Events by year: 2018

3 July 2018

The Power of Calligraphy

The calligrapher and artist Misuzu Kosaka has produced striking, highly original art works that have been incorporated into book designs, restaurant decors and commemorated major. In this event, her calligraphy works were introduced and interpreted by the critic Damian Flanagan. Misuzu then gave a demonstration of her dynamic calligraphy in action and invite participants to pick up a brush, splash the ink and attempt to create their own beautiful calligraphy.

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2 July 2018

An update on the Japanese Economy: how women can change it

Japan’s period of low economic growth continues, despite the government’s best efforts to provide stimulus to the economy. The country’s ageing and shrinking population are two of the main obstacles to achieving sustained growth. In this seminar, the speakers will analysed the current state of the Japanese economy and the government’s approaches to dealing with it. They discussed the benefits that may arise from increasing female labour participation and the limitations of government efforts to encourage a more active role for women in the economy.

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28 June 2018

Women’s Economic Empowerment in Post-Disaster Reconstruction: a study of Tohoku

On March 11 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the north-east coast of Japan, causing a massive tsunami. After disasters, women play a vital role in rehabilitating the household and the community, which is one strategic approach in post-disaster recovery efforts. In this talk, Tohoku, Japan, will be discussed as an example of good practices of economic empowerment of women in post-disaster reconstruction. Wider perspectives of economic empowerment issues for vulnerable communities and groups in post-disaster reconstruction will also be presented.

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27 June 2018

Closing the gender gap by 2030: Lessons from Japan and the UK

In 2017, Japan was ranked 114th on the Global Gender Gap Index produced by the World Economic Forum, evidencing the magnitude of the gender gap problem in this country. Whilst the UK was ranked 15th, there are still several areas in which the country still performs poorly, such as the gender pay gap. In this seminar, the current status of the gender gap in Japan and the UK specifically and OECD countries more generally was discussed, including about what policies have been implemented, what challenges still exist and future recommendations.

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26 June 2018

New Approaches: #MeToo in Japan and the UK

The #MeToo movement is a campaign that has enabled thousands of people around the world to speak out about sexual misconduct. In this seminar, the impact of #MeToo was discussed in relation to the UK and Japan. The speakers outlined the implications and effects the movement has had across each society and the extent to which it may impact government policies and legislation, as well as the challenges that the movement faces.

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15 June 2018

“24 Seasons Calendar”: An ancient Japanese way of harmonising with seasonal changes

The “24 Seasons Calendar” is based on the ancient East-Asian Lunisolar calendar, which describes the transition of seasons in 24 steps.  Within Japanese society, people have learned to appreciate and harmonise with nature by adopting this calendar.  In this talk Rinko Kimino will discuss how people’s lives are affected by the calendar and how the changes in seasons are appreciated through different mediums, as well as introducing some popular objects.

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13 June 2018

Making Tea, Making Japan: Cultural Nationalism in Practice

In her book, Making Tea, Making Japan: Cultural Nationalism in Practice, Dr Kristin Surak explores the role of tea in Japan, including how its preparation and drinking became a strong symbol of Japan. In this event, Dr Surak will be in conversation with Hayato Hosoya, Academy Fellow at Chatham House, discussing the relationship between culture and nation and the position of the tea ceremony within an ever-changing Japan.

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7 June 2018

Daiwa Foundation Art Prize 2018

On Thursday 7th June, the Daiwa Foundation Art Prize 2018 private view was held, with the work of the three shortlisted finalists, Kate Groobey, Keith Milow and Mark Neville, on display.  Midway through the event Jonathan Watkins, Director of Ikon Gallery, announced Kate Groobey as this year’s winner. 

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5 June 2018

The State of the Japanese State: Contested Identity, Direction and Role

In Gavan McCormack’s latest book, he argues that whilst Shinzo Abe’s efforts to re-engineer the Japanese state may fail, his radicalism and various attempts to shake up the country will have consequences which are difficult to predict. The author will discuss his previous formulations of the Japanese state and will address his latest concerns about what he refers to as the ‘Rampant State’. He will conclude with a critical analysis of the Abe agenda for constitutional revision.

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31 May 2018

Ageing and mental health: Pictures of being old in the UK and Japan

We are living in an era of ageing populations. Making connections with other people is said to promote the mental health and longevity of older people. In this seminar, Dr Shankar will address loneliness in older people living in England, some of the factors affecting loneliness in later life, and how loneliness is related to health and well-being. Dr Cable will address possible factors contributing to the trend to increasingly poor mental health among older people in Japan, and its relevance to the UK.

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24 May 2018

Refugee Policy in Japan and the UK

The recent changes in refugee migration patterns have caused many debates among policy makers. Refugee policies in both Japan and the UK are heavily controlled, with many claims rejected every year. Critics argue that more should be done to help refugees. This seminar will explore the current refugee protection policies and related issues in Japan and the UK. It will also explore how the governments of both countries are dealing with Syrian refugees.

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