2011 Fellowship Program

I see the condition of the world today as consisting of conflict between the differentnational egoisms. The Club of Rome has identified three crises that endanger the future ofmankind: lack of energy, lack of food supplies, and burgeoning world population. Unlessmankind learns to overcome these crises, there will be no lasting peace. The truth of thestatement is undeniable, but in the conflict of national egoisms that surround us today, theroad to peace is still a long one. Therefore we are called upon to do more than stand asidefrom the current of history.In order for Japan to co-exist peacefully with the other nations of the world, and tofacilitate the tasks that await our young people in the 21st century, we are now trying toprepare a forum for Japan's international activities. In this way, I believe we will be able toopen up a path to the future that will preserve our nation and mankind.Following the tragic experience of the Second World War, Japan firmly resolved to rejectall attempts to enhance national prestige by force of arms and instead to follow a policy ofpeaceful reconstruction as an industrial nation. More than thirty years have passed sincethen, and it is now a fact that considerable friction has arisen between Japan and severalforeign countries, especially in the fields of trade and economics.We Japanese are now making earnest efforts to face up to this problem and are studyinghow to open a path to peace and prosperity on the basis of mutual understanding. My searchfor enduring peace and friendship among all nations of the world, and for an effective reminderof the path to which-we, as a peaceful nation, are committed, led to the decision to create thisFoundation.As will be clear from the statement of the purpose of the Foundation, I hope to invite activeyoung research workers of outstanding character, without regard to sex, race, religion, ideologyor nationality, to Japan. By deepening their understanding of Japan, and establishing links oftrust and friendship, I seek to make a real contribution to permanent peace throughout theworld. I shall therefore welcome from toe bottom of my heart applications from promisingyoung men and women who sympathize with our aims and wish to undertake research inJapan.At this point let me acknowledge the deep impression made upon me at the time of theestablishment of this Foundation by the inspiring ideals and practice of the Alexander vonHumboldt Foundation, which operates under the sponsorship of the Federal Republic ofGermany, and the far-reaching influence it has exerted. I would like to take this opportunity toexpress my deep gratitude and at the same time to say that I intend to make every effort toaccomplish the purpose and mission of the Foundation.June 1979Founder Dr. Shigeyoshi MATSUMAE(1901-1991)

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