Over the course of the coming year, The Japan Times will publish on the front page of Sunday editions interviews with people who have unique stories to tell, in the hope that their experiences will provide food for thought on the many facets of Japan.

By ASAKO MURAKAMI Staff writer SANDA, Hyogo Pref. -- The human race could be extinct within 100 years if it continues to act to solely satisfy its desires and no measures to deter mankind from this course of action are effective, according to renowned primatologist Masao Kawai.

The 76-year old professor emeritus at Kyoto University is not joking.