Student Conference of European Japanology

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an invisible minority in rural Japan? Realities of living in rural areas, the everyday struggles and social networks of sexual minorities in Japan, an introduction into these topics forms a core of this presentation. It will be presented as a part of research for a thesis, that will be presented, as it attempts to take a closer look at these aspects that make up lives of sexual minorities, through unscripted interviews.

The presentation will give an overview of the municipal exchange in education and science between the cities of Cologne and Kyōto. Both cities became sister cities in 1963 and have had numerous activities over the last 60 years. The results are based on research in the municipal archive of the city of Cologne and data collected through expert interviews and participant observation. The collected data was analyzed in terms of its impact on German-Japanese relations. The presentation centers on the achievements and obstacles encountered in the sectors of science and education.

The presentation provides an up-to-date overview of the legal rights of the Ainu in Japan, ongoing initiatives, current court cases and expected future developments. Major aspects include: What are the legally protected rights of the Ainu under Japanese domestic legislation and how have they developed? What is the significance of the official designation of the Ainu as indigenous people? What are indigenous rights and how does Japan fare in the international comparison? Why are the Ainu and the Ryukyuan people treated differently by domestic law? And what may change in 2024?

This presentation traces the evolution of Japanese Studies from its roots in Japanology, offering a concise examination of its current status, challenges, and the inherent Japanophilia embedded within the discipline. By exploring the historical trajectory, we will gain insights into the dynamic shifts that have shaped the field. The presentation aims to highlight the contemporary challenges faced by scholars in Japanese Studies and the enduring fascination, or Japanophilia, that underpins their work. Through this overview, we will develop a nuanced understanding of the discipline’s multifaceted nature, recognizing its significance and internal issues in the broader academic landscape.

Okakura Kakuzō (Okakura Tenshin, 1863-1913). While Okakura is mainly associated with his work for the promotion of Japanese art and culture as well as with his pan-Asian thought, his life was also characterised by his many journeys through the US, Europe, China and India. By focusing on his first three international trips, this presentation highlights Okakura’s role as a traveller and shows how his journeys across the globe have shaped his work and thought.