FEC (The International Friendship and Economic Exchange Council) Secretariat Art and nature: guiding humanity toward a healthy future.
On August 25, Ken Matsuzawa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of FEC, visited the Kitasato University Medical Center in Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture, at the invitation of Professor Satoshi Omura, a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine and Distinguished Honorary Professor of Kitasato University. He toured the hospital's art collection and the adjacent Omura Memorial Hall, and held a dialogue with Professor Omura.
Hospital and art museum painting collections
Chairman Matsuzawa Thank you very much for giving me a personal tour today of the wonderful collection of paintings displayed in the hospital, the painting collection at the Omura Memorial Museum, and the Wang Senran Memorial Room, all personally guided by Professor Omura. Through my 55 years of acquaintance with Professor Omura, I have come to truly appreciate his greatness and kindness as a person, and I believe there is much to be learned from him. His achievements and greatness are a source of pride for the Japanese people, and I would like to introduce them to ambassadors from around the world who are currently in Japan. Thank you again for today.
Dr. Omura Thank you so much for coming all this way in this heat.
I had always wanted to show Mr. Matsuzawa this medical center and the Wang Senran Memorial Room, and I am delighted that this has finally come to fruition.
I've known Mr. Matsuzawa for a long time, and we often played golf together. The previous president of the insurance company where Mr. Matsuzawa now serves as president was from Yamanashi Prefecture, and he was a very kind person named Mr. Sano. He always encouraged me, and Mr. Matsuzawa succeeded him. The company is now called Sompo Japan. Being golf buddies means you can talk about anything in all sorts of situations, and if something comes up, you often think, "Let's ask Mr. Matsuzawa." My work is rather limited in scope, and often involves working abroad, so that's why someone like Mr. Matsuzawa, with his wealth of experience and broad perspective, is such a reliable presence.
Kitasato University Medical Center and "Healing Art"
Matsuzawa I'm honored. When I visited the Nirasaki Omura Museum of Art previously, I was amazed by its vast collection, but the paintings displayed in the hospital lobby and corridors that you just showed me were also wonderful. Could you tell me a little more about this?
Omura Although he received the Nobel Prize for his discovery of ivermectin, prior to that, the Kitasato Institute had a contract with the American pharmaceutical company Merck, with whom it collaborated on research, to receive patent royalties. This saved the Kitasato Institute from financial crisis and allowed it to develop new businesses. The first step in this direction is the Kitasato University Medical Center, which you have seen today. Surrounded by a vast nature park, the center was inspired by the saying, "Art, together with nature, guides people toward good health," and decided to operate under the concept of "healing art," which fuses modern medicine with nature and art.
Matsuzawa Those in the hospital, as well as their accompanying family members, are likely feeling anxious. I believe these wonderful works of art will soothe and encourage their hearts. I was also overwhelmed by the collection of Western paintings and ink paintings housed in the Omura Memorial Hall.
The birth of the Wang Senran Memorial Room
Omura In the Western painting section, there are many works by Kenzo Okada, who was active in the United States, and these were donated by Mr. Okada's wife. And what I really wanted you to see today is this Wang Senran Memorial Room. It is because of the paintings that were displayed in this hospital that this memorial room came into existence.
When Professor Wang Jifu, who served as vice-chairman of the "Wang Senran Academic Research Society" in China, and his delegation visited Japan and toured this hospital, they were deeply moved by the paintings they saw. When I conveyed this to Professor Wang Senran's wife, she contacted me saying, "I have some of Wang Senran's remaining works and would like to give them to you," and now we have as many as 40 pieces. It is a number that would astound anyone in the Chinese art world. My hope is to invite members of the Chinese Embassy in Japan to this Wang Senran Memorial Room.
Wang Senran Wáng Sēnrán (1895-1984)
A Chinese educator, writer, and calligrapher/painter. He dedicated over 70 years to education, from elementary school teacher to university professor, nurturing many future generations. In addition, he received high acclaim in the fields of calligraphy and ink painting, and his spiritually rich works have deeply impressed many.
[Brief Biography] Born in 1895. He pursued a career in education in his youth, becoming a primary school teacher before rising to the position of university professor.
