1008 July 19-Aug 1, 2013 - Metropolis

KANAGAWA SPECIAL
q&a
YUJI KUROIWA
Governor, Kanagawa Prefecture
People say that Kanagawa Prefecture is a
foreigner-friendly region. In what ways do you feel
this is true?
We want foreigners living in or visiting Kanagawa
to become fans of this prefecture, so we established
the Kanagawa International Fan Club (www.
kanafan.jp). Through this site we hope to provide
support to international students and expats
if they come across any problems while living
here. Currently, we have 1,098 members from
63 countries plus 318 support members—both
individuals and groups.
Kanagawa Prefecture is at the forefront of electric
vehicle (EV) usage and solar-power promotion in
Japan. Why and what impact has this had?
I became governor in the hopes of starting an energy
revolution from Kanagawa. I also wanted to help
overcome the energy crisis caused by the nuclear
meltdown after the tragic earthquake of March
11, 2011. Kanagawa has always been a leading
proponent of solar power in Japan. In Kanagawa,
residents can have solar panels installed on their
rooftops at no charge if they lend their power to the
grid—they can also receive rental income in return.
This movement spread nationwide and in 2012
Kanagawa was recognized as the biggest contributor
of solar power in Japan, winning a Solar Award. Over
the years Kanagawa has also been promoting the
spread and use of electric vehicles to fight against
global warming.
What is a key project for Kanagawa?
At the moment, to respond to our aging society.
We are working on a project called Health Care
New Frontier that we hope will serve as a model
for the rest of the world. The project combines two
approaches: one is to make the most of cuttingedge
life science and other advanced technologies.
Two "special zones"—one for life science and one
for robotic industries—would be the focal areas to
pursue this. The other approach is to cure people
while they are in a me-byo ("pre-disease") state
through a healthy diet and exercise.
You have a background in media
and broadcasting. How has this
helped you promote Kanagawa to
the world?
I value the power of the message.
I put myself in other people’s shoes
to figure out the best way to get
my message across to that person.
When I visited the United States
in May, I had many opportunities
to exchange views on healthcare
policy with experts and politicians.
Our Health Care New Frontier
attracted a lot of attention. Some of
these people were very interested
in working with us.
What does the future of Kanagawa
look like?
Due to higher life expectancies and
declining birth rates our society is
aging very quickly. If this continues,
medical costs will increase rapidly
and local-government finances will
not be able to sustain them. By promoting Health Care
New Frontier, we will be able to create a "super-aged"
society with a lot of healthy and energetic people.
I will do my best to fulfill my goal of a “Magnetic
Kanagawa”—an attractive place to pursue health and
happiness.
For Metropolis readers visiting or living in
Kanagawa, what are your favorite suggestions for
them to see, do and try?
Kanagawa is a prefecture known for its rich, clean
water—making it an attractive place to live. Kanagawa’s
seas are especially popular. I recently enjoyed scuba
diving in Jogashima. Kanagawa isn’t famous for
scuba diving, but you would be surprised at the many
beautiful types of fish out here. As well, it is a hot spot
for water sports such as sailing and surfing. You can
also enjoy visiting the army bases, viewing the cities’
illuminated nightscapes and enjoying dinners on
a cruise ship. There are plenty of ways to enjoy
Kanagawa.
If you had a chance to talk to any world leader, who
would you like to talk to and what would you tell
him or her?
I would like to talk to US President Barack Obama.
He would be quite interested to know that the idea
of Kanagawa’s Health Care New Frontier is also
applicable to the US.
What do you like to do during your time off?
Most of the time I go out to watch musicals, ballets
and concerts.
For more of the Metropolis interview with
Governor Kuroiwa with his thoughts on Kanagawa,
his past work—and even his favorite music—visit us
online at: http://meturl.com/kanagawagov.
MEMORIAL SHIP MIKASA Yokosuka Attraction
Menu
Adults ¥400, seniors ¥400, children
(9th grade and below) free.
Published in travel bible the Michelin Green
Guide, this is one of the unmissable historic
sights of Japan. On May 27, 1905 at the Battle
of Tsushima, Admiral Togo commanded Mikasa,
the flagship of Japan’s combined fleet. Togo fought
gallantly to intercept the Russian fleet and set his
nation on the way to a resounding victory in the
Russo-Japanese War. Marking the first time an
Asian country had overpowered a Western power in
the modern era, the war symbolized a seismic shift
in the geopolitical panorama. Touring the battleship,
preserved in its original state, visitors can learn the
background and details of the battle and get to know
the characters involved. Some charming moving
models bring the maneuvers and all aspects of the
battle to life.
82-19 Inaokacho, Yokosuka
046-822-5408
Open daily 9am-5:30pm
Yokosuka-chuo
www.kinenkan-mikasa.
or.jp/en
WEBSITE
10 ● SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION