UChicago Graduate Students Participate in Annual International Studies Graduate Workshop

The Annual International Japan Studies Graduate Workshop took place this year at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan from March 18-19. Participants included students from the University of Chicago, Tokyo University, Tohoku University, the International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken), and Osaka University. From the University of Chicago, the participation of Rafael Aguirre Schultz, Simon Lenoe, and Patrick Gwillim-Thomas was funded by the Japan Committee at the Center for East Asian Studies.  In accordance with its Interdisciplinary aims, the workshop brought together graduate students from disciplines within the Social Sciences and Humanities whose projects and research focuses on Japan.  Over the course of the day and a half of presentations, the workshop provided an exemplary setting for students to exchange academic ideas and resources and to get to know their future colleagues.   Presentations included topics ranging from religion and philosophy in Meiji Japan, to examining the family concept of single parenting in East Asian society.

In addition to presentations, students travelled to visit the Arahama Elementary School, which provided a site of refuge during the 2011 tsunami despite suffering heavy damage.  Plans are currently underway for the 2026 Annual International Japan Studies Graduate Workshop to be held at Osaka University. 

Contributed by Michael Fisch