He worked as an educator for over 70 years, producing numerous talented individuals who have gone on to achieve success in various fields in China. He also contributed to the development of education and scholarship through his writing. His ideals and ideas continue to hold academic value today.
He was also active as an artist, continuing to create even during the adversity of the Cultural Revolution, and held three solo exhibitions in Beijing's Zhongshan Park. He had a profound spiritual impact on many people. He passed away in 1984.
[Artistic Activities]
He primarily created calligraphy and ink paintings. His style was described as "condensing a spirit and passion honed through repeated drawing into paper and ink, deeply imbuing it with a worldview and sense of life." His expressions, rich in spirituality and intrinsic depth, left a strong impression on viewers.
【評価と影響】
He lived a simple life and was beloved by people for his compassionate character.
Even after his death, his contributions to education, writing, and art continue to be highly regarded.
To honor Wang Senran's academic significance, the "China Wang Senran Academic Research Association" was established in China. Along with the Guo Moruo Memorial Academic Research Association and the Song Qingling Memorial Academic Research Association, it is one of the university-level academic research associations named after an individual.
Xi Zhongxun, the father of President Xi Jinping, is also a member of the same research group, demonstrating the breadth of Wang Senran's academic and intellectual influence.
[Portrait]
He possessed three facets as an educator, writer, and artist, and is considered a quintessential intellectual figure in 20th-century China.
His personality, works, and ideas continue to hold an important place in Chinese academia and cultural history, even after his death.
Matsuzawa That's a truly wonderful story. Our association has close ties with the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, and I would very much like to share this story with him. Could you also tell us what prompted you to start your exchanges with China?
Omura My first trip to China was in 1981. I was invited by Professor Shen Jizhen, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and others, to give lectures and provide technical guidance on "Research on Antibiotics" at the Kitasato Institute and the Shanghai Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. A total of seven discussion meetings were held at the two institutes, resulting in a highly intensive academic exchange. At that time, China was still developing and had a strong desire to learn from Japan, which is why they asked for my guidance. From then on, exchanges began almost every year, and we welcomed researchers from China to the Kitasato Institute, providing accommodation so they could stay for one or two years. I myself also visited China many times and gave lectures at Shenyang Pharmaceutical University and other institutions. I believe the trees I planted as a memento are still on campus today.
Furthermore, I have invited Chinese researchers to Japan for training at my institute. I have hosted 40 to 50 people so far. I also had the opportunity to meet the Wang Senran Research Society. This research society was an academically excellent group, bringing together people such as Xi Zhongxun, the father of President Xi Jinping, and renowned calligraphers and painters. I learned a great deal from them, and I also developed a close relationship with Professor Wang Jifu, who informed Professor Wang Senran's wife, about my work. Through that connection, I developed a deep friendship with Professor Wang Jifu, and I truly realized what a true friendship is like.
Sadly, Professor Wang Jifu passed away suddenly in an accident while working in Taiwan. More than 3000 people attended his funeral in Beijing, and I rushed there as well. Afterwards, I met his wife and asked if I could have something as a memento, and she gave me a piece of Professor Wang Jifu's calligraphy. I was deeply moved by how much Professor Wang Jifu was revered in China. Furthermore, his students and associates began to visit me one after another, and my connection with China deepened even further.
As a Japanese person, I want to get along with my "neighbors."
Connection with Shanghai Jiao Tong University
One of my friends has deepened ties with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of China's most prestigious universities. He has connections with the university through painting, and through that connection, I was invited to the university. There, I had the opportunity to participate in lectures and exhibitions, and I was able to have very meaningful exchanges. As a result, I was awarded an honorary doctorate from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. I believe that exchanges through culture and art have led to academic recognition and have been a great force in deepening mutual understanding between our countries.
Interaction with China as a neighbor, not a political one.
Matsuzawa I see. So your relationship with China has been long and deep, Professor.
Omura This is the most important point: my focus on exchanges with China is by no means for political reasons.
