Are They Like Us? Japan’s Post 3.11 Generation
LECTURES ON JAPAN’S YOUNG GENERATION AND THE GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE

"11 March 2011 was a turning point in Japan’s modern history. However, the ways in which Japan has been irrevocably changed are not yet clear. The damage of 3.11 was so destructive that one may imagine that Japan will find it difficult to fully recover. On the otherhand, it may prove to be the symbolic beginning of a new journey towards a revitalized Japan. Although a national crisis of the size of 3.11 brings tremendous sorrow, pain and loss, it could also be considered an inspiring and empowering occasion for the nation’s future. In order for the latter to be the case, Japan depends on their post 3.11 generation who will take up the task of rebuilding the nation. Who are the post 3.11 generation and are they ready for this challenge?"

Speakers:

Professor Naoyuki AGAWA (Vice President, International Collaboration Professor, Keio University)

Prof. Agawa graduated from the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, with magna cum laude in 1977 after transferring from Keio University in 1975. Upon graduation, he joined Sony Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, and worked on international trade and copyright law matters. While at Sony he read law at and graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1984. He joined the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in 1987 and worked at its Washington, D.C. and Tokyo offices through 1995. He is licensed to practice law in the state of New York and Washington, D.C. Continuing to practice law with Nishimura & Partners in Tokyo, Mr. Agawa joined Keio University as a professor at its SFC campus in 1999, teaching American constitutional law and history. He was appointed Minister for Public Affairs at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. in August 2002 and served there until he returned to Keio in April 2005. He was elected and served as Dean of the Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, between June 2007 and June 2009. He was appointed Vice President in charge of international affairs at Keio in July 2009.

Professor Akihiro KIJIMA (Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Field Science Center,Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Centre for Advancement of Higher Education, Advisor to the President of the University)

Prof. Kijima’s study fields are fishery studies (Fish Genetics and Breeding Science) and Environmental agriculture at Tohoku University. The University is located in Sendai city, the centre of the area devestated by the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami, and Prof. Kijima has been playing an active role for the recovery plan of the region since 11 March.