Christmas Talk Show 2019 (4)

   Hoffman, 82,  shared memories of his career that includes Best Actor Academy Awards for "Kramer vs.Kramer" and "Rain Man."

   He described how the divorce he experienced during filming the former helped him portray a character experiencing a breakup, rather than approximating the feeling from studying someone else's experience.

   He said, "Here, I felt like what I am going through on a daily basis, I can just go right to work and do and feel and try to portray exactly what I'm going through now." 

   He recounted with affection how he and co-star Kaherine Ross in "The Graduate" were coached by late director Mike Nichols through the climactic scene on a bus, which he explained was done out of sequence halfway through filming. 

   Hoffman said he didn't know about Dr.Handa before being invited to the event, but subsequently learned of his philanthropic activities at a hospital in Cambodia, and expressed admiration.

   He said to Dr.Handa, "God bless you for doing that because you're bringing it home and it's important." He finally said,"And than you," drawing applause. 

   

Dr.Handa raises a toast with actor Dustin Hoffman
at the hotel on Dec.8


ISPS

   

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Dec.20,2019）

  

Christmas Talk Show 2019 (3)

   Seagal later appeared on the stage, growing a circle beard and wearing a dark blue Chinese- style tunic and blue jeans. Before the talk show began, the host performed a tea ceremony for the actor, who once taught martial arts in Japan and is fluent in Japanese. 

   The 67-year-old star of action films including "Above the Law" and "Under Siege" reminisced about meeting Japanese cinema luminaries, such as auteur Akira Kurosawa and actor Toshiro Mifune.

   He said of Kurosawa, "I think as an artist he was a genius, an incredible genius. He added, "He is the best director in the world," suddenly breaking into his native English.

International Sports Promotions Society Chairman Dr.Haruhisa Handa
teaches actor Steven Seagal
how to hold a Japanese teacup
at the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba Hotel on Dec.7



ISPS 

  (source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Dec.20,2019）

  

Christmas Talk Show 2019 (2)

   A member of the silver medal-winning British equestrian team at the 2012 London Olympics, Tindall is the eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II.She is married to former England rugby captain Mike Tindall. She recounted how she came to like horses. She was born and bred under the influence of her mother Princess Ann and father Mark Phillips, both of whom were noted equestrians. 

   She said, "I was very lucky. I grew up with horses and leaned from both my parents. I can't remember a time when horses weren't in my life."

   She also serves as an ISPS ambassador.

   Dr.Handa asked her whether she will be chosen as a British Olympic athlete for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Tindall said she will be in Japan to watch, but whether she competes remains uncertain due to her current "quite inexperienced" horse.

    

Dr.Handa speaks with equestrian Zara Tindall, the eldest daughter of Queen Elizabeth II,
at the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba Hotel on Dec.7





ISPS

 (source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Dec.20,2019）

Christmas Talk Show 2019 (1)

   Dr.Haruhisa Handa held a gorgeous Christmas fair featuring special guests from the worlds of sports and cinema from Dec. 6 to 10 at the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba Hotel. Those present included an Olympic medalist, a champion golfer, a two-time Oscar-winning legend and a screen action star with strong ties to Japan.

   Dr.Handa hosted equestrian Zara Tindall and 24-time European Tour tournament winner Lee Westwood, both from Britain, and Amerigcan actors Dustin Hoffman and Steven Seagal. During the event, a Christmas market featuring watches and artwork was open in the venue. Dr.Handa is head of timepiece company Misuzu Corporation, and the timepiece was showcased by Misuzu. And those artworks were Dr.Handa's creation. 

   The international Sports Promotion Society (ISPS Handa), supports charities and works with organizations and leading international names in sports, politics and society to sponsor global goodwill events. It is foundded and chaired by Dr.Handa. It places importance on helping those with challenges participate in sports through activities including golf for the visually impaired and other disabilities. Dr.Handa also believes in the power of sports to bring people of diverse backgrounds together and break down boundaries. The event was a good chance to showcase his passion for such philanthropic activities.

   During the talk show event with Tindall on a stage in the banquet room where the market was held, he repeated, "Sports unites the people, unites the nations."

  He said, "We at the International Sports Promotion Society have continued for 12 years under the slogan of using the power of sports and the value of sports to make many people happy, better off and to improve society."

   Before they sat down, Tindall poured Champagne into an illuminated pyramid of stacked glasses as the crowd watched the bubbly slowly flow down until all were filled. Dr.Handa, an enthusiastic opera singer, sang the aria "Libiamo, libiamo ne'lieti calici" ("Let's drink from the goblets of joy") from Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata," while clad in a kimono of a hue similar to green tea. 

Tindall pours Champagne into an illuminated pyramid
of stacked glasses during the talk show




ISPS

 (source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Dec.20,2019）

   

ISPS Handa Watch World Cup (2)

   Faldo said athletes want to improve people's lives by giving something back to those who struggle.

   After his second-day round, He said, "We feel very fortunate from our careers but we also, (as) sportsmen, are very powerful because we saw last week in the rugby how sport can bridge divisions in countries, political divisions or race divisions." He added that drinking clean water,breathing fresh air and eating a decent meal should not be a luxury, and that that should be just standard on this planet, and for billions of people that really is a luxury.

   Rugby luminaries joining the event included Francois Pienaar, who captained South Africa to the championship in 1995, a feat immortalized in the Clint Eastwood-directed film "Invictus" starring Matt Damon as Pienaar and Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. 

   Pienaar, elated at South Africa's 2019 RWC championship, praised a "magnificent" comments by Siya Kolisi, the country's first black rugby captain, who in his post-victory interview described how the team of different races and backgrounds united to win. 

   Pienaar said at diner after the first day of the tournament, "We all have differences, but if we work together for a greater good the world will be a better place."

   Dr.Handa,who admires Mandela also cited South Africa's 1995 rugby win for its contribution in helping overcome the divisions of apartheid and as an example of the transformative power of athletic endeavor. 

   He said "Truly, sports unites the people, sports unites the nations."

   Ko from New Zealand said, "Handa and his organization do an incredible job of showing the power of sports and getting people into sports whether they have disabilities or not." She also praised ISPS Handa's support for the New Zealand Olympic Committee and other efforts in her country.

   Argentine pro golfer Emiliano Grillo sad he is so inspired by ISPS Handa's charitable activities that he plans to set up his own foundation in the future. Grillo said,"Hopefuly, one day it will be a huge thing. I have many, many ideas." 

The ISPS Handa Watch World Cup participants
at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West
on Nov.4


ISPS

    

   (source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Nov.19,2019）

ISPS Handa Watch World Cup (1)

   The ISPS Handa Watch World Cup pro-am golf tournament was held on Nov.4 and 4 at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West. The course is situated at the foot of Mt.Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. 

   The event was sponsored by International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) founded and chaired by Dr.Haruhisa Handa and Misuzu Corp., a timepiece company run by him.

   ISPS Handa supports international organizations and events whose aim is to help those with disabilities enjoy and participate in sports through activities, including golf for the blnd and disabled.

   At a dinner for participants on day one of the competition, Dr.Handa said he believes in the power of sports to bring people of diverse backgrounds together. He said, "It has the power to connect people." 

　Dr.Handa appeared on the dinner venue, trailed by hip-shaking, feather-clad Brazilian samba dancers and in a sequined jacket --- all to enthusiastic applause.

    Dr.Handa has ties with numerous global luminaries in politics, sports and even royalty who are working to promote his charities. 

    One of such figures is Peter Phillips, son of Queen Elizabeth's daughter, Princess Anne. He praised those efforts. He is an ISPS Handa honorary ambassador and ISPS Handa UK patron.

   Phillips said, "On behalf of all us here and who represent ISPS Handa, we all fundamentally believe in the power of sport to change lives and that is why we all support Dr.Handa and all his initiatives across the world."

   Former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, another ISPS Handa patron, also lauded Dr.Handa, saying, "Your generosity is incredible."

   Participants in the tournament included Nick Faldo and Ernie Els, both multiple winners of major men's golf tournaments. Ladies Professional golf Association stars Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko and Minjee Lee also graced the fairways. 

    Japanese participants included World Golf Hall of Fame member Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki and Miki Sakai, who competes on the Ladies PGA of Japan tour. 

    

International Sports Promotion Society Chairman Dr.Haruhisa Handa (center)
and feather-clad Brazilian samba dancers
at a dinner following the first day of the ISPS Handa Watch World Cup
at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West in Shizuoka Prefecture on Nov.4



ISPS

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Nov.19,2019）

   

New Zealand Olympic Gala (2)

  New Zealand has high hopes,since it copped an all-time best medal total 18 medals in Rio. Also, the year 2020 has a special meaning for the country as it marks the 100th anniversary of its independent participation in the Olympics.

  Robertson said that more than 200 athletes are scheduled to join in Tokyo. The number of them is larger than ever before.

  The event was an opportunity for those present to reflect on what success in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic has meant for New Zealand.

  Kereyn Smith, chief executive officer and secretary general of the NZOC, noted the 55th anniversary in October of the first Tokyo Olympiad.

  Smith said, "These were an incredibly important games for New Zealand and helped define who we are as a nation." The New Zealand won three gold medals, two by Peter Snell in the 800- and 1500-meters races.

  Moreover, the 2019 Rugby World Cup was a frequent topic of discussion: All Blacks unexpectedly lost in the semifinals to England. In an onstage panel discussion session moderated by Key, All Brack legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter joined ex-England captain Mike Tindall, the spouse of Zara Tindall.

  Key ribbeed McCaw and Carter for wearing blue and red ties,respectively, at a black-tie dinner. He said, "Do you think there is something wrong fundamentally with the education system in New Zealand when they can't understand what black-tie actually means at a black-tie dinner. The operative word is black...like the All Blacks!"

  Then New Zealand operatic pop trio Sol3 Mio and Modern Maori quartet performed entertainment in the form of songs, and the group of  music players of Shamisen, the traditional instrument in Japan, performed Tsugaru Shamisen music.  

International Sports Society Chairman Haruhisa Handa (center and clad in kimono)
and former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key (third from right)
with various politicians and athletes
at the New Zealand Olympic Gala 2019



ISPS

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Nov.12,2019）

  

     

New Zealand Olympic Gala (1)

  Famous sports players, politicians are invited to join the New Zealand Olympic Gala 2019 on Oct 31. The event, held at the Hilton Tokyo, showcased New Zealand's ambitions for next year's 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
  The black-tie event was held in partnership with the International Sports Promotion Society chaired by Dr.Haruhisa Handa. Knows as ISPS Handa, it supports various sports events worldwide, including golf for the blind and disabled.
  John Key, Tony Abbott and Enda Kenny, a trio of political luminaries in New Zealand, Australia and Ireland, were in attendance. All of them are patrons of ISPS Handa.
  Athletic celebrities form New Zealand included 2000 Sydney Olympics rowing gold medalist Rob Waddell, who serves as New Zealand's chef de mission for Tokyo 2020, and 2016 Rio de Janeiro silver slalom medalist Luuka Jones.
  Besides, Zara Tindall, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, came with a dash of royalty. She is equestrian silver medalist for Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. 
  Dr.Handa expressed his idea on the transformative power of sports and explained his connections with New Zealand. He said he wanted to help after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and ISPS Handa sponsored the New Zealand Women's Open golf tournament to offer support through sports. ISPS Handa has also donated funds to New Zealand's Olympic and Paralympic teams. He said, "For us, the Olympic and  Paralympics are equally important."
  Mike Stanley,president of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) expressed sympathy to Japan over deadly Typhoon Hagibis and other recent weather disasters. He said, "We are nations that are joined by the Pacific Ring of Fire and we understand natural disasters and their impact on our communities." He understands how New Zealand and Japan are prone to earthquakes.
  Stanley and others in attendance expressed gratitude to Dr.Handa for his overall charitable efforts and backing for New Zealand.
  Grant Robertson, New Zealand's spots and finance minister, said, "Your contribution to sport to education and to humanity is incredible and in New Zealand we are extremely grateful for the contribution that you have made to our country."

A Shamisen performance during the New Zealand Olympic Gala 2019
at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku Ward on Oct.31.



ISPS

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Nov.12,2019）


  
  
  
  

Global Opinion Leaders Summit 2019 (2)

  Harper claimed that amid such global upheaval, "middle power countries such as Canada, Japan, which he said have "avoided much of the upheaval that we see in the rest of the Western World should work together  and with others to "sustain a rules-based world order.

  He supported Japanese Prime Minister Abe's policy of promoting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) even after Trump withdrew America from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, of which Canada is also a member. 

  He also expressed unequivocal support for the Group of Seven Advanced Nations, which he said remain important due to common interests and values despite the rise in influence of the Group of 20 after the financial crisis. But he called for bolstering the G7 by increasing its Asia-Pacific  weighing with the addition of Australia and South Korea. 

  Then, during the panel discussion, Rui Matsumura, a ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) member in the Diet's Upper House,agreed with Harper that democracies will win out, but pressed him on whether China, with its strong government, has an advantage in long-term planning.

  Admitting that China has accomplished great things and is almost certainly destined to become the world's largest economy, he cautioned against giving too much credit to China's central planning and its role. To him China's biggest contribution was that it freed the entrepreneurial spirit of many of its people, and he hoped it should continue down that road. He said, "If China is actually going to continue to move forward and be a dominant country then China should be going further in that direction."  

  Dr.Handa also cast doubt on China's centralized control. He said, "I don't think it's necessarily good to make a long-term plan as you can see from the collapse of the Soviet Union. 

From left, Go Ito, director of research at the foreign policy think tank Japan Forum on International Relations;
Lower House member Minoru Kiuchi;
WSD Chairman Dr.Haruhisa Handa;
former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper;
Lower House member YoshinoriSuematsu;
and Upper House member Rui Matsukawa
at this year's Global Opinion Leaders Summit.



WSD

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Oct.29,2019）

  

Global Opinion Leaders Summit 2019 (1)

 The fifth Global Opinion Leaders Summit was held in Tokyo, Oct.17. The Diet House members and the Former Canadian PM, Stephen Harper were invited to join the summit. Harper addressed the keynote speech, and all members discussed on geopolitical and economic issues.
 The summit was sponsored by Worldwide Support for Development, founded by Dr.Haruhsa Handa. He served as the chairman and moderator of the summit. 
 Harper was a Canada's prime minister from 2006 until 2015. He is now chairman and CEO of Calgary-based Harper & Associates Consulting. He published "Right Here, Right Now; Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption." in 2018. 
 In his speech, Harper described a world beset by huge changes made by the revolution in technology and globalization of the economy.
 He said, "Disruption is everywhere today, and the scope, the scale and the speed of disruption are all unprecedented," "Global politics and international relations have not been spared", citing growing inequality, the divide between elites and populists and China's rise. He suggested we should accept as a fact that  the latter has brought forth a country determined to exert global leadership on its own political and economic terms.
 Combined with the emergence of U.S.President Donald Trump and his abandonment of a longstanding bipartisan U.S. policy of engaging China with one that sees it as an unfair competitor, this have led to their ongoing trade war. 
  Harper said, despite strains that changes in the global order have brought to many democratic countries, he still sees the Western model as ultimately prevailing and that China's shift to a more authoritarian governance under President Xi Jinping will prove to be a mistake. 
 He added that the democratic capitalist model, though imperfect, is a system that is resilient and adaptable, and the current strife in some ways underscores the strength of the model. 

 

Worldwide Support for Development Chairman Dr.Haruhisa Handa
delivers a speech during the fifth Global Opinion Leaders Summit
in Tokyo on Oct.17.


WSD

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Oct.29,2019）