Join Durham University on Wednesday 4 November for a fascinating journey through modern Japanese history and culture, exploring public opinion, artistic expression and dance across East Asia and beyond.
How can petitions, artistic competitions and dance movements help us understand Japan's past and its connections with the wider world?
The next event in Durham University's Exploring the World of Japanese Studies lecture series brings together researchers from different disciplines to examine the political, artistic and cultural transformations of twentieth-century Japan.
Drawing on expertise in modern languages, history and music, the event offers a unique opportunity to discover how different forms of expression and communication shaped Japanese society and its international connections.
The evening will begin with an introduction to the Japanese Collections at Durham's Oriental Museum by Rachel Barclay, followed by three research presentations:
Dr Adam Bronson will explore how polls and petitions functioned as interactive media, shaping public opinion in Japan between the 1880s and 1920s.
Dr Amanda Hsieh will examine artistic competition and composition against the backdrop of global fascism and the complex colonial relationships of twentieth-century East Asia.
Dr Fusako Innami will investigate dance and spatial notation, tracing gestures, movements and the mobility of dancers between East Asia and Europe during the 1930s.
Together, these perspectives reveal the many ways in which historical, political and cultural experiences leave traces that continue to influence how we understand the past today.
Whether you are curious about Japanese culture and society, a sixth-form student considering studying Japanese at university, or a current student interested in exploring Japan beyond the language classroom, this event offers an accessible introduction to the breadth of Japanese Studies at Durham.
The lecture is free and open to everyone, with opportunities to attend either in person or online.
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Time: 6–7.30pm (doors open at 5.45pm)
Venue: Elvet Hill House, Oriental Museum, Durham (room details will be confirmed by email before the event)
Online: Live via Zoom
Admission: Free, but advance registration is essential (see poster below for Qr code).
Separate registration options are available for in-person attendance in Durham and online participation via Zoom.
Join us to discover how the study of Japan's past can open new perspectives on its culture, society and place in the world.
More information: https://lo.jpf.go.jp/whats-on/tracing-the-past-forward/
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