YamanakaThe field of science has become more active. The scientific world is usually driven by a principle of fierce competition. However, many of us decided to switch from competition to cooperation early on. There were a lot of reactions not only from virus researchers but also from people in different fields, utilizing their own knowledge and specialties. This was particularly clear in the U.S. It reminded me how that country is the driving force of global research innovations. The U.S. was at the forefront of efforts to translate research findings into reality. At the same time, it suffered from having the highest number of infected people and deaths in the world. I saw two sides of the country.
YanaiA certain period of quarantine is required when we return to Japan. It can be stressful to travel back and forth between Japan and the U.S., but you have visited the U.S. frequently.
YamanakaIt is because my research is based in Kyoto and San Francisco. The reason I tolerate the strict travel regulations is because in the U.S., I can access cutting edge research and feel the enthusiasm of the researchers directly. There are things that cannot be conveyed precisely on the Internet.
YanaiWhen the globalized world is fragmented, we come to realize that there are tangible things which are indispensable to human beings. These things cannot be captured by the Internet. That is why we need to monitor the infection situation and adjust inspection and quarantine systems to facilitate people crossing borders with greater agility. Otherwise, we will continue to lose the dynamism created by direct interactions.
Yamanaka2020 was like fighting without protective gear. However, it is a more reassuring situation now, because we have preventive measures, including wearing masks, the protection of vaccines and more sophisticated treatment methods even if we do get infected. But more harmful variants may still emerge. It is paramount to prepare ourselves thoroughly, especially when the number of infected people decreases.
YanaiWhen social and economic conditions improve, we must take a good look at what is going on from a global perspective rather than just rejoicing in the recovery of our own country. We need to consider and implement support for countries and regions that are in difficult situations. Otherwise, the entire world will not be able to coexist and prosper together. Or more precisely, I believe that it is nothing but an illusion that one’s own country can recover single-handedly. It is clearer than ever that the entire world is connected at every corner, as proven by the pandemic.