JATP Program

Trainee becomes professor in Japan

It gives me great pleasure to write to you on this special occasion. Forty-six years ago I was one of the agriculture trainees who went to the United States. I am very grateful to the Japanese Agricultural Training Program because it marked a turning point in my life and set me on a path that would eventually lead me to the Office of Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture.

I come from a family familiar with hardship. There were days when the only thing in my lunch box was a steamed sweet potato. In school I was a daydreamer, graduating at the bottom of my class. After high school I began working at a local agricultural cooperative delivering fertilizer and propane.  At the time the Japanese government was sponsoring a program to send young farmers to America for training. I jumped at the opportunity, and in 1968 went to the United States as a member of the third group in the program's history.

While at my host farm in Idaho, I had the opportunity to enroll in a summer program at the University of Nebraska. I wanted to continue studying, but I needed money. I returned to Japan, and after two years of working for a milk delivery service, had saved enough to follow my dream and return to America.  I earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Science and a master's degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska, and then went to Harvard University to earn a Ph.D. in Political Economy. I returned to Japan to teach at the University of Tsukuba for 17 years, and then became a Professor of Law at the University of Tokyo.

Then, in 2008, I quit my position at the University of Tokyo to run for governor of my home prefecture of Kumamoto.

It was the first time a professor at the University of Tokyo left their position to enter politics.

Many of my friends whom I met as an agricultural trainee generously gave their time and energy to help my campaign. Their support was indispensable and helped me to get elected not once, but twice. In the most recent election held in March, I collected an unprecedented 91 percent of the votes. It is not an exaggeration to say that I would not be where I am today if it had not been for the Japanese Agricultural Training Program and the friends I made as a participant.

Looking back, life as an agricultural trainee was not easy, but the experience had a great impact on my life. The lessons I learned there have guided me throughout my academic career and helped me to be a better governor. The friends I made are still my friends, and I cherish their friendship and support. For me, the agricultural trainee program was where my life changed, and where my path to the governorship originated.

I hope the Japanese Agricultural Training Program can continue to change the lives of your people for many years to come. Please accept my best wishes for you good health and continued success.

Ikuo Kabashima,

Kumamoto, Japan