Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, the Centre for Japanese Research (CJR) brought together scholars, students, policymakers, journalists, and community members for conversations examining Japan’s place within a rapidly changing regional and global landscape. This year’s programming explored questions about economic security, geopolitics, gender, media, and social transformation, while also creating opportunities for cultural exchange and student engagement. Through lectures, screenings, discussions, and community events, CJR continued to foster thoughtful dialogue on contemporary Japan and its connections to the broader Indo-Pacific region.
A major theme across this year’s programming was Japan’s evolving role in global affairs. Events such as “Supply Chain Strategy and Economic Security in a Geopolitical Era” and “Japan’s Grand Strategy: Liminal Power in an Uncertain World” examined how Japan is navigating rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and shifting regional alliances. These conversations brought attention to the growing importance of economic resilience, diplomacy, and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, while highlighting Japan’s unique position in an increasingly multipolar world.
CJR’s programming also engaged deeply with questions of gender, labour, and public discourse. The “Gendered Undermatch and Imagined Futures” event explored how structural inequalities continue to shape women’s educational and professional pathways in Japan, encouraging reflection on changing expectations around work and society. In March, CJR welcomed journalist and filmmaker Shiori Ito for two special events: “Black Box Diaries: A Screening and Conversation with Shiori Ito” and “A Book Talk on Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement“. Together, these events created a meaningful space for discussion on investigative journalism, gender-based violence, and the broader impact of Japan’s #MeToo movement, drawing strong engagement from audiences across campus and the wider community.
Alongside its academic programming, CJR continued to support community-building and student learning opportunities. Shinnenkai 2026 brought together faculty, students, and local community members for an evening celebrating the new year through food, networking, and taiko performances. The Study in Japan Information Session further encouraged student engagement by providing guidance on academic exchange opportunities and study experiences in Japan.
Taken together, this year’s events reflected CJR’s role as a space for critical inquiry, interdisciplinary exchange, and community connection, strengthening conversations on Japan within both academic and public spheres.
