News
UCD Japan Fair 2021
UCD Japan, together with UCD Centre for Japanese Studies and our friends, is organising seminars this autumn.
Participation in the 16th International Conference of the European Association of Japanese Studies (EAJS) 2021
Dr Naonori Kodate and his research collaborators participated in the EAJS conference online.
UCD Center for Japanese Studies hosts “Matcha Café e Yōkoso! (Welcome to Japanese Matcha cafe)” with the Multicultural Employee Network of UCD (MENU)
Ms Nobuko Ijichi (UCD Centre for Japanese Studies) and Dr Naonori Kodate (School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice) gave an online session “Matcha Cafe e Yōkoso! (Welcome to Japanese Matcha Café)” as part of the Multicultural Employee Network of UCD (MENU) Cultural Café Series on Friday 20 August 2021.
Documentary Film “Circuits of Care: Ageing in Japan’s Robot Revolution”
Dr Naonori Kodate teamed up with Professor David Prendergast (Professor of Science, Technology and Society at Maynooth University), and produced a film entitled “Circuits of Care: Ageing in Japan’s Robot Revolution”, as part of his interdisciplinary and international project.
PODCAST Beyond Japan (Centre for Japanese Studies, University of East Anglia) Episode #36: Robotics in Elder Care
In May 2021 Dr Naonori Kodate, Associate Professor in Social Policy and Social Robotics & Director of UCD Centre for Japanese Studies at University College Dublin was interviewed for the Podcast.
Dr Downey awarded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Commendation
Congratulations to Dr Declan Downey, UCD School of History / UCD Centre for Japanese Studies who has been awarded a Commendation by the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mr Motegi Toshimitsu.
UCD Centre for Japanese Studies 2020/21 Annual Report
We are delighted to publish our very first Annual Report. Coming out of the unprecedented worldwide pandemic, a transformed landscape of Irish higher education is slowly emerging.
UCD Centre for Japanese Studies Spring Webinars
Two Webinars will be held in April and May. We are working on these events in collaboration with Portland State University’s Center for Japanese Studies, Hokkaido University’s Graduate School of Public Policy and la Fondation France-Japon de l'EHESS (The School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences, France).
UCD Centre for Japanese Studies supports ‘ParaBeats’ online symposium and concert
A very unique and special collaboration brought Irish and Japanese artists and musicians, which shined the spotlight on inclusion through music & sport.
UCD Centre for Japanese Studies Launch Webinar Series
The UCD Centre for Japanese Studies was officially launched by two Webinars in February, with H.E. Mr Kitano (Ambassador of Japan to Ireland) and Prof. Bando (Chancellor of Showa Women’s University). We had a great turnout and lively discussions.
Meiji University x UCD Japanese Society Collaboration E-Meet-up & Local Quiz
Undergraduate students in Meiji University (School of Commerce) and UCD Japanese Society (various Schools ranging from Business, Politics, History, Chemistry, Archeology to Physiotherapy!) came together to host 3 E-meet-up (& quiz) sessions, giving presentations about their hometowns.
4th Future Technologies for Integrated Care in Japan (FTIC Japan) Webinar
The FTIC Japan, in collaboration with the UCD Centre for Japanese Studies and others, held its 4th Webinar, with two special guest keynote speakers: Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, St Vincent’s University Hospital/Royal College of Physicians in Ireland & Prof. Naohiko Jinno, President, Japan Social Work College/Emeritus Professor, University of Tokyo.
The UCD Centre for Japanese Studies (UCD-JaSt) Official Launch Webinar Series
We held 5 webinars (covering the themes of Japanese food, music, theatre, job opportunities, and politics) in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Ireland Japan Association, and the UCD Japanese Society (with 450 members).
UCD Japan Fair 2020
Despite these unprecedented and challenging times, the UCD Japan Group / the UCD Centre for Japanese Studies decided to hold five webinars, bringing speakers from Japan, Ireland and the UK!
Assoc. Prof. Kodate’s research team given the Best Digital Poster Award at the European Geriatric Society’s Annual Congress 2020
The research team led by Profs. Obayashi, Masuyama & Kodate in a residential nursing home has developed and tested a cuddly toy robot, which has monitoring and communication functions for older people.
Obituary: In memory of Dr Tom P. Hardiman (1929-2020)
On 2 May 2020, Dr Tom Hardiman passed away. Dr Hardiman studied at UCD and graduated in Engineering in 1951 and Mathematics in 1952. He became the third Director General of the state broadcasting service, broadcasting service RTÉ, and had an outstanding and distinguished career in so many areas including industrial development, business, broadcasting, higher education, arts & culture and international relations.
