Dr. Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933) is perhaps best known as the author of Bushido: The Soul of Japan, arguably the single most influential volume on Japan ever published in English. But he is also remembered for his notable achievements in the fields of agriculture, education and world diplomacy. He served as the Under Secretary-General of the League of Nations (1920-1926) and founded the International Committee for Intellectual Cooperation, the forerunner of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). His face is a familiar one in Japan, as for the past two decades it has adorned the JPY5,000 banknote.

"Why Nitobe Now?" will look back at the life of Inazo Nitobe and his wife Mary, and his many achievements, with the aim of seeking lessons that can be applied to the current unstable situation of world and to the recent self-centred, inward-looking trend of Japan.

After opening remarks by Prof. Hans van Ginkel, Rector of UNU, and Ambassador Kazuo Ogoura, President of the Japan Foundation, the first session will feature keynote speeches by Ms. Akiko Minato, President of Tokyo Woman's Christian University; Mr. Katsuhide Kusahara, Vice-President of Takushoku University; and Prof. Okio Hino, Juntendo University School of Medicine and Chief of the Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research. The seminar's second session will be a panel discussion entitled "What Nitobe Means to Me." Simultaneous English-Japanese interpretation will be provided.

The symposium is open to the public, but advance registration is required (by 11 June; send e-mail to nfuaj_dom@unesco.or.jp with your name, address, phone number, and organization). Additional information is available online at http://www.ajiazaidan.org/ english/ forums/19-6-2004/index.html or by contacting Ms. Habert (03-5467-1220, Habert@hq.unu.edu). Media representatives are cordially invited to attend.