Are you someone with a general interest in Japanese culture and society? Or are you a sixth form student or current university student, either studying Japanese language or with an interest in learning more about Japan? Why not come and listen to our next lecture as part of our new seminar series: Exploring the World of Japanese Studies!

Our second lecture, War and Peace: How ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ Speaks to Japanese Literature, Art, History, and International Relations, is hosted by the University of East Anglia. This talk will feature contributions from Dr Ra Mason (Sasakawa Associate Professor); Dr Sherzod Muminov (Associate Professor in Japanese History); Dr Hannah Osborne (Lecturer in Japanese Literature); Dr Eriko Tomizawa-Kay (Associate Professor in Japanese Art History & Director of the Centre for Japanese Studies) and Dr Nadine Willems (Associate Professor in Japanese History).

Talk Description: This event takes inspiration from Studio Ghibli’s renowned film Grave of the Fireflies, a powerful story of war and loss. We will begin with a screening of the film’s trailer, using it as a starting point for an open discussion with both the panel and audience. Each speaker will then give a short presentation (around 10 minutes) from their area of expertise, followed by interactive discussion and questions from the audience.

The talks will explore themes such as the intersections of art and war, the ethics of representing wartime experiences through film and literature, Japan’s anti-nuclear movement, the dynamics of modern Japan–China relations, and the role of nationalism in twentieth-century Japan. Taken together, these perspectives invite us to reflect on how the themes depicted in Grave of the Fireflies connect to broader questions of memory, ethics, politics, and international relations.

Note: As with past events, video clips and trailers will be shown during the live session but may be omitted from any online recordings.

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Online Streaming Available via Zoom

Booking Essential| Admission Free