On January 16th, 2019, a Joint Seminar with GraSPP and SAIS (John Hopkins University – School of Advanced International Studies) was held at the International Research Building, SMBC Academia Hall. The event was organized by the GraSPP Student Council at the request of SAIS and had the participation of 47 students, with 24 visitors from John Hopkins University. Relevant topics on Japanese Security were presented by three GraSPP professors.
First, Prof. Takeuchi made a presentation titled “Defense Policy of Japan Focusing on the New National Defense Program Guideline” where he shared the events for Japan in 2019, the geopolitical security issues of Japan and the government’s approaches to deal with those. Second, Prof.Takahara presented on “Security Issues in Japan-China Relations”, focusing on the diplomatic rapprochement of China and Japan and the challenges it might face, also sharing the impression Chinese and Japanese citizens have towards the other. The third presenter, Prof. Heng, talked about “Japan in the World Risk Society”, explaining the ambiguity of “risk” in the age of globalization, and the type of “risk” that are considered to have more impact in the Japanese society, as the 2018 Summer heatwaves among others.
After the presentations, the students had the opportunity to discuss the topics presented and formulate questions addressed to the professors. Students seemed particularly intrigued by Japan’s possible constitutional changes, security strategies and the future of its diplomatic relations. GraSPP’s students would be happy to welcome them again in the future.
1/23/2019 – Lia Cristine Rego Santee