Policy for Future Construction of the Kansai Science City (Report)
- Second Stage Plan -
Text (1. Introduction)
1. Introduction
The need to overcome crises relating to the survival of mankind became clear starting with the "Limits of Growth" of the Club of Rome in the 1970's. Under these circumstances, the "Kansai Science City Study Committee (Okuda Committee) was founded in 1978. Construction of a science city was proposed based on suggestions resulting from serious discussions concerning the direction to be taken by scientific research and direction of community creation in a new age. Based on those proposals, together with the construction of this city proceeding favorably, including the construction of the International Institute for Advanced Studies and the Keihanna Interaction Plaza, following enactment of the "Kansai Science City Construction Act, and based on the cooperation among the industrial, academic and government sectors over the course of the 18 years that have passed since that time, various activities have been deployed to the extent that the current city gives the impression of being a world apart from the initial phase of construction.
In this manner, although the construction of this science city can be said to have entered a new stage (namely, the second stage), the activities of this city have just begun, and numerous topics still remain when compared with the initial conception. In addition, during the time that has elapsed, global environmental issues have become serious to an extent that are intimately related with the survival of mankind, and the end of the cold war is causing intensification of civil disputes and other problems that are even more difficult to solve. Here in Japan, on the other hand, serious social problems are arising despite the affluent economy, including a lack of respect for Japanese culture, the devastation of spiritual culture and the transition towards a mature society. Efforts in not only the area of natural science, but also in the areas of culture and social science will be necessary to solve these problems, and broad-based efforts encompassing all factors, including the state of culture, will be required to make significant progress. It is for this reason that the role of this city as a science city crowned with culture can be truly said to be increasingly important.
As the door to the 21st century stands open before us, amidst the trend towards uni-polar, concentrated land structure to multi-polar, dispersed land structure, it is necessary to further advance this Kansai Science City by taking advantage of the characteristics of the Kansai region such as the demonstration of foresight, accumulation of Japanese culture and its history of exchange with Asia. As a result, solving numerous problems including human issues, seeking out the ideal state of a new civilization properly compatible with nature and the essence of human beings based on exchange between the unique culture of Japan and the different cultures around the world, and obtaining the respect of countries across the globe through contributing to the peace and prosperity of mankind should be the path Japan should follow as a country that has developed into a leader of the global economy.
Based on these circumstances, an inquiry was made to this promotion committee by the Director-General of the Metropolitan Areas Development Bureau of the National Land Agency in October 1994 regarding future policies for promoting construction of the Kansai Science City. In response to this inquiry, this committee conducted repeated studies in collaboration with the Kansai Science City Second Stage Plan Study Committee established by the Foundation of the Kansai Research Institute, a report was prepared regarding the manner of implementing efforts toward completion in the early 21st century along with priority actions and policies for their promotion focused over roughly the next ten years. It is hoped that this report will contribute to the formation of a common awareness among concerned persons affiliated with this city in the future as well as enhance the awareness of local residents in community creation, as well as be reflected in various policies relating to city construction and city activities.
# Information:
For detailed information and comments, please contact:Kansai Science City Construction Promotion Office
Metropolitan Areas Development Division
City and Regional Development Bureau
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
at TEL: +81-3-5253-8111 (ext. 32-383) , FAX +81-3-5253-1587
Report Contents
1. Introduction
2. Current Trends and Concept of the Kansai Science City
3. Evaluation of the Current State of the Kansai Science City
4. Direction of Efforts for the Second Stage
5. Organizations and Policies Involved in Community Creation
6. Conclusion
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