This was the six years after the end of the war,

and a lot of new ideas were coming into Japan -- democracy, women's

education. It was a rather exciting time. There were opportunities for graduate

students, but the interesting part of The Rotary Foundation fellowship seemed to

me that you were supposed to be the ambassador going to another country to

build friendship and understanding.

That was rather attractive to me -- to go abroad and study.

It was very exciting.

Americans were generous -- this was the time when America was very confident as

the world leader. I went to many Rotary meetings. I was very happy to be exposed

to this world of organized service. I was learning a new way of life that I

was trying to bring back to Japan.

I don't think I can claim to have chosen a path to service because my service was

very much more in the academic world in the diplomatic world. But if I had not

gone on a Rotary fellowship I would have just stayed in the University.

I think the idea of service may have come in rather naturally

because of my early exposure.

Each person gives something back in a different way.

Rotary Alumni Global Service Award.

This is a great honor and a surprise pleasure.

I would like to thank Rotary because it was great fun being invited to various

places or represented by people of very varied what shall I say professional

coverage, and I learned so much but I have to having been a Rotary fellow.

Arigato. Thank you very much.