On November 21, 2024, a seminar inaugurating the Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies “Expanding Global Japanese Studies” (281st Nichibunken Thursday Seminar) was held.

After a greeting by Nichibunken‘s Director-General Shōichi INOUE and congratulatory remarks by Dr. Noboru MARUYAMA, director-general of the Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education, Professor TAKII introduced the division. Then, each member presented how they encountered Japanese studies, their experiences in the field, and their aspirations for the establishment of the new division.

During the roundtable discussion, members discussed hosting symposiums and workshops open to a diverse range of participants, including young researchers and graduate students, and identifying the global needs of Japanese studies.