TOPICS

Since 1945, it has appeared impossible to separate issues of Japanese security from those of the US alliance. This relationship has been considered the benefactor for Japan’s economic recovery, the enabler of Japan’s adherence to Article 9 and a pacific post-war period, and also thereby as a thorn in the side for those that resent US dominance, patronage, and leadership.

However, what has this relationship really meant for Japan, its security since 1945, and its place in the world today? This presentation will examine these questions.

It will also re-consider how secure Japan has felt and feels today, and the causes of insecurity? It will look at how Japan has attempted to secure itself, through the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and other means, and how US influence can be evaluated.

Finally, there will be a consideration of Japan’s strategic security options. Are there any meaningful alternatives to the close embrace of the US, either as complimentary alignments, such as the Quad (with Australia and India), or Special Partnership Agreements, bilaterally with countries such as the UK, or multilaterally with institutions such as the EU and NATO, or through the less defined Free and Open Indo-Pacific approach?

We invite Mr. Masayoshi Iyoda, senior researcher in NPO named Kiko Network and Climate Action Network Japan (CAN-Japan), to the professional workshop today. He shared his life story and all the works related NGO. Along with the increased awareness of the environment and human rights of citizens, private companies as well as NGOs try to practice the social economy.

The lecturer briefed on the global climate problem, its trends and NGO strategies first.

Mr. Masayoshi Iyoda showed the graph’s trend of CO2 concentration in the air was extremely severe, and depicted how the world is contaminated with map. Finally, he discussed his NGO career in Japan.

The Saionji Memorial Scholarship awarding ceremony for the spring semester of 2021 took place on the 9th of December, where the applicants with the best results were awarded scholarships.

The event was held in a hybrid format.

The awards were given out face to face and via Zoom for the applicants who were unable to attend.

At the award ceremony, a congratulatory speech was given by Dean Kawamura after which the certificates were presented one by one.

Mr. DENG Haoran and Ms.AOBA Azusa gave a speech on behalf of the recipients.

I  congratulate all the recipients of the scholarships and wish them all the best in their studies.

＜Saionji Memorial Scholarship (Academically Outstanding Students Category)＞

https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/scholarship/regular-grow.html/

We invite Mr. Sugawara Takashi, former Japanese Embassy Specialist Investigator, and Mr. Ikoma Tadahiro, former Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, JICA to the professional workshop today. Mr. Sugawara introduces the 2 years of job experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan, and to provide an opportunity for participants to consider an international career in a diplomatic field.

Mr. Ikoma discusses his experience working with an agricultural extension worker to promote organic farming at the local government level in the Philippines as a JICA volunteer and establish a demonstration vegetable farm in a mountainous village, regarding grassroots development and international cooperation development.

We invite Adam Franklin, Coordinator for International Relations, Kyoto Prefectural Official, to the professional workshop today. He discussed his own experiences as an international resident who underwent their tertiary education at Ritsumeikan, and used their academic experiences to find a job here in Japan.

In currently working at a government office as a civil servant, he shed aunique light on what it’s like to work within the Japanese system, what his day to work experience is like, and to share some advice to those who might like to follow a similar path in the future.

On the 3rd of November, the Zemi Research Convention was held.

The convention is a presentation style competition for teams of third-year students and above enrolled in Zemi.

Every year we invite guests from companies and alumni from across the globe to visit and interact with current students.

This year 31 teams presented through zoom and face to face.

You can access each teams’ presentation content from the below website link:

<AY2021 Zemi Research Convention>

https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/ir/open-seminar/eng/overview/

Many guests, faculty, graduates, students from affiliated high school and current students gathered on the day. They attentively observed each presentation and abundant thought-provoking Q&A’s were exchanged.

It was a memorable and precious networking event amidst the year and a half of COVID isolation.

The presentation participants were able to gather many valuable feedbacks from audiences. We will be using the data to enrich students' graduation thesis and future studies and improve future conventions held by our faculty.

We invite Dr.Yoshihara Kiyotsugu, representative director of Data Lupe Company Limited, to the professional workshop today. He discussed the financial system, the difference of business styles of cooperative banks, regional banks, and mega banks in Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, as well as his professional path in banking sector for the past thirty years.

He particularly placed great emphases on Japanese banking business at present, which is considered to provide students with a more specific and in-depth understanding of working in the Japanese banking industry. Banks are now required not only to act as providers of capital but also to provide consultation to and continuously support the restructuring and development of client firms through long-term business relationships.

November Academic Writing Tutorial Program is Open for Booking on the 25^th!

Students of RU only

Come and improve your writing with our Doctorate and MA tutors with strong thesis writing track records. Each passed a screening process and received training from our RU professors.

A free service courtesy of RU, you can have a solid one-on-one consultation of 40 minutes, as many times as you would like to book.

Ask opinions/gain advice on:

Theme

Structure

Wording

Grammar

Clarity & flow

Plagiarism issues

Perhaps you want someone to have a read of your paper before handing it in. Whatever your academic paper needs, friendly tutors will be able to help and support you.

Time:

Lunch               12:15~12:55     

5^th Period         16:20~17:00

Days:

Tuesdays & Thursdays @ Kinugasa Library

Drop-in available on Thursdays if tutors are free

Wednesdays & Fridays Online by Zoom

For booking please visit the link below:

38 students from the College of International Relations and 32 students from the Graduate College of International Relations graduated/completed their studies.

The ceremony was also streamed live to graduates, their families, and current students who were unable to attend.

Congratulations to all graduates!

Best regards,