Each student was invited onto the stage to ask Professor Fujisaki a question
The first meeting of the series Discuss with Ambassadors was held on April 9 in the Auditorium in Building 10. This series is a one-to-one dialogue type program that aims at giving students at Sophia the opportunity to communicate freely with the people involved in the frontline diplomacy.
Professor Ichiro Fujisaki, who is currently Distinguished Visiting Professor at Sophia University is the coordinator of this fresh attempt and will serve as a moderator in each talk event of the series. Professor Fujisaki has been Japanese Ambassador to the United States from 2008 to 2012. This program will invite ambassadors to Japan and diplomats from all over the world to talk with students and give answers to their questions about foreign policy issues.
The first ambassador to kick off the series was Professor Fujisaki. His two graduate students were the moderators of the event. About 220 students ranging from freshmen to graduate students gathered to seize the chance to have a one-to-one talk with former Ambassador Fujisaki. There were so many students who raised their hands to ask him questions on such issues as Japanese foreign policy and territorial disputes. Professor Fujisaki answered them with clarity as seen in the light of his whole past experience as a diplomat, planner of international strategies, and chief negotiator of various agreements with foreign countries. Students’ enthusiastic participation made the event a smashing success.
The series Discuss with Ambassadors will be held on a regular schedule through 2013. If you are students, please check the campus bulletin board to find out how to register.
