Lecture and Panel Discussion on Globalization in Japanese Universities

Waiting for a Moment to Arise - Japanese Youth and Universities in Global Society
Keynote speech by Prof Naoyuki Agawa

While still struggling to recover from the threefold tragedy of March 11, 2011, Japan continues to be saddled with a weak and unstable political leadership, a sluggish economy, and an aging and dwindling population. The recent rekindling of territorial disputes with its neighboring countries, particularly China, only adds to a collective national anxiety. Under the circumstances, all eyes are on Japan’s youth. Realizing that Japan’s future depends on them, older Japanese are urging them to be more globally-oriented, multi-lingual, proactive and competitive, and more open to risk-taking - qualities which, ironically, seem to be exactly what the current Japanese leaders lack. Are Japan’s youth ready to take over the task of rebuilding and running the country? Are they waiting for a moment to arise and act?

In this presentation, Naoyuki Agawa will argue that, as in the past, Japan’s youth have the potential to act decisively when an occasion arises, but that they themselves may be unaware of their own potential abilities and strengths. Accordingly, it is important for Japan as a whole, and Japanese universities in particular, to instill in them, through more innovative and perhaps slightly untraditional means, the confidence and audacity to think and act on their own and to meet the challenge of revitalizing Japan in this rapidly changing global society.

Admission is free but prior registration is essential.

To register your place please contact lecture@ld.mofa.go.jp