"
"Eco should be cool and beyond people's reach"
"Kyoto to support Innovator and Early adapter"
"Think in long term, act in short term"</b>


<img alt="080331env_kyoto013.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080331env_kyoto013.jpg" width="360" height="270" />



In the future, Kyoto city will consider the concept of Kyoto's environmental model taking this discussion in consideration.

Don't take your eyes off Kyoto city!!]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/04/080421.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/04/080421.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:24:34 +0900</pubDate>
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            <item>
         <title>&quot;Stimulation of the Chugoku economy&quot; Study Group</title>
         <description><![CDATA[On Feb 19 and Mar 4, KGC produced "Stimulation of the Chugoku economy" Study Group for METI-Chugoku, Japan.

<b>Client:</b>
Mr. Sadahiro SUGITA
Director-General, Chugoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, METI, Japan
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.chugoku.meti.go.jp/english-hp/index.htm">http://www.chugoku.meti.go.jp/english-hp/index.htm</a>

In this Study Group, various leaders in academia, industry, and government discuss <b>how to stimulate economic activity in Chugoku area, in Japan, by utilizing local resources</b>.

<b>KGC's support:</b>
-Clarifing the core issue
-Selecting the members
-Facilitating the discussion

<b>1st study group on Feb 19:</b>
At Fukuyama New Castle Hotel in Fukuyama, Japan

<img alt="fuchu01.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080304fuchu01.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<img alt="fuchu02.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080304fuchu02.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<b>2nd study group on Mar 4:</b>
At Koishiki in Fuchu, Japan
(Japanese)<a target="_blank" href"http://www.koishiki.com/">http://www.koishiki.com/</a>

<img alt="fuchu03.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080304fuchu03.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<img alt="fuchu04.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080304fuchu04.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<img alt="fuchu05.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080304fuchu05.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<img alt="fuchu06.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/080304fuchu06.jpg" width="360" height="270" />]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/03/080304.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/03/080304.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:11:18 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Researcher Zukan Has Restarted Broadcasting</title>
         <description><![CDATA[The Researcher Zukan, which stopped updating interview movies from Oct 2007, has restarted.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/">See new Researcher Zukan</a>

We developed a new interview-taking system.  In the new Researcher Zukan, a number of interviewers who live in various areas/countries in the world conduct an interview with researchers.

With this system, we will deliver interviews with researchers of ALL OVER THE  WORLD, which we couldn't until Oct 2007, and will promote collaborations between researchers on a global level.

Currently, it is difficult to deliver interviews every day as before Oct 2007 because of the lack of interviewers and other resources.  But in the future, we will increase frequency of update by recruiting more interviewers.

Under the support of the legendary interviewer "Mr. Nipio" who has taken 300 interviews until Oct 2007, the Researcher Zukan evolves day by day.  Please enjoy it!!

P.S.
We are always looking for new interviewers.  For more information, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/about/recruit">see this page</a>.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/01/080127.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2008/01/080127.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 15:31:23 +0900</pubDate>
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            <item>
         <title>Year-End Party 2007</title>
         <description><![CDATA[On Dec 26 (Wed), we hold a year-end party in a Machiya building that is not open to the public.  More than 40 people including scientists and business entrepreneurs got together and talked to seek for a possibility of collaboration with other participants.


Before party, the floor had already packed.

<embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=3609398022936079385&hl=en" flashvars=""> </embed>


At the biginning of the party, participants made a short self-introduction.  Each person talked about "What she/he will do in the future" and called for other participants's help to carry out it.

<img alt="071226bounenkai001.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/071226bounenkai001.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<img alt="071226bounenkai020.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/071226bounenkai020.jpg" width="360" height="270" />

<img alt="071226bounenkai035.jpg" src="http://www.npo-kgc.net/img/071226bounenkai035.jpg" width="360" height="270" />


After self introduction, participants talked freely with the participant she/he had interest to.

<embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=6035764912414218690&hl=en" flashvars=""> </embed>

We hope this party will be an opportunity of a new collaboration in next year!!]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/12/yearend_party_2007.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/12/yearend_party_2007.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:48:20 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>KGC is Looking for Internships</title>
         <description><![CDATA[KGC is accepting young people who are willing to be a researcher or a research producer as internships.  Although there is no financial aid in principle, we provide you an opportunity where you will take part in creating future common wisdom and get various skills to do that.


=====================
TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS
=====================

---------------------------------------------
1) INTERVIEW-BASED RESEARCH STAFF
---------------------------------------------
OVERVIEW:
KGC conducts interviews to researchers who has been notified through "Wanted By the KGC (http://www.npo-kgc.or.jp/wanted.html)" and so on, and introduce them research partners or sponsors.

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION:
1. Adjust schedule of interview with researchers.
2. Accompany the interview and take records of the interview.
3. Search research partners and sponsors for the researcher.

BENEFITS YOU WILL RECEIVE:
1. Opportunities to meet various fields of researchers.
2. Skills to take interview and taking records.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Those who are 16-30 years of age and willing to be a researcher or research producer. 
2. Any nationality, sex are acceptable.  No experience required.
3. Internship period is 3 months, 20 hours or more per week.
4. Working flextime and at home is allowed except accompanying with interview.  Meeting and other works will be done online.

NUMBER OF INTERNSHIPS:
3 people


---------------------------------------------
2) SALON STAFF
---------------------------------------------
OVERVIEW:
KGC organizes salons such as MOBILE SALON, where university researchers and industry engineers can discuss and interact freely.

WORK DESCRIPTION:
1. Plan a new salon program other than MOBILE SALON.
2. Adjust salon schedule.
3. Help manage the salon and take records of the salon.

BENEFITS YOU WILL RECEIVE:
1. Opportunities to meet various fields of university researchers and industry engineers.
2. Facilitation skills of the salon.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Those who are 16-30 years of age and willing to be a researcher or research producer. 
2. Any nationality, sex are acceptable.  No experience required.
3. Internship period is 3 months, 20 hours or more per week.
4. Working flextime and at home is allowed except the day of salon.  Meeting and other works will be done mainly online.

NUMBER OF INTERNSHIPS:
3 people


---------------------------------------------
3) RESEARCHER ZUKAN STAFF
---------------------------------------------
OVERVIEW:
KGC operates Researcher Zukan (http://www.zukan.tv), that delivers interview videos with researchers from various fields and various areas of the world to promote collaborations between researchers.

WORK DESCRIPTION:
1. Manage interviewers in various areas of the world.
2. Manage interviewees (researchers)in various areas of the world.
3. Plan a new contents of the Zukan website that utilize past interview archives.

BENEFITS YOU WILL RECEIVE:
1. Opportunities to plan and create program contents.
2. Skills to plan and create program contents.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Those who are 16-30 years of age and willing to be a researcher or research producer. 
2. Any nationality, sex are acceptable.  No experience required.
3. Internship period is 3 months, 20 hours or more per week.
4. Working flextime and at home is allowed.  Meeting and other works will be done mainly online.

NUMBER OF INTERNSHIPS:
3 people


=============================
HOW TO APPLY
=============================
Please send e-mail to <a href="mailto:info@npo-kgc.or.jp><strong id="r">HERE</strong></a> with your name and telephone number (mobile phone is preferable) until <b>Nov 30 (Fri) 18:00</b>.  HR manager will contact with you in a few days after your application.

Internships are reviewed and selected based on a document and interviews.  Detail are announced to the applicants after your application.  We are looking forward to hearing from you.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/11/071124.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/11/071124.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2007 11:57:38 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Researcher Zukan&apos;s new content</title>
         <description><![CDATA[Researcher Zukan project has launched a new content, "<b>Zukan Weekly News</b>".
URL: http://www.zukan.tv/

In this content, we introduce daily news of the world together with RESEARCHER'S INTERVIEWS.

You will get deep insight for the news by checking the researcher's interviews related to it.  Please don't miss it!!


