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The Kyoto University European Center (KUEC) celebrated its 10th anniversary on 20 September 2024. To reflect on past achievements and envision future collaborations, it hosted a series of events to commemorate this significant milestone, drawing together scholars, students, and the public. Guests, partners, and friends from all over Europe participated in the festivities, marking a decade of fostering international collaboration and academic exchange.
The day began with a “Next Generation Lecture” by Assoc. Prof. Björn-Ole Kamm (Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University). In his presentation, he delved into the complex phenomenon of transcultural exchange, examining how popular media in the “West” and the relatively recent introduction of Live Action Role Playing (LARP) in Japan have influenced and shaped each other. The lecture was well-received, sparking lively discussions among the audience.
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In the early afternoon, world-renowned and multi-award-winning author Dr. Yoko Tawada captivated the audience with a reading from her German and Japanese works. Her presentation on the theme of “Coexistence” (“Koko, Sokokoko, Koexistenz”) highlighted the fluidity and vitality of language, rooted in the exchange between people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The audience was deeply impressed by her remarkable creativity and ability to uncover deeper levels of language that transcend conventional linguistic rules. |
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This was followed by a joint lecture themed “Symbiosis” by Kyoto University scholars Prof. Miho Ishii (Institute for Research in Humanities) and Assoc. Prof. Jan-Dirk Schmöcker (Graduate School of Engineering). Prof. Ishii lectured on ““Reviving the souls of the dead in a divided world: A perspective from the Japanese Archipelago”” and presented an innovative approach to Vergangenheitsbewältigung (“coming to terms with the past”), offering a translational perspective to overcome trauma and loss. Assoc. Prof. Schmöcker showcased solutions towards “Accessibility and Transportation Network Reliability: Sufficient travel to create synergy” through data science analysis and the utilisation of diverse transportation modes. Both lectures stimulated engaging discussions between the researchers and the audience, concluding the public event on a thought-provoking note. |
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The festive commemoration of the anniversary was opened by remarks from Prof. Tetsuo Sawaragi (Executive Vice-President for Research Ethics, Integrity, Code of Conduct, and International Affairs) and Rector Prof. Frauke Melchior (Heidelberg University), who expressed their gratitude for the mutual support and the enduring importance of the KUEC. The Center’s achievements and impact in fostering international cooperation were further highlighted in congratulatory remarks from Kenichi Bessho (Consulate General of Japan in Munich) and Prof. Inge Hanewinkel (University of Göttingen Vice-President), a fellow partner within the HeKKSaGOn Alliance – a network of six leading research universities in Germany and Japan. The ceremony concluded with presentations by Chiyoko Kanno (KUEC Deputy Director) and Prof. Mika Yokoyama (KUEC Director), who outlined the Kyoto University European Center’s history over the past ten years and provided a glimpse into its future endeavours.
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| Opening remarks by Prof. Tetsuo Sawaragi | Exchange of gifts between Rector Prof. Frauke Melchior and VP Prof. Tetsuo Sawaragi |
Congratulatory remarks by Consulate General Kenichi Bessho |
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| Congratulatory remarks by VP Prof. Inge Hanewinkel |
Retrospective on the first 10 years of Kyoto University European Center by Prof. Mika Yokoyama |
Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a reception, enjoying a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Toasts were given by Prof. Thomas Hirth (Vice-President of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology), Kyoto University alumnus H.E. Mr. Ryuta Mizuuchi (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Austria), and Mr. Gero Hemker (Universität Hamburg), who shared anecdotes and best wishes.
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Toast by Kyoto University Alumni |
A friendly chat between Prof. Sawaragi and former head of Heidelberg University International Relations Division Dr. Joachim Gerke |
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| Former Heidelberg University Rector Prof. Dr. hc. hc. Eitel and Prof. Sawaragi |
HeKKSaGOn coordinators from Kyoto University, University of Göttingen, KIT & Heidelberg University |
The 10th anniversary celebration marked a significant milestone, reinforcing the Kyoto University European Center’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and academic excellence for years to come.
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| Participants of the commemoration ceremony 2024 | |
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