The International Research Center for Japanese Studies, or Nichibunken (日文研), is an inter-university research institute in Kyoto. Along with the National Institute of Japanese Literature, the National Museum of Japanese History, and the National Museum of Ethnology, it is one of the National Institutes for the Humanities. The center is devoted to research related to Japanese culture.

IRJCS’s work with BIG Lab

The 21st Century Borders in Japan – Early Career Researcher Writing Workshop was held at Hokkaido University in February 2024. This brought together eight young researchers (two faculty members, one post-doctoral researcher, three doctoral students, and two master’s students) involved in research on Japan’s borders. It was preceded by a talk by Professor Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly, who explained the goals of the “Borders in Globalization” project.

The workshop itself was held over two days, February 15-16, and was a great success. The small number of participants allowed for a free exchange of ideas and a productive and cooperative atmosphere. The purpose of the workshop was to foster papers submitted in advance by eight participants. Each paper received detailed feedback from one Workshop peer and workshop conveners, Prof. Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly, Prof. Naomi Chi (Hokkaido University), and Edward Boyle (IRCJS).

More recently, the “21st Century Borders, Mobility, and Risk in Japan” Workshop was held in Nagasaki, hosted by Naomi Chi (Hokkaido University), Tian Yunchen (IRCJS), and Edward Boyle (IRCJS).