Past Archives:

----------------------------------------------------
[Nov 7, 2007, from BBC News]
PS3 for distributed computing
----------------------------------------------------

A project that uses the spare processing power of Sony’s PlayStation 3 (PS3) has started to help examine protein folding and how it maybe linked to diseases.
<a target="_blank" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7074547.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7074547.stm</a>

* Related interviews *
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2006/12/10/morikazu-nakanura/">Morikazu NAKAMURA, University of the Ryukyus</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/02/08/takahiro-koita/">Takahiro KOITA, Doshisha University</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/09/25/tadashi-kamiyama/">Tadashi KAMIYAMA, Kinki University</a>


----------------------------------------------------
[Nov 10, 2007, from Science News]
Children who tell good stories do well in mathematics
----------------------------------------------------

Children who tell sophisticated stories that include many different perspectives do better in math than those who stick to one simple perspective.
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20071110/mathtrek.asp">http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20071110/mathtrek.asp</a>

* Related interviews *
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/01/11/shizuo-kaji/">Shizuo KAJI, Kyoto University</a>
 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/05/04/shosaku-tanaka/">Shosaku TANAKA, Ritsumeikan University</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/09/14/takashi-aoki/">Takashi AOKI, Kinki University</a>


----------------------------------------------------
[Nov 13, 2007, from CNN News]
X-Men and Fantastic Four are on the web
----------------------------------------------------

Marvel is puts some of its older comics on the web, hoping to reintroduce the X-Men and Fantastic Four to young people. The comics can only be viewed in a web browser and can not be downloaded.
<a target="_blank" href="http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/11/13/comics.online.ap/index.html">http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/11/13/comics.online.ap/index.html</a>

* Related interviews *
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/02/14/akihiko-ieshima/">Akihiko IESHIMA, Kyoto University</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/04/14/toru-kikuchi/">Toru KIKUCHI, Kobe University</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/07/01/jaqueline-berndt/">Jaqueline BERNDT, Yokohama National University</a>


----------------------------------------------------
[Nov 14, 2007, from BBC News]
Delhi's air quality is getting worse
----------------------------------------------------

A prominent environmental group says urgent measure to clean up the air in India's capital, Delhi.  According to them, it will heighten a risk of respiratory illness.
<a target="_blank" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7094334.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7094334.stm</a>

* Related interviews *
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/02/27/mitsutaka-matsumoto/">Mitsutaka MATSUMOTO, AIST</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/03/30/misako-kanno/">Misako KANNO, National Museum of Ethnology</a>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zukan.tv/2007/05/23/chiharu-tokoro/">Chiharu TOKORO, Waseda University</a>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/11/071120.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/11/071120.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:29:38 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>MOBILE SALON in NAGOYA on Oct 30 (Tue)</title>
         <description><![CDATA[YUZO SHIBATA, President of KGC, is going to hold a <b>"MOBILE SALON" in "Nagoya University Higashiyama Campus" on Oct 30 (Tue)</b>.
Feel free to join us !!

# What is "MOBILE SALON" ?
An opportunity for several people of various backgrounds to meet and talk about future.  A staff of KGC hosts this MOBILE SALON anywhere on  the earth.

# Who can participate ?
Anyone who is creating future, trying to creating future, or willing to support such people is welcomed.
 -Any occupation, age or nationality are acceptable.
 -Japanese language is acceptable.

# Archives
  http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/04/_in.html
  http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/05/post_36.html
  http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/05/5131213.html
  http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary/2007/06/070606.html


------------------------------------------------
<b>Date: Oct 30 (Tue) 2007, 12:15 - 13:45</b>
------------------------------------------------

<b>Host:</b>
YUZO SHIBATA, President of KGC

<b>Detail:</b>
Participants talk about "WHAT I DO" and "WHAT I WILL DO" each other  over lunch to promote collaboration between participants.
# Preparation of presentation is not necessary.

