Jakarta, 8 December 2020: The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) would like to express our condolences for the passing of H.E. Dr. Akito Arima, Chancellor of Musashi Academy of the Nezu Foundation, Japan and the Former Minister of Education of Japan. Dr Arima passed away on 7 December 2020, age 90, in Tokyo, Japan.  

Dr Arima was a member of the Selection Committee for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Asia Cosmopolitan Awards. The Awards aim to recognise on a biennial basis individuals or organisations that have made substantial and significant contributions to the development of a peaceful and stable East Asian Community, to narrow the development gaps in the region, as well as to establish the sustainable social growth towards cultural and economic integration within East Asia.