As a Japanese citizen, I believe it is important to deepen cultural and personal ties with the people of our neighboring country, China. My grandmother often told me, "It's better to cherish your close neighbors than your distant relatives." China is truly a "close neighbor," and we must maintain friendly relations with them. With this in mind, I have been engaged in exchanges in fields such as science and art. Culture and art have the power to connect people across national borders. That is why I continue to interact with the people of China as a Japanese citizen, learning from each other and building trust, on a level far removed from political and economic maneuvering.
The power of painting to save people
Omura Here, I'd like to share an example of how a painting displayed in a hospital has encouraged people.
One patient, suffering from a brain tumor, was disheartened by the realization that his time was nearing its end. However, upon seeing the paintings in this hospital, he was deeply moved and overjoyed, saying, "I am fortunate to be able to spend my final days in a hospital like this."
Also, one woman was deeply moved by a masterpiece called "Sunrise" by Takami Sakurai, one of my favorite painters. She was deeply troubled by family circumstances and struggling to make ends meet while raising her children. However, she said that seeing this painting made her decide to turn her life around, thinking, "I can't go on like this, I have to do my best." Later, she met Sakurai in person and expressed her gratitude to him.
In this way, paintings have the power to heal people's hearts. I have witnessed many times how displaying paintings in hospitals gives courage and hope to patients and their families. I am truly grateful that you all are interested in paintings.
Practicing soft power in my hometown, Nirasaki
Matsuzawa Please also tell us about your activities in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, which is your hometown.
Omura I am establishing an art museum in Nirasaki, my hometown. When we talk about revitalizing rural areas, it tends to be linked to economic matters, but that's not the point. Rural areas have their own unique charm. I believe that utilizing that charm is a valuable asset, and we should be working on it more.
Joseph Nye, an American international political scientist, has advocated the importance of "soft power." What I am trying to do is precisely to bring soft power to the town of Nirasaki.
There was an art museum there, and my birthplace was designated as a registered intangible cultural property, and on top of that, a master craftsman of the time created a wonderful garden for it. Now it is the Nirasaki Omura Memorial Park, and within the park are the Nirasaki Omura Art Museum and my birthplace, and now a tea room has also been relocated there.
It started as a mulberry field, then a hot spring was built, a soba noodle restaurant was added, and so it has been developed into the Nirasaki Omura Memorial Park. This relocation of the tea house is the final stage, and it will become a city cultural property, and eventually we plan to apply for it to be designated a national cultural property. This tea house was originally located on the grounds of the Ebara-Hatakeyama Memorial Cultural Foundation and was very famous. However, it was decided to demolish it to expand the art museum. The former managing director then asked me to do something about it because it would be a waste to throw it away, so I decided to relocate it to Nirasaki.
The building is already complete, and the tea room opened on September 7th. The completion ceremony and tea gathering were held the day before, on the 6th. We had planned to have the Grand Master of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony (Mr. Sen Genshitsu, former head of the Urasenke school) attend the tea gathering. Sadly, the Grand Master has passed away, but the current head of the school kindly arranged for his son, the young Grand Master (Mr. Sen Soshi), to attend instead. With this, the park development project that I have envisioned is now complete. I hope this will contribute to everyone's soft power.
Matsuzawa I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sen Genshitsu twice, and he was truly a remarkable person. Nirasaki Omura Memorial Park is wonderful because it not only offers paintings but also allows visitors to experience the tea ceremony, a symbol of Japanese culture.
Omura The Nirasaki Omura Museum of Art will soon be featured on NHK's Sunday art program, "Art Scene." The program will showcase numerous outstanding works by female artists. It houses representative works by Japanese female painters, including recipients of the Order of Culture and Persons of Cultural Merit, making it the only museum in Japan dedicated solely to female artists. Once it becomes widely known, it will undoubtedly become a very significant institution. The museum will become a local landmark and a true hub of soft power.
It is the young people who will drive this forward. In Nirasaki, I am at the forefront of the development efforts, but the younger generation is taking the lead. This tea room has already been designated a city cultural property, and we dream that it will become a prefectural or national cultural property in the future.
"Practicing and putting into practice" is the motto, and we will persevere in our spirit.
