Merry Christmas and

A Happy New Year

April 2004 would be the greatest turning point of all national universities in Japan, because they moved to independent administrative institutions (agencies). At this moment, Yoichi was still a director of Information Technology Center of the university. He was asked to organize computerized office and e-learning system of whole university. However, the biggest problem is uncooperative attitude of staffs and professors who stick to older system.

Yoichi and Sumiko were still enjoying walking and mountain hiking. Among “100 famous mountains in Japan” Yoichi climbed 3 more and the total is 98 within the reach to the final goal. Sumiko conquered 7 more and now 47.

This year, we seldom traveled overseas because of Sumiko’s mother’s disease. Yoichi alone visited Patagonia, Chile for attending an academic meeting. It took about 50 hours gate-to-gate, but the sceneries were so dramatic. He enjoyed lots of gigantic rocks and a blue glacier.

All of us are healthy and active for everything. We also wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

December 2004

Yoichi and Sumiko, OKABE

Office of Yoichi: Information Technology Center,

The University of Tokyo,

2-11-16, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8658

Tel: +81-3-5841-2700 Fax: +81-3-5841-2708

Web: http://dir.itc.u-tokyo.ac.jp/~okabe/