I have fond memories of the wonderful time when I took part in a reception organized by the Russian Embassy to celebrate the release of the Russian-language edition of my book Little Bakkun From the Land of Dreams. I am happy that Russian children read my book.
From а greeting by Her Imperial Highness
the Princess of Japan Hisako Takamado on the
occasion of the 10th anniversary of the
International Chodiev Foundation
MGIMO is a major university complex and a unique academic center with more than fifty years of experience and leadership in the field. Its position has been highly regarded in Russia and well beyond its borders. With its main focus on studies of International Relations, MGIMO aspires to build alliances with and earn support of partners all over the world, in order to sustain its respected business reputation and high standards of scholarship. The creation in Moscow of the International Chodiev Foundation (ICF) in 1996, had a goal of supporting the intellectual potential of higher education. The main objectives of the Foundation are to foster cooperation between universities as well as faculty and students of International Studies programs. The Foundation is also committed to stimulating scientific research and providing support for young talents of the scientific community.
Today, ICF is partnered with MGIMO Univeristity’s “International Relations” Foundation, MGIMO University of the MFA of Russia, the Russian Culture Fund, and the International Relations Schools Association, among others. This collaboration is key not only to the expansion of the Foundation’s activity, but also an opportunity for students to create professional connections. Currently, ICF is working on developing new partnerships with universities and scientific research organizations as well as building relations with international NGOs.
Fostering Cultural and Historical Ties with Japan
This project was and is one of the International Chodiev Foundation's priorities. No doubt, personal partialities of the founder should be taken into account: Dr. Chodiev has academic and professional ties to Japan. In 2001, he defended his dissertation entitled “External politics of Japan after the Cold War: national interests, priorities, directions.” He loves and respects Japan's culture, and is fluent in Japanese. However, there were other, more objective reasons to initiate this project. One such being the important role Japan plays in the international arena.
ICF’s history of collaboration with Japan includes these charitable, educational and cultural activities:
In 1997, ICF sponsored publication of a children's book Little Bakkun From the Dreamworld written by Her Imperial Highness the Princess of Japan Hisako Takamado. This project was actively supported by the Russian Embassy in Japan. Based on the tale, a children's play was written and recommended for production in school theaters in Russia.
In 1998, ICF donated five hundred copies of the book to a foundation for orphans in Kazakhstan “Bobek”(“Baby”). In addition, ICF held a charity sale of the book. All proceeds from the sale were donated to children's organizations in Moscow on behalf of Princess Takamado.
In 1998, ICF was the main sponsor of the Shostakovitch Music Festival in Tokyo.
ICF has also initiated other activities, such as the presentation of a Russian edition of the book To Build Bridges written by Her Majesty the Empress of Japan Mitiko. The presentation was organized on the eve of the nonofficial meeting of the Russian President and the Premier Minister of Japan at the Russian Center of International Scientific and Cultural Collaboration affiliated with the Russian government. Its goal was to bring closer attention to the high-level meeting and the importance of strengthening ties between two countries. In this context, the book by the Empress of Japan served as a symbolic spiritual bridge between Russian and Japanese people. A well-known architect Kise Kurosawa paid visit to the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). He is a professor of the University of Tokyo, the Chair of the Japanese Landscape Society, lifetime member of Britain's Royal Academy of Art, honorary professor of the American Institute of Architects, Union of Bulgarian Architects, Royal Union of Architects of Britain, etc. In his lectures and master classes, Mr. Kurosawa spoke about innovations in architecture.
