Kobe University

Joint lecture on Japanese culture and society held at Japan Foundation Budapest

December 13, 2018

On November 28, Kobe University held a lecture in Budapest, Hungary titled “Japan’s Transformation – society and culture from a legal point of view” co-organized with the Japan Foundation Budapest.

The event consisted of two main speakers. Professor Noriyuki Inoue (Kobe University Executive Vice President in Charge of International Exchange) introduced historical transformations in the Japanese nation-state and legal system from the perspective of Japanese literature. This was followed by a talk from Associate Professor Maki Haruna (Shitennoji University Faculty of Business Administration) who spoke on issues and legislation related to the family system in Japan, including legal precedents from Japan’s Supreme Court.

Approximately 80 people from Central and Eastern European universities and governmental organizations attended the lecture. During the Q&A time following the talks an active discussion took place. There were many questions on the structure of Japanese society and current issues, ranging from topics from immigration and refugee issues in a globalizing society to legislation for technological advances related to pregnancy and childbirth.

The Japan Foundation Budapest and Kobe University regularly collaborate to hold joint seminars, and we have also worked together to implement various initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe, including an agreement to facilitate internships. We will continue to work with the Japan Foundation Budapest to promote the expansion of academic exchange with Central and Eastern Europe.

(International Affairs Planning Division)