17–20 August 2023, Ghent, Belgium

It is only a few months before Ghent University will open its doors to the 17th International Conference of the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS). Co-organized by the Institute of Japanese Studies during 17-20 August 2023, this in-person conference will host 736 scholars who will present their latest research as academic papers and another 300 attendees who will participate in exhibitions, discussions, and all side events. This conference will bring together experts in the field of Japanese Studies as well as language teachers from Europe, Japan, and the US to increase knowledge about Japanese history, society, religion, politics and economy, and to discuss recent developments in Japanese linguistics and language teaching. It will also connect the general public and experts through an on-site exhibition on Japanese kimono and other cultural events held in the city of Ghent.

The Japanese Studies program is well-established at Ghent University. With the recent increase in student numbers and in teaching and research staff, this program is expected to remain popular and continue attracting young scholars interested in Japan. The Japanese Studies Institute works closely together with the City of Ghent in its sister-partnership with Kanazawa and hosts the Kanazawa University Liaison Office for Europe. In order to obtain their MA degree, all Japanese Studies students at Ghent take up internships at companies and public institutions in Belgium or Japan before forging their own careers. In December 2022, Ghent University’s Japanese Studies Institute professors accompanied the economic mission of Princess Astrid of Belgium mission to Japan, strengthening cooperation with Japanese universities and businesses and helping to establish Ghent alumni chapter in Tokyo. In August 2023, the Institute of Japanese Studies at Ghent University and the city of Ghent look forward to welcoming you to the lively EAJS conference!