Two Ministers' Visit
On the 9th of July, the Minister Arima of Education, Science, Sports and Culture visited Kyushu University. When he appeared in front of the 'Faculty Club' restaurant for lunch with President Sugioka, Vice-Presidents Yada and Shibata, and Director-General Watanabe, Kyudai students in the area were surprised to see him but gave him a warm welcome.
After lunch, Minister Arima walked to the Administration Bureau through the Central Park to meet eleven faculty members of our university.
He was shown around the Institute for Fundamental Research in Organic Chemistry by the Director of the institute Professor Aoyama. He asked many questions, as he is a specialist in atomic nucleus theory himself and also a former President of Tokyo University. He left Kyushu University behind shcedule after an enjoyable visit.
Minister Seiichi Ohta, Director-General of Management and Coordination Agency, paid a visit to Kyushu University on 22nd of August. He is a member of the House of Representatives from Fukuoka Prefecture in which kyudai is situated and the head of the Agency which deals with administrative reform and information disclosure, an issue of great relevance to Japanese national universities. He and President Sugioka discussed Kyushu University's current plans for university reform and campus relocation.
Minister Ohta visited a laboratory which is now working on developing the amphibious train 'Marine Express'. Dean Ozaki, Professor Ohta of the Graduate School of Engineering, and Professor Yoshida of the Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, explained the progress of this research and showed him model trains.
As it was Sunday, a few students of Yoshida Lab. could have a chance to meet Minister Ohta, but although it was only a short visit, he enjoyed his time at Kyushu University.
