INTRODUCTION
Human resources are the most important resources in Asian countries. In particular, for the countries with limited natural resources, like Japan, education of outstanding specialists becomes an important foundation for the further development of the country. The role of higher education is to nurture students in such a way that they will be highly motivated to tackle and solve various complicated problems in the society using the knowledge and experience acquired during their university years. This level of education is only possible if both students and their tutors are capable of independent thinking without relying on ready-made views. Our society has always been led by such people who have the courage and power to follow faithfully the path they believe in, even under adverse circumstances.

Starting from 2012, Tohoku University participates in the International CAMPUS ASIA Program together with Nagoya University, two Universities from China (Schanghai Transport University and Nanjing University), and two Universities from Korea (Seoul National University and POSTECH). Program leader in Tohoku University: Professor Akihiro Morita. The CAMPUS ASIA Program supports internationalization of education and research in Asian region via students exchange and joint Seminars and Conferences that are held regularly in all participating Universities. Our hope is that with the support provided by the CAMPUS ASIA Program the students from Asian countries will gain invaluable experience in international cooperation and research collaboration.

This Summer School is one of the important events within the CAMPUS ASIA Program. We are happy to greet our guests from abroad, as well as encourage all Japanese participants to enjoy the atmosphere of free exchange of ideas and international cooperation. We hope that all participants will appreciate this opportunity that might also induce them for further activities within the CAMPUS ASIA Program. We would like to invite Japanese and overseas graduate students with energetic and highly motivated minds to participate in this Program as the first step towards becoming genuine leaders in society who can forge their countries’ future. It should also be emphasized that we, all the faculty members involved in the Program would like to express our determination to ensure that all possible support will be provided for the young people in their efforts for becoming highly qualified specialists in their fields with invaluable experience of international cooperation.