Satellite Events

The use of era names started in ancient China, and era names have been used around East Asia, such as in Korea, Vietnam and Japan. However, currently only Japan uses era names. The historical use of era names in Japan has been discussed from different perspectives, including issues concerning the system, its political nature and its academic status. With the change of the era name to Reiwa on May 1, 2019, social interest has focused on the actual process to change the era name, the required meaning, and the interpretation of Chinese and Japanese classical works that serve as source.

The library of the University of Tsukuba has in its collection materials that became the source for the current name change, and materials recording past name changes. During this event, we want to unravel these materials from a historical and literary point of view and consider the culture of era names, and consequently Japanese culture. (Presentation language: Japanese)

Poster； "Era Names in Japan and Classical Materials"

Migration has always been part of human history. The instinct to survive, and tragedies, both human and natural have caused people to move from one geographical location to another in search of better living conditions or for safety. Migration is dynamic. It evolves based on need, challenges, and realties that confronts it at any period in time.

With the decline of Japan’s population and the need to accept more labor migrants, migration studies has garnered much attention, both in the academic and non-academic milieu. Although migration can be profitable to both the migrants and their host countries, it also has some attendant challenges. This group will evaluate migration from several standpoint, which include migration and security, migration and diaspora, changing pattern of migration, among others.