を折に触れて頂戴いたします。本日は、以下３通のお手紙（抜粋） を紹介したいと思います。“…a travel grant from the Fulbright Program created my opportunity to conduct graduate study in the U.S., and played the decisive role to open my career as research scientist. My career would have been totally different without this grant. During the 40years of my professional career, I enjoyed friendship and acquaintance of many U.S. Scientists and other people, and this brought about mutual understanding in many respects. I would like to extend my greatest gratitude to the Fulbright Program for its enormous efforts that have benefited a large number of (then) young foreign students like myself. I sincerely wish that your important endeavor prosper for many years to come.” (1959, Japanese Fulbrighter)
“…I have to confess that my study at the Business School of New York University under the Fulbright program formed the very basis for my business career in international areas and I am still grateful to the unique opportunity offered me at that time. My heartfelt appreciation is again for your thoughtfulness in sending me your kind words. At this time of year may I in return extend to you my best wishes for Happy Holidays.” (1958, Japanese Fulbrighter)
“I would like to thank you for my experiences in Japan this past June of 2007. Traveling with the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program was definitely the opportunity of a lifetime, and it has impacted my life and teaching in many ways. I learned a lot about Japanese culture and lifestyles and I truly enjoyed my time in your country. Everywhere I went, people were very hospitable and I thank you very much for everyone’s kindness. One of the aspects of the trip that most influenced me and changed my life, was the seminar I attending on Peace Education. I knew before my journey to Japan that learning about other cultures and understanding our differences as well as embracing our similarities is extremely important to cultivating peace between peoples and nations, and since the seminar, I have made it one of my missions to spread peace through education. Hearing from those directly affected by the A-bomb was an extremely moving experience, and I share these testimonies and stories I gathered in Japan as much as I can in an effort to increase understanding and awareness; all in hopes of a greater chance at peace…” (2007 June JFMFer)
このようなお手紙をいただくと、フルブライト・プログラムおよび日本フルブライト・メモリアル基金のプログラムによる人物交流によって蒔かれた相互理解の種が、芽を出し枝を伸ばし、葉を茂らせやがて花を咲かせる…といったように、日米ひいては世界の人々の間での互いの理解が進むための動力となり、紛争や争い、戦争といったものが一つ一つ消えていく過程に貢献していくのを期待します
２００７年もフルブライト・プログラムへのご支援を賜りましたこと、心より感謝申し上げます。
２００８年が世界が平和へ少しずつ歩みを揃えて進むことを期待し、フルブライト・プログラムがたとえ全世界からみれば微力であったとしても平和への力となれることを再認識するとともに、皆様にとって穏やかで素晴らしい年となることをお祈り申し上げます。良いお年をお迎えください
(J)
