150 Year Anniversary of Meiji Restoration

In 1868, Tokugawa Shogun, who had been ruling Japan, lost his power and his solider “Samurai” government was demolished and the emperor was restored to the supreme position. This was not only a political transformation that created a more democratic government, but also a cultural and industrial revolution. Meiji Restoration (Meiji-ishin) laid foundation to modern Japan, which then significantly developed to become one of the most influential counties in the world as we know today. UCL alumni who came from Yamaguchi Prefecture (Choshu-Five) and Kagoshima Prefecture (Satsuma-19) had a significant contribution during this development. This year, we celebrate 150 Year Anniversary of Meiji Restoration.

We will have two special lectures. Prof. Andrew Cobbing is associate professor of university of the Nottingham. He is a world expart of Japanese history around 150 years ago. Ms Lesley Downer is a novelist of great renown in the UK, who wrote several novels based on the historical background of Japan around 150 years ago. The novels include “Geisha” and "The Shogun's and Queen". Also, high school students from Kagoshima prefecture will present about the past, current, and future of Kagoshima.

After the lectures, we will have Kagoshima Reception.

Please join us to commemorate one of the most important historical turning point of Japan and enjoy special lectures, Japanese food and “Shochu” (Japanese alcohol).

Programme:

15:00-15:30   Registration

15:30-15:40   Opening by Prof. Shin-ichi Ohnuma (UCL)

15:40-16:40 Lecture "Wakaki-Satsuma in 1868" Dr. Andrew Cobbing (University of Nottingham)



16:40-17:00   Presentation by High School students from Kagoshima

17:00-18:00   Lecture "When East and West Collided: Flashpoints on the Road to the Meiji Restoration" Ms Lesley Downer (Novelist)



18:00-20:00   Kagoshima Reception




Entrance: FREE but registration is required. Register via Eventbrite here.