Message from Head Director
Takaaki Koyatsu
Head Director
Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835-1901, the founder of Keio University, Tokyo) once said,"Heaven doesn't give wealth and honor to a man but gives them to his effort."
Since ancient times, families and people in general have worked hard together, in wisdom, refining skills to improve their life.
Furthermore, with the intention of contributing to the whole of society and all mankind,
they have strived after a logical construction of knowledge, development and application of high technology then planned the manufacture of objects,
environmental improvements and creative production.
I believe the 1st stage of human progress had focused on building up society by labor and love,
and in the following stage, they began trying to build up humanity and social nature,
listening to their inner voice calling for the true wealth for themselves and all society.
In this context, I'm proud that CIST puts emphasis on education and research in "Photonics Science Technology" which leads the future society,
and that CIST claims "Reflux flow of human knowledge" and "Cultivation of Character" as its school spirit, and has strived for their attainment.
The new century is the era of "Light".
Taking, for instance, the fields of energy, information and communications,
the spread of solar energy and fiber optics reminds us that the major emphasis of science technology has been shifted from electronics to photonics.
It also matches the harmonic coexistence of all human beings and all creation.
This technology will be put to practical use in medical and welfare fields more actively and ingeniously in the future.
I would like to show my heartfelt tribute to all concerned in founding and managing CIST,
the former Head Director, who saw far ahead the promising future, and to the city of Chitose,
other universities, and many enterprises that provided a lot of great support with sagacious vision.
And now, they say "Something important shall be determined not by a man's will but Heaven's will.
Once in a while, Heaven meets universal human wishes. "
In my case, never had I expected to be Head Director and I never flatter myself to think that I gained unanimous approval by all concerned,
so I shall continue to be unpretentious in mind hereafter.
I'm sure that my duty is to endeavor wholeheartedly to preserve and progress CIST never forgetting its early resolutions.
Though management of universities has been difficult because of the declining birthrate,
what is more important for all of us engaged in education, research and management is to implement faithfully all that we can do collaboratively for ourselves,
others, the universities and this society rather than concerning ourselves with what the schools can do for us.
Based on this policy, I'd like to listen to a variety of opinions, and to maintain an attitude of attention, consideration, training and acceptance.
I'd like to thank you all again and ask all concerned, including the former Head Director, for their continuous support and encouragement in the future.
September 1, 2005
