Seminars
2007 Programme
All events are held in the Auditorium of the Japanese Studies Centre, Building 54, Monash University Clayton campus, unless otherwise noted.
23 February (Fri), 9:00-17:30
Changing Identities and Networks in the Globalising World: Negotiation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in Everyday Life
Organised by Afrasian Centre for Peace and Development Studies, Ryukoku University and Japanese Studies Centre, Monash University
Funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan and Ryukoku University
The symposium will address the following issues through four different panels:
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Panel 1: Global-Local Connections and Networks in Japanese Educational Settings
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Panel 2: The Ties that Bind: Social Networks and Remittances of Transnational Migrants in Asia
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Panel 3: The Role of Cultural Perceptions in Conflict Prevention
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Panel 4: Identity, Conflict and Diasporic Politics
Download details (PDF)
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13 March (Tue), 13:00-14:00
JAPANESE STUDIES SEMINAR – DOUBLE BILL
Two presentations – one in English and one in Japanese
Professor Pauline Kent
Visiting Scholar, Japanese Studies Centre;
Professor of Sociology, Faculty of Intercultural Communications
Ryukoku University, Shiga, Japan
Specialty: Sociology; the life and work of Ruth Benedict; Paradigms of Japanese Studies.
Changing Images of Japan in the New York Times (1851-1932)
Abstract:
The electronic data base of the New York Times provides an easily accessible window on how Japan was perceived in this influential newspaper. However the sheer volume of data can be daunting. I will present an example of images of Japan from years that were relatively popular for reporting on Japan and the Japanese. I will begin with the Japan Expedition and the Japanese Embassy visit to America. The "Civil War" in Japan creates interest in Japan's future in 1868-9 but interest in Japan does not peak again until 1895 when Japan expands into China and once again in 1904 when the war with Russia culminates in glowing reports about the Japanese. 1921 witnesses distrust of Japan's increasing power and in 1932, expansion into Manchuria and the negotiations with the League of Nations once again creates (mostly negative) interest in Japan. Only brief summaries of the images as they appeared in the Times will be presented, with the intention of providing a forum for discussion rather than expert analyses of the images.
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Dr Masayoshi Manabe
Visiting Scholar, Japanese Studies Centre;
Assistant Professor, Institute of Japanese Studies, Osaka University; member of the CEO Interface Humanities – Japan as Image Project
http://www.let.osaka-u.ac.jp/nihongaku/member/manabe.html
Specialty: Ethnology; media and culture theory; history of popular culture research.
Late night radio shows in 1990s Japan and the elderly: to whom does midnight belong? (In Japanese)
(1990 nendai no Nihon ni okeru shinya housou to koureisha no kankei: shinya to wa dare no mono ka? )
Abstract:
Late night radio broadcasting began to take on in Japan in the 1960s, when it functioned as a forum for young listeners. In the 1990s however the NHK program Radio Midnight Train radically changed the image of such late night programs as the monopoly of the young. This presentation explores the ways in which the “reality” of the electronically reproduced voice appeals to Japanese elderly people.
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22 June (Fri), 14:00-15:00
Japanese Studies Centre Research Seminar
Spirituality and Science of Traditional Medicine
(The presentation will be conducted in English)
Presenter: Mr. Hiroo INDO (Visiting Researcher, Japanese Studies Centre)
Abstract:
The medical situation in modern society has apparently progressed to recognize spiritual well-being since the discussion concerning the statement of World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998. Since the 17th century, the dualism of Descartes which originated in ancient Greek philosophy has developed modern science including medical science in the western region, improving the knowledge of the world. On the other hand, traditional eastern philosophy and practice have promoted the science of inner the world in Asia. In modern society, even with the guidance of one’s own spirituality, it can be difficult to progress one’s mind-body calmness. However this is the key to the recovery of holistic health, despite our dualistic belief of mind and body as separate.
Keywords: Eastern philosophy, spirituality, holistic health, non-linear, ecology, dualism
Enquiries: hiroo.indo@arts.monash.edu.au
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20 July (Fri), 14:00-15:00
Japanese Studies Centre Research Seminar
What does ‘noni’ (Japanese conjunction) indicate?
(The presentation will be conducted in Japanese)
Presenter: Prof. Hisano OKANO (Visiting Researcher, Japanese Studies Centre)
Abstract:
The grammatical role of the Japanese noni implies or asserts the discrepancy between the speaker’s intentions or assumptions, and a situation the speaker has no control over. By understanding the meaning and function of noni in this way, it is possible to compare noni with keredo and explain the following characteristic features of noni, thus allowing us to consider the diverse usage of noni in a comprehensive manner. This study makes the following points about noni. (1) Two contrasting facts which have no relation cannot be conveyed. (2) Positive or negative situations that occur consecutively can be connected. (3) Presenting two facts in reverse chronological order is unnatural. (4) When the antecedent is an opinion, the word omou (think) is unnecessary. (5) The reason for the speaker’s expectation and a situation that goes against it can be connected. (6) It is not possible for the subsequent part to be the speaker’s intention. (7) In some cases, kara (because) can replace noni.
Keywords: noni, keredo, speaker's intentions or assumptions, situation, discrepancy, implication
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27 July (Fri), 14:00-15:00
Japanese Studies Centre Research Seminar
The effect of music on introductory level tertiary students’ affect and achievement in learning Japanese as a foreign language
(The presentation will be conducted in English)
Presenter: Dr. Kuninori SHIMBO (Visiting Researcher, Japanese Studies Centre)
Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of music on the students’ affect and development of communicative competence in tertiary Japanese language classes. Two existing classes were randomly assigned as a control group (n = 29) and an experimental group (n = 25). This quasi-experimental study lasted for 4 weeks. The results of t-tests showed that there existed no major significant differences between the two groups in motivation, anxiety, self-concept and language achievement. When the qualitative data was examined carefully, however, it was found that hardly any “tiredness” was reported in the experimental group. This result suggests that music may be effective in preventing mental fatigue and producing better learning conditions in terms of physiology.
Enquiries: Kuninori.Shimbo@arts.monash.edu.au
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22 August, 16:15 - 17:15
Japanese Studies Centre Research Seminar
Personal networks of elderly women in a small city in Japan
(The presentation will be conducted in English)
Presenter: Prof. Masao NOBE (Visiting Researcher, Japanese Studies Centre)
Abstract:
Takahashi City in Okayama Prefecture in Japan, which has a population of approximately 25000, consists of urban areas and highlands. Due to a decrease of the population, facilities in the community in the highlands such as shops, hospitals, and public transport have become very poor. In 1997, a questionnaire survey was conducted on social support networks to elderly women between 65 and 79 in Takahashi City. Nearly half of residents are now over 65 in some parts of the city. From the viewpoint of social support networks, the study questions why so many elderly people remain in the highlands although the community facilities are very poor there.
Enquiries: Masao.Nobe@arts.monash.edu.au
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24 August (Fri), 14:00-15:00
Japanese Studies Centre Research Seminar
Japanese Working Holiday Makers in Australia
(The presentation will be conducted in English)
Presenter: Mr. Nobuaki FUJIOKA (Visiting Researcher, Japanese Studies Centre)
Abstract:
This study reflects on the experiences of Japanese working holiday makers (WHMs) in Australia focusing on the relationships between their profiles, motivations and activities unlike previous studies which have explored these factors separately from each other. It would enable us to find some clues to understand and theorize Japanese WHMs from the perspectives of social class and global migration. In this seminar, the qualitative data obtained from ongoing research in Melbourne will be analysed. This means that the seminar would be an interim report on some of the first fact findings of the research. Some of the previous studies related to this topic would also be surveyed as far as may be necessary.
Enquiries: Nobuaki.Fujioka@arts.monash.edu.au
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31 August (Fri), 13:00 - 16:30
Seminar and Workshop
by Japanese Studies Centre and Japanese Studies Program
Japanese Settlers in Australia Project: perspectives and approaches to population movements
Presenters:
1:00 – 1:45 Professor Kawakami Ikuo, Waseda University,
The Vietnamese Diaspora in Japan
1:45 – 2.30 Hamano Takeshi, University of Sydney
Japanese community networks in Sydney
2:30 – 3:00 afternoon tea
3:00-3:30 Fujioka Nobuaki, Japanese Studies Centre and Hitotsubashi University
Japanese working holiday makers in Australia
3:30-4:00 Alison Tokita and Jun Yano, Monash University
Australian-Japanese marriage: a work in progress
4:00-4:30 Discussion and close
Enquiries: Beatrice.Trefalt@arts.monash.edu.au
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7 September (Fri), 14:00-15:00
Japanese Studies Centre Research Seminar
Australian youth and WW2 war history
(The presentation will be conducted in English)
Presenters:
Ms. Ryoko ADACHI (Visiting Researcher, Japanese Studies Centre)
Mr. Andrew MCKAY (Visiting Researcher, Japanese Studies Centre)
Abstract:
In Australia students are increasingly being exposed to World War 2 history. It’s the result of a major national initiative involving Federal and State Governments, the RSL, Legacy and the Commemoration of the Battle for Australia organization. Children are being taken to shrines and memorials. They learn about fighting the Japanese and what happened at Changi prison camp, the Thai-Burma Railway and the Sandakan death march.
In Japan students are being deprived of knowledge about WW2, even the fact that Australia was once the enemy. School texts are being re-written to eliminate what is called “dark history” for fear it will damage national morale.
The authors of Shadows of War, Ryoko Adachi and Andrew McKay, will talk bout their latest investigations. And the prospect of Australian v. Japanese war history knowledge and ignorance leading to misunderstandings between the two countries in the near future.
Enquiries: Ryoko.Adachi@arts.monash.edu.au or Andrew.McKay@arts.monash.edu.au
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7 September (Fri), 15:00-16:00
Japanese Studies Centre Research Seminar
Moral and Religious Education in Japan
(The presentation will be conducted in English)
Presenter: Dr. Dorothea FILUS (Visiting Researcher, Japanese Studies Centre)
Abstract:
This paper will aim at finding solutions to the current problems and conflicts in the debate on the introduction of religious education in Japanese public schools. The major obstacle to the progress in the debate is of legal and political nature. The Constitution of Japan forbids religious education, while the conservative politicians push for religious education modeled on the prewar moral education (shushin). The public is suspicious of a hidden agenda behind the proposal to teach religion in public schools. Some critics argue that it will only serve the interests of the conservative politicians to manipulate the religious sentiments and the social disappointments of the Japanese people. Parents in general oppose religion education and are cautious even about some aspects of the current moral education.
The recent revision of the Fundamental Law of Education opens the door to the possibility of teaching some aspects of religion. However, as designing a new curriculum based on the revised Law will take a few years, at this stage it is not clear how and whether moral education in public schools will incorporate some aspects of religious knowledge. As there is no public agreement on what constitutes Japanese religious and moral values, the content of such a new course on morality/religion also remains a problem.
The paper argues that some Japanese religious and social beliefs and values should be reinterpreted in accordance with global cultural trends and modified to fit the 21st century. The purpose of such a modification is for the development of the ideals of tolerance, openness, inclusiveness, and gender and race equality. Only then a moral/religious education program committed to mutual tolerance, empathy and respect for others and their values can successfully be created. The paper will also consider whether moral education classes should be used as a platform for promoting community service, volunteer spirit, social activism, and philanthropic and altruistic work for the purpose of benefiting society.
Enquiries: Dorothea.Filus@arts.monash.edu.au
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Japanese Studies Centre Research Seminar
7 September (Fri), 16:00-17:30
Oda Makoto and August 14, 1945: His Humanitarian Wrath Against Indiscriminate Bombing
(The presentation will be conducted in English)
Presenters: Prof. Toshi-Yuki TANAKA (Hiroshima Peace Institute, Hiroshima City University)
Abstract:
Until this year it was an annual event in Osaka for Oda to give a public lecture on war and peace on August 14, the day that Osaka was heavilybombed by the U.S. Forces in 1945. This was the last bombing before Japan officially surrendered, and Oda lived through it. His unforgettable encounter with the atrocity of war led to his deep commitment to various humanitarian causes throughout his life and was the basis for many of his ideas and writings. My paper will explain the inter-relationship between Oda's war experience and his philosophy as a writer and activist.
Seminar Programme for 2006
Comparative Philosophy as Nationalist Propaganda: re-examining early modern constructs of the history of Japanese (Tokugawa) Confucianism
Tuesday 7 March 2006, 1:00 pm
Kiri Paramore, University of Tokyo
The intellectual history of Tokugawa Japan, like that of many areas to which is attributed a complex non-western philosophical tradition, is often narrated in contrast to, and in terms of a conflict with, a constructed "western" intellectual tradition (generally Christian) .What is often overlooked in this analysis, is that this framework itself is clearly a product of 19th century processes of "national history" construction. In the same way that "Orientalism" constructed an image of the Other to define imperial power in the West, in Japan in the 19th and 20th centuries constructions of "Eastern Thought" were used as elements of political control. This presentation will employ research on Confucian and anti-Christian texts from the early Tokugawa period presented in my PhD dissertation at the University of Tokyo to provide a solid source based context within which to consider both the nature of the Confucian and anti-Christian discourses of the 17th century, and the way they were reconstructed in late 19th century intellectual history.
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Shadows of war: Australian memories of Japan
Friday 10 March 2006, 3:00 pm
Ryoko Adachi and Andrew McKay, Honorary Fellows, Japanese Studies Centre; authors of Shadows of War, Indra Publications, 2005
Commentator: Dr Charles Schencking, MIALS, University of Melbourne
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