October 25, 2017
This autumn, the Kobe University Center for Asian Academic Collaboration hosted two events on consecutive days at the Takigawa Memorial Hall: the 2nd KU-FTU Cooperation Symposium on September 27, and the 5th Annual Conference: The Forum for Leaders of Japanese Studies on September 28.
The 2nd KU-FTU Cooperation Symposium was held to foster exchange with Foreign Trade University (Vietnam) where Kobe University established a Liaison Base in 2015. For this event, Kobe University invited researchers from Foreign Trade University and held a joint academic assembly. Researchers in social sciences fields from our University and Foreign Trade University debated the theme of “Role and Prospect of Japan-Vietnam Exchange”
The event began with a keynote speech from Dr. DAO Thi Thu Giang and opening remarks from Professor INOUE Noriyuki (Executive Vice President in Charge of International Exchange). Following this, researchers from both universities presented their research findings and active discussions took place. The event finished with remarks from Professor FUJITA Seiichi (Executive Vice President in Charge of Education). The symposium was a great success, and both sides pledged to continue the close exchange between our institutions.
At The 5th Annual Conference: The Forum for Leaders of Japanese Studies, our University was honored to welcome four eminent researchers from major universities in Asia in the field of Japanese Studies to give presentations and engage in discussions. This year’s conference was divided into two sessions: the first on the theme of “Future Prospect of the Forum for Leaders of Japanese Studies: What Do You Expect of Kobe University?” and the second on “Japan in Age of Global Structural Transition: How Do Asian Countries View?”
Following opening remarks from Professor INOUE Noriyuki, researchers from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Sichuan University (China), Seoul National University (Korea) and the University of Social Sciences & Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi presented their research findings, looking at Japanese Studies from multiple perspectives.
In the final discussion, moderated by Professor KIMURA Kan (Director of the Center for Asian Academic Collaboration) and with participation from attendees, a rich debate took place about Japanese Studies in Asia and the role of researchers. Going beyond research, attendees also discussed Japan’s place in Asia and the world, the state of Asia, and the role of universities.

We hope that these events will lead to stronger academic exchange between researchers, and further exchange with researchers and universities in Asia and throughout the world.
(International Affairs Planning Division)