<b>Place:</b>
A restaurant near Nagoya University Higashiyama Campus
http://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/index3s-4.html

<b>Number of people:</b>
About 5

<b>Participation fees:</b>
About 1000 yen (as drinking and eating fee)

<b>How to participate ?</b>
Please send e-mail to <a href="mailto:info@npo-kgc.or.jp"><b>HERE</b></a> with your name and telephone number (mobile phone is preferable) <b>until Oct 28 (Sun) 18:00</b>.
# Japanese language is acceptable.
# The place will be told from the host.
# First come, first served if applicants are many.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/10/071024.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/10/071024.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:06:18 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>MOBILE SALON in SENDAI on Oct 9 (Tue)</title>
         <description><![CDATA[YUZO SHIBATA, President of KGC, is going to hold a "MOBILE SALON" in  "SENDAI" on Oct 9 (Tue).
Feel free to join us !!

# What is "MOBILE SALON" ?
An opportunity for several people of various backgrounds to meet and talk about future. A staff of KGC hosts this MOBILE SALON anywhere on the earth.

# Who can participate ?
Anyone who is creating future, trying to creating future, or willing to support such people is welcomed.
 -Any occupation, age or nationality are acceptable.
 -Japanese language is acceptable.

# Archives
  http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/04/_in.html
  http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/05/post_36.html
  http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/05/5131213.html
  http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary/2007/06/070606.html


------------------------------------------------
Date: Oct 9 (Tue)  2007, 19:30 - 21:00
------------------------------------------------

<b>Host:</b>
YUZO SHIBATA, President of KGC

<b>Detail:</b>
Participants talk about "WHAT I DO" and "WHAT I WILL DO" each other over lunch to promote collaboration between participants.
# Preparation of presentation is not necessary.

<b>Place:</b>
A restaurant near SENDAI station

<b>Number of people:</b>
About 5

<b>Participation fees:</b>
About 2000 yen (as drinking and eating fee)

<b>How to participate ?</b>
Please send e-mail to <a href="mailto:info@npo-kgc.or.jp"><b>HERE</b></a> with your name and telephone number (mobile phone is preferable) until <b>Oct 7 (Sun) 18:00 a.m.</b>.
# Japanese language is acceptable.
# The place will be told from the host.
# First come, first served if applicants are many.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/09/070927.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/09/070927.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:14:09 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>MOBILE SALON in KYOTO on Oct 6 (Sat)</title>
         <description><![CDATA[YUZO SHIBATA, President of KGC, is going to hold a "MOBILE SALON" in "KYOTO" on Oct 6 (Sat).
Feel free to join us !!

# What is "MOBILE SALON" ?
An opportunity for several people of various backgrounds to meet and talk about future.  A staff of KGC hosts this MOBILE SALON anywhere on the earth.

# Who can participate ?
Anyone who is creating future, trying to creating future, or willing  to support such people is welcomed.
 -Any occupation, age or nationality are acceptable.
 -Japanese language is acceptable.

# Archives
  <a target="_blank" href="http://innovation.nikkeibp.co.jp/etb/20070726-00.html">In Kyoto, published on Nikkei BP</a>
  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/04/_in.html">In Kyoto & Tokyo, Japan</a>
  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/05/post_36.html">In Sendai, Japan</a>
  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/05/5131213.html">In Tokyo, Japan
  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary/2007/06/070606.html">In Osaka, Japan</a>


------------------------------------------------
Date: Oct 6 (Sat)  2007, 11:30 - 13:00
------------------------------------------------

<b>Host:</b>
YUZO SHIBATA, President of KGC

<b>Detail:</b>
Participants talk about "WHAT THEY DO" and "WHAT THEY WILL DO" each  other over lunch to promote collaboration between participants.
# Preparation of presentation is not necessary.

<b>Place:</b>
A coffee shop in (or near) COCON KARASUMA
http://www.coconkarasuma.com/

<b>Number of people:</b>
About 5

<b>Participation fees:</b>
About 1000 yen (as drinking and eating fee)

<b>How to participate ?</b>
Please send e-mail to <a href="mailto:info@npo-kgc.or.jp"><b>HERE</b></a> with your name and telephone number (mobile phone is preferable) <b>until Oct 4 (Thu)  18:00 a.m.</b>.
# Japanese language is acceptable.
# The place will be told from the host.
# First come, first served if applicants are many.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/09/070926.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/09/070926.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:17:31 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>MOBILE SALON in Nagoya on Sep 19 (Wed)</title>
         <description><![CDATA[YUZO SHIBATA, President of KGC, is going to hold a <b>"MOBILE SALON" in  "Nagoya University Higashiyama Campus" on Sep 19 (Wed)</b>.
Feel free to join us !!

