On March 30, 2015, Josai hosted a joint symposium with Sweden’s Uppsala University, “Women’s Studies and Literatures in Sweden and Japan,” as part of the 50th anniversary of their founding in the 1st building`s underground hall on the Tokyo Kioicho Campus. The panelists for the symposium consisted of four members from Josai, led by poet and scholar of comparative literature, Chancellor Mizuta, and four members from Uppsala University, led by Department of Literature chair, Ann Öhrberg. Taking gender as its topic, the symposium also featured contributions from Slovenