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"TOUCHING OUR HEART"  On Oct. 9, 2002, Mr. Koichi Tanaka, 43 years old corporate researcher of Shimadzu Corporation was surrounded by more than 200 reporters at a press conference. Replying to a question about his impression of the Nobel Prize, "When I received a phone call about the Nobel award in English, I did not understand what they were talking about." "Then, I received numerous congratulatory phone calls, but I couldn't believe my ears and wondered if it was some kind of joke. In his work uniform he said with a smile, "If I knew it was for real, I would have worn a business suit for the interview". Suddenly, his mobile phone started to ring. It was a phone call from his wife, Yuko. She got the news on the radio in a Taxi that she was taking from Toyama station to her parent's house in order to attend a funeral of one of her relatives. She was surprised to hear that the awardees were bornin Toyama, and that the name and age of one of them sounded similar to her husband. During the interview, Mr.Tanaka excused himself to pick up a phone call. After exchanging a few words with his wife, he said abruptly "I am still in the interview", with a smile he turned to the journalists, and said, "It was from my wife".The trigger for inventing this international heroic deed is based on his mother's death that occurred in his childhood. When his boss asked him about the contrap-tion that he was developing, he replied, "I want to develop a measurement apparatus that will contribute to medical science and saving human life." The reason why he has stayed in an associate position is because he has refused to take a promotion test which will allow him to continue researching as usual. He is unique in that fact that he is free from emotions, such as feeling inferior or overeager to achieve, which other people in his position might feel. He states, "Although I did not want to disclose how my invention was made, I have to admit that it was created by mistake. I mixed 2 materials that I did not intend to mix. Although people say that this mistake is the mother of all successes, consequently, it seems to me like "the egg of Columbus". His comments exemplify his simplicity and touch all of us. However, his award sends those around him into confusion. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Science and Technology decided to present an order of culture to him. However, since Mr.Tanaka was not on the list of nominees, they contacted Shimadzu immediately and asked Mr. Tanaka directly about his age, and to send his report to their office. Tohoku University, which he graduated from, decided to give him a creditable doctorate degree since he did not actually graduate from the program previously. Shimidzu decided to establish the "Tanaka Nobel institute" and promoted him to "Fellow", which is the highest position of a research worker, and offered him 10million yen as special compensation, which is considered as being equal treatment to a corporate officer. However, Mr.Tanaka, who attended the interview with the President Mr.Yajima of Shimadzu said, "I am not prepared to be at a higher position that is equal to a corporate officer, since it would be too much responsibility for me. I think I have to start as a chief manager or general manager." To respect his intentions, Shimadzu decided to follow his idea. Thus Mr.Tanaka, who embodies the Japanese time-honored virtues, such as discretion, modesty and consideration has become a Japanese national icon and seen as a salaried worker who can mentally heal people by making them feel at ease. Despite his popularity, he wants to continue his quiet life and carry on researching for future discoveries. Because of Mr.Tanaka's success, being a scientist has become the most desirable job for primary students which ranks #1 in Japan. This exceeds the desire to be a professional soccer player which ranks 2nd, or being a professional baseball player which ranks 3rd. This is according to a questionnaire survey conducted by Daiichi Life Insurance Company in May of this year. End |