The Graduate School of International Development (GSID) was established in 1991, and we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the School's establishment last year, 2011. The year 2011 was also one in which we have never felt the severity of nature more keenly. In the Great East Japan Earthquake, the death toll rose to almost 20,000, and more than 100,000 people lost their workplace. Physical damage from the earthquake cost about 20 trillion yen. This earthquake became "a bee sting to a crying face" for a Japan that is suffering an economic slump. Even in such a situation, there was some happier news for Japan. The morality of the Japanese that was shown in such a crisis was regarded with admiration and also with astonishment by foreign countries; moreover, Japan received offers of support from many foreign countries, including developing countries. While Japan's support over the years was not given in anticipation of such aid in times of trouble, it is the case that "the good you do for others is good you do yourself."

Since Japan has few mineral and energy resources, it needs to purchase them from overseas, mostly developing countries. Trade with foreign countries is therefore the lifeline for Japan, and it is ODA that plays an important role in maintaining this lifeline. What, then, are we—as social science researchers—able to do for that? Although what social science can contribute to society may be limited in the short run, in the long run it can offer valuable pointers to those who face a disadvantaged economic and social environment. In order to fulfill this role, we should work on our research with sincerity and disseminate our achievements.

GSID's educational goal is to nurture graduates who have the ability to carry out independent research and practical work and also have a global view firmly rooted in cross-cultural understanding. We will continue our work as a dynamic international research and educational institute.