September 22, 1998 Suzhou

My name is Kanji Takaoka. I am Director General of the National Archives of Japan.

Today, I feel honored to attend the meeting in the name of Chairman of EASTICA. I am aware of the reponsibilities on my shoulder.

I feel grateful to the State Archives Administration of China, Suzhou City and other representatives. In addition, I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Luciana Duranti, Professor of the University of British Columbia and Mr. Zhang Zhaoyu, Associate Professor of Suzhou University.

The theme of the seminar is archives training and education. We should study the issue of archival professional education and training and exchange our experience on this regard.

I believe, representatives will get insights from the presentations of the two resource persons and from the professional discussions they stimulate.

Lastly, I wish the seminar a great success and every one has a happy stay in Suzhou.

Thank you.