Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director of ERIA gave a lecture to the students of Wakayama Prefectural Hidaka Senior High School and Junior High School at the event titled on "Seminar of International Culture for Asian High School Students" on April 25, 2014.

This event is held in the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Hidaka High School to gift the international background to the students who will shape the next age and foster their ability to engage in the global society. As a leader who played an active role in Asia, Prof. Nishimura was invited. Around 900 of all the students gathered for this event.

Prof. Nishimura made a presentation on "As a Leader Living in the Global Society: ERIA and Community Building in ASEAN and East Asia". He firstly explained about ASEAN, highlighting how close the relationship between ASEAN and Japan and both have been enjoying strong ties in the fields of culture and people-to-people exchanges.

He also briefed the history of East Asian Economic integration and introduced ERIA's objectives and its activities while explaining where ASEAN is now heading towards ASEAN Community by 2015.

In conclusion, Prof. Nishimura reiterated the word of "Responsive ASEAN", saying "For moving forward beyond 2015, ASEAN should be more flexible and have the ears to listen with high sensitivity to the concerns in the region". After the lecture, a lively discussion with the students was conducted.