Omura: This tea room was built by a man named Hatakeyama Issei, the founder of Ebara Corporation, a famous pump company. He was from Nirasaki and was close friends with Kobayashi Ichizo, the founder of the Hankyu Toho Group, and they were tea companions. Hatakeyama Issei was a descendant of the lord of the Hatakeyama domain in Nanao, a family that was destroyed by Uesugi Kenshin, who fought against Takeda Shingen during the Sengoku period. Moving a tea room that was involved with people from such a background to Nirasaki is of great significance.
90th Birthday and the Spirit of "Practical Action"
Matsuzawa I see. So that tea room also has a connection to Nirasaki City through Ichizo Kobayashi.
Omura Yes. In this way, I continue my activities with the idea of "bringing soft power to Nirasaki." It is located about an hour and a half by train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, and it is becoming a place where you can spend your time visiting art museums, eating soba noodles, soaking in hot springs, and then heading home. Recently, we have also acquired a work by Uemura Shoen for the museum. I consider this to be the end of my art collection for now, but I would like to add more as needed in the future. Even looking at the world, museums that focus on female painters are rare, and in Japan, this is the only one. I think it is on par with the National Gallery of Women's Art in Washington, D.C. I don't consider it a rival, but I am confident that our museum is second to none in terms of content.
Through these activities, I am putting soft power into practice. I am grateful that many people continue to ask me to do this and that, and I want to continue to meet those expectations.
This year marks exactly 10 years since the Nobel Prize was awarded. I myself turned 90 on July 12th. However, since around January or February of this year, people around me have been saying, "Let's celebrate your 90th birthday," but when people suddenly say "90th birthday," I find myself thinking, "Ah, I'm 90 now, my body is getting weaker." That's how I feel right now.
Matsuzawa Professor, let me add just one more thing. Professor Omura is not just a professor in Yamanashi Prefecture, not just in Japan, but a professor of the world. Turning 90 is just one milestone. I hope you will continue to be active for another 10 or 20 years. I believe that you are the only one in this generation who can fulfill this role.
Omura That may be true. However, I"Practical application"My motto has always been: I always follow through on what I say I will do. That has been my way of life.
I have great respect for Shinpei Goto. He was criticized as being "infatuated with the West," but in reality, he was a man of firm convictions who put them into practice. I see in him a lineage of Shonan Yokoi. And the academic support for him was provided by Professor Shibasaburo Kitasato. The two of them joined hands and built Japan's public health administration. I have been influenced by their example.
Shinpei Goto served as the mayor of Tokyo, or what we would now call the governor, but I believe he was a politician who should have become prime minister. If a politician like Shinpei Goto had become prime minister, Japan would surely be very different. I believe I must carry on, even in a small way, this lineage of talent.
Matsuzawa It was a clear and encouraging story; it really lifted my spirits.
Omura I myself have been involved in this activity for many years now. This year marks the 30th anniversary. It started as a small initiative, but now a park, art museum, hot spring, and soba noodle restaurant have been developed, and it has become a cultural hub. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.
And now, I've received some unexpected news regarding my paper published in the Japan Academy's English-language journal. The Japan Academy's editorial office investigated whether ivermectin is effective in treating COVID-1, and they found that it received over 38 views in the past year. It recorded the highest number of views every month and was read by an overwhelming number of people throughout the year. This wasn't something I promoted myself; it was the result of research by a third party, so it was a very pleasant surprise.
However, I have no intention of boasting about my research. I am simply grateful if what I have put into practice is being appreciated and is helping many people.
Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of "putting things into practice." Following in the footsteps of Shinpei Goto and Shonan Yokoi, I have demonstrated my principles not only through academics but also through action. I intend to continue upholding this spirit as much as possible, regardless of my age.
I am truly delighted that Mr. Matsuzawa was able to visit the hospital and the memorial hall today. I believe it is very meaningful that he was able to learn even a small part of my work. Culture and art have the power to connect people. I want to continue walking forward believing in that power.
Matsuzawa Thank you for sharing your valuable insights with us today.