Edited book “Global Social Welfare”, Vol. 1 (UK/Ireland) published
Profs. Jim Campbell and Michelle Norris, Assoc. Prof. Naonori Kodate and Assist. Profs. Sarah Donnelly and Elaine Wilson wrote the entire section (8 chapters) on Ireland in Volume 1, while Dr Kodate edited the volume with Prof. Koichi Kaneko (Social Welfare, Toyo University).
Special Online Lectures, Spring/Summer 2020
During the Covid19 lockdown, the UCD Centre for Japanese Studies (UCD-JaSt) co-hosted two online special lectures.
Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Japan Book Break Talk by Assoc. Prof. Kodate
Assoc. Prof. Kodate (School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice) gave a talk about his book “Japanese Women in STEM: History and Policy Change” together with co-author Prof. Emerita Kashiko Kodate at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ) in Tokyo.
Co-organising three seminars in Japan this autumn
This autumn, UCD Japan co-organised three research and public seminars working with our partner institutions (Chiba University, Tsuda University and International Christian University).
Experience Japan received the European Language Label Award
Ms Nobuko Ijichi, on behalf of Experience Japan, received the award from the Irish Department of Educations and Skills for their contribution to Languages Connect.
UCD Japan Fair 2019
This year, we held four events featuring the themes: hot springs (onsen); umami & Japanese food; female leaders in Japanese society; and the JET programme.
UCD Japan (School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice) welcomes intern student from the University of Tokyo (Faculty of Engineering)
UCD Japan / School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice welcomed an intern from the University of Tokyo (Faculty of Engineering / Welfare Assistive Technologies Lab) for the month of September 2019. Mr Kohei turned out to be not only a very diligent researcher, but also a very talented accordion player who loves Irish music and dancing!
Study Tour: Japan College of Social Work
Three undergraduate students from the Japan College of Social Work (日本社会事業大学 / Nihon shakai jigyō daigaku), together with two academics visited UCD on their very first Study Tour abroad between 3-11 September 2019. The Social Work Unit in UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice & UCD Japan Group facilitated their visit.
Upcoming JSPS-funded UCD-Chiba Joint Seminar ‘Technology-supported Community Care in Japan and Ireland’
The JSPS-funded seminar ‘Technology-supported Community Care in Japan and Ireland’ (6th & 7th September 2019) aims to bring together academics, practitioners and early-career researchers to discuss the current policy, practice and research in this area where life sciences (nursing), architecture (urban development) and social sciences (social gerontology – social policy and social work) intersect.
Book Launch of Lafcadio Hearn’s stories (first translation in Irish)
To mark the publication of the first ever Irish Translation of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn's Japanese Folklore 'Sayonara' (book in Irish and English), there was an official launch event held in the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Gardens in Tramore, Co. Waterford.
Toyota Foundation Project Launched
Assoc. Prof. Kodate has been awarded approx. €70,000 from the Toyota Foundation for leading a two-year international research project "Harmonisation towards the establishment of Person-centred, Robotics-aided Care System (HARP: RoCS)" (2019-2021).
Visitors to UCD & Japan this spring
This spring, there have been many interactions between UCD researchers & our Japanese partners. Some partnerships go back a long way (more than 20 years), and new partnerships have also emerged. Here are a few selected photos. Go raibh maith agaibh as do chuairt!
Two spring seminars and two concerts: celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Experience Japan Festival
This spring we are hosting two seminars and two special concerts to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Experience Japan Festival.
Brand new university-wide elective module ‘Gateways to Japan’ launched
We are very excited to announce that the UCD Japan Group’s first credit-bearing elective module, Gateways to Japan (DSCY10080), commences in January 2019 (Semester 2, 2018/19)!
UCD nominee won the MIRAI Program Scholarship 2019 (Science & Technology)
The UCD Japan Group is delighted to announce Mr Cillian O’Brien (3rd year Chemistry) will be taking part in this year’s short-term youth exchange program, supported by the Japanese Government.
UCD Women@STEM Launch Symposium
Professor Yuko Takahashi, President, Tsuda University gave a keynote lecture at The Diversity in STEM event in UCD, together with H.E. Ambassador Mrs Mari Miyoshi.
Meiji Restoration the 150th Anniversary Seminar Series
The Embassy of Japan in Ireland organised three-part Lecture Series Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Meiji Restoration between October and November 2018.
Foreign Minister of Japan Kōno honours Experience Japan Taiko Team
Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Tarō Kōno, at a ceremony in Tokyo (24th July 2018), presented the award to the Experience Japan Taiko Team.
UCD-Chiba-Seinäjoki joint seminar on care robots in Finland
Irish, Japanese and Finnish researchers gathered to launch an exciting tri-country comparative study looking at people’s perceptions towards care robots in Ireland, Japan and Finland.
