The purpose of this multi-disciplinary conference is to explore Japanese cultural and social issues that can shed light on the traditional heritage of Japan and its possible implication on the transition of today’s Japanese societal values.
---For example, Japan is currently facing two transitional issues. One is the issue of whether female members of the royal family should become eligible for the imperial throne (i.e. religion and culture) and the other is whether article 9 of the constitution (that prohibits the existence or use of military) should be amended (i.e. national security, politics, governance). The first issue is about the 1700-year-old tradition of Japan, whereas the second issue is about the major shift of the post-war national defense doctrine.
The conference is an opportunity to reflect upon various aspects of Japanese society during this critical transitional period, and we hope that this conference will be a great introduction to Japan for participants and the wider community.
The list of workshops is now available! Please click here
Speakers:
Mr. Takakazu Kuriyama (former Ambassador to the United States): "Japan and the United States: Alliance in Evolution"
Dr. Bob Wakabayashi (York University): "A Sordid Squabble: the 'Rape of Nanking' in Sino-Japanese Relations"
Dr. Michael Schneider (Knox College): "Does Every Princess Need a Prince?: Navigating Japan's Imperial Succession Debate"
Exhibition:
"Asian Arts from Lawrence University's Permanent Collection" 17c-20c Japanese and Chinese arts, including Hiroshige's woodwork prints. Leech Gallary, Wriston Art Center
The Japanese in Transition conference is sponsored by:
The Kikkoman Foundation
The Japan Study
The Japan Foundation
Lawrence University
The Henry Luce Foundation