Satoshi Omura was born in 1935 in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. He is a Special Honorary Professor at Kitasato University, Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of Joshibi University of Art and Design, and Director of the Nirasaki Omura Museum of Art. He is also a member of the Japan Academy and Max Tishler Professor Emeritus at Wesleyan University in the United States. He is a Foreign Member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), a Foreign Member of the French Academy of Sciences, and a Leopoldina Member of the German Academy of Sciences. He specializes in the study of natural organic compounds produced by microorganisms, and has discovered approximately 520 new compounds during his research career of over 50 years. Of these, 26 have been put into practical use as pharmaceuticals, animal drugs, and research reagents, contributing to the prevention and eradication of infectious diseases and the elucidation of life phenomena. One of these, ivermectin, has become a highly effective drug for preventing and treating many parasitic infections such as onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015, along with Dr. William Campbell of Merck & Co., who co-developed ivermectin.
A hub for regional healthcare and cutting-edge medical care.
Kitasato University Medical Center
Established in 1989 with royalties from Dr. Omura's ivermectin patent, Kitasato University Medical Center in Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture, has been dedicated to protecting the health of local residents. This core hospital, with approximately 400 beds, is based on the Kitasato Institute and, as a university-affiliated hospital, combines advanced medical care with a place for education and research. It boasts a wide range of medical departments, including cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology, and orthopedics, and is particularly strong in specialized medical care for cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It also actively engages in emergency medical care and plays an important role as a regional medical support hospital in the central Saitama area.
In terms of education, it contributes to the training of medical personnel as a clinical training hospital for Kitasato University's School of Medicine and School of Nursing. It also conducts clinical research and puts new medical technologies into practice, bridging the gap between academic advancement and regional healthcare.
Furthermore, as a regional cancer treatment collaboration center, it is characterized by its focus on palliative care and rehabilitation, and its emphasis on improving the quality of life for patients.
As Dr. Omura mentions in the interview article, the Kitasato Institute, a school corporation, continues its efforts based on the concept of "healing art," which fuses nature and art with modern medicine. Paintings are displayed in Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital (Shirokane Campus) and Kitasato University Medical Center (Kitamoto Campus), as well as in related facilities, and the institution is widely known as the "hospital with paintings."
By enhancing medical functions while simultaneously respecting human dignity, the hospital has successfully eliminated the typical hospital atmosphere, as highlighted in the interview article. This collection comprises approximately 1700 works, including donations from renowned artists who endorsed the concept of a "hospital with art."
The exhibition showcases Dr. Omura's achievements and art collection.
Omura Memorial Hall
On November 1, 2012, the "Omura Memorial Hall" was established on the Kitamoto Campus of Kitasato University to commemorate Dr. Omura's numerous research achievements and honors.
The exhibition features electron microscope images of actinomycetes that produce bioactive substances discovered by Dr. Omura and his colleagues, molecular models of these bioactive substances, and certificates and medals awarded to them both domestically and internationally.
Additionally, you can view panels related to the 15 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, as well as paintings collected by Dr. Omura, including works by Wang Senran and Kenzo Okada (Kitasato Institute Omura Art Collection).
You can visit for free on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding public holidays.
A healing space in harmony with nature
Nirasaki Omura Museum
Located on a hill in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, the Nirasaki Omura Museum of Art was founded by Dr. Omura. He opened the museum in 2007 with the aim of giving back to the community and promoting culture, and has since displayed a diverse collection of works that he himself amassed over many years.
The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of subjects, including modern Japanese paintings, Western-style paintings, ceramics, and crafts. Its collection of works by female artists is particularly rare nationwide, and it has garnered attention as a place to promote the re-evaluation of female artists. Large windows within the museum offer views of the Southern Alps and Yatsugatake Mountains, creating an environment where visitors can enjoy both art and nature simultaneously.
Dr. Omura championed the philosophy of "a museum that heals people and is rooted in the community," and dedicated himself not only to collecting works of art but also to nurturing young artists and promoting local culture. Inheriting this vision, the museum is now operated as a municipal facility of Nirasaki City and is also developed as a facility within the park. It is widely popular with local residents and tourists alike, and is increasing its presence as a cultural hub in Nirasaki City.
The Nirasaki Omura Museum of Art, which connects science and art, can be described as "another research laboratory" that reflects the personality of the doctor. It continues to provide intellectual stimulation and tranquility to visitors.