Exhibition & Seminar 'Beyond Duty - An Exhibition on the Diplomats recognized as Righteous Among the Nations'
The exhibition (13 - 23 February 2018) is supported by the Embassies of Israel, of Japan, of Lithuania and of the Netherlands. The launch event was held in UCD on the 13th February, with more than 20 ambassadors attending and the Guest of Honour, Mr Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tánaiste.
Tsuda-UCD Joint Seminar 'Women Leaders in Science and Society'
UCD Japan jointly organised a seminar entitled “Women leaders: taking on challenges and finding solutions” at Tsuda University in Tokyo on the 28th November 2017. H.E. Ambassador Barrington, Dr Aoibhínn Ni Shúilleabháin and Mr Murashige were the speakers.
School of Physics & Utsunomiya University Research Seminar
Together with the School of Physics, the UCD Japan welcomed the return of Prof. Higashiguchi’s research team from Utsunomiya University on 3rd & 4th November.
Two upcoming seminars in November
UCD School of Physics will host the 4th Ireland-Japan collaborative research workshop on extreme ultraviolet source development for lithography, surface morphology and water window imaging on the 3rd and 4th November.
The International Youth Exchange Program
The International Youth Exchange Program has come to Ireland this year, and former graduates of UCD, Mr Sean Carton, Mr Liam Keane and Alan O’Mahony, and a graduate from the TCD/UCD joint Master’s Programme in Sociology, Mr Niall Foster are four of the seven delegates.
Keynote - Prof. Aaron Moore - ‘Crucible of East Asia: War Diaries and the Making of China and Japan, 1937-1945'
The Keynote Lecture 'The Crucible of East Asia: War Diaries and the Making of China and Japan, 1937-1945' was delivered by Prof. Aaron Moore (Handa Chair of Japanese-Chinese Relations, University of Edinburgh) on Thursday the 12th October.
UCD Japan Fair kick-off seminar ‘Supporting Ageing with Communication Robots – Talk & Demonstration’
The UCD Japan Fair began with the kick-off (and UCD Japan’s 8th academic) seminar ‘Supporting Ageing with Communication Robots – Talk & Demonstration’ on 28th September 2017 in the Bank of Ireland’s Community Space (Montrose University Branch).
UCD Representative announced for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs-funded MIRAI program
The UCD Japan is delighted to announce that Mr Anthony O'Shea (3rd year student in Law & Business) has been selected as the UCD representative for the Japanese Government-funded MIRAI Program.
Visit of Hokkaido University’s First Step Program delegation in UCD
18 undergraduate students on the First Step Program (Hokkaido University’s Nitobe College) visited the Belfield Campus, University College Dublin on the 18th September.
Appointment of Mr John Neary as Adjunct Professor
Mr John Neary, recently retired Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has been appointed as Adjunct Professor , UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice
Eight students awarded JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme placements
UCD has been the largest contributor to the Japanese Government 30-year highly sought-after, year-long placements on JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme for which they are prepared by the Applied Language Centre Japanese language modules (led by Ms Nobuko Ijichi)
UCD Rugby meets Waseda Rugby in June 2017
UCD Rugby met Waseda Rugby on 23 June 2017. Waseda and UCD have been partners for more than 60 years. The partnership goes back to the early 1950s when Waseda established the study of Anglo-Irish literature in Japan. UCD and Waseda are both members of the international university consortium called Universitas21 (U21).
UCD Japan participated in UCD Festival 2017
UCD Japan offered a variety of activities and performances including martial arts, kimono dressing, Japanese taiko drumming, tea ceremony and talks on pop culture diplomacy.
UCD Japan Seminars in March 2017
In March, four academic seminars were organised by the UCD Japan Group. The themes include teaching and learning in mathematics and language, technology (robots & artificial intelligence), global health, and contemporary literature.
Patrick Lafcadio Hearn Seminars in 2017
UCD Japan, in conjunction with UCD Humanities Institute, organised two academic seminars this year, inviting Prof. Mary Gallagher and Prof. Hideki Kuwajima (Hiroshima University, Japan). UCD Japan also hosted another event, as part of our UCD Japan Fair in October, with Prof. Gallagher, Mr Paul Murray and Mr Simon O'Connor.
Japanese Women in Leadership in Science and Society
UCD Women in Science (WiTS) and UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice hosted an event ‘Japanese Women in Leadership in Science and Society’, inviting two distinguished speakers: Professor Reiko Kuroda and The Ambassador of Japan Mrs Mari Miyoshi. Professor Kuroda is a Professor in Chemistry/Biology, at Tokyo University of Science, and a Science Advisor for the United Nations Secretary General.
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