# What is "MOBILE SALON" ?
An opportunity for several people of various backgrounds to meet and  talk about future. A staff of KGC hosts this MOBILE SALON anywhere on  the earth.

# Who can participate ?
Anyone who is creating future, trying to creating future, or willing  to support such people is welcomed.
 -Any occupation, age or nationality are acceptable.
 -Japanese language is acceptable.

# Archives
  <a target="_blank" href="http://innovation.nikkeibp.co.jp/etb/20070726-00.html">In Kyoto, published on Nikkei BP</a>
  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/04/_in.html">In Kyoto & Tokyo, Japan</a>
  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/05/post_36.html">In Sendai, Japan</a>
  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary_old/2007/05/5131213.html">In Tokyo, Japan
  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npo-kgc.net/diary/2007/06/070606.html">In Osaka, Japan</a>


------------------------------------------------
Date: Sep 19 (Wed) 2007, 18:30 - 20:00
------------------------------------------------

<b>Host</b>:
YUZO SHIBATA, President of KGC

<b>Detail</b>:
Participants talk about "<b>WHAT THEY DO</b>" and "<b>WHAT THEY WILL DO</b>" each other over lunch to promote collaboration between participants.
# Preparation of presentation is not necessary.

<b>Place</b>:
A restaurant near Nagoya University Higashiyama Campus
http://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/index3s-4.html

<b>Number of people</b>:
About 5

<b>Participation fees</b>:
About 1000 yen (as drinking and eating fee)

<b>How to participate ?</b>
Please send e-mail to <a href="mailto:info@npo-kgc.or.jp"><b>HERE</b></a> with your name and telephone number (mobile phone is preferable) <b>until Sep 19 (Wed) 12:00 a.m.</b>.
# Japanese language is acceptable.
# The place will be told from the host.
# First come, first served if applicants are many.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/09/070917.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/09/070917.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:14:21 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>KGC is looking for interviewers for Researcher Zukan!</title>
         <description><![CDATA[At KGC we are now compiling a "<b>Researcher Zukan</b>", in which we interview one researcher per day. Our aim in doing so is to encourage researchers in different fields to keep in contact with and help each other.


<a target="_blank" href="http://zukan.tv/">Website: http://zukan.tv/</a>


Until now KGC employee Mr. Nishio has been working alone, but now, in order to make KGC more international, he is recruiting <b>volunteer interviewers</b> all over the world (transport expenses will be covered).

This is an excellent opportunity to speak directly to researchers with whom you wouldn't normally be able to meet.

We do not mind if you have no interviewing experience! In addition, we will provide you with a free manual containing advice and tips from Mr Nishio! What are you waiting for - apply today!

Furthermore, for the Researcher Zukan, we are also recruiting <b>long-term staff</b>. The only requirements are that you speak both English and Japanese, or that you can assist in maintaining our homepage. We are waiting for your application!


<b>[Types of jobs]</b>

1. Interviewer (a few)
- conduction an interview to researchers all over the world.
- Interview is conducted in English.
- English skill (daily conversation) is required.

2. Web director (a few)
- operation of a website "Researcher Zukan" (http://zukan.tv/).
- Basic skill of HTML and CSS is required.

3. General secretary (a few)
- Making an appointment to researcher.
- Consulting the strategy of Researcher Zukan.
- English skill (daily conversation) is required.


<b>[Types of employment]</b>

1. Interviewer
- Volunteer (Provide a transportation allowance)
- Any occupation, age or nationality are acceptable.

2. Web director
- Part time, hourly wage of 8.60 USD
- Any occupation, age or nationality are acceptable.


<b>[How to apply]</b>

Please send an Email to <a href="mailto:info@zukan.tv"><b>HERE</b></a> with your name and telephone number. HR manager will get contact with you in a few days after your application.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/09/070903.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.npo-kgc.net/2007/09/070903.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:15:04 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
      
   </channel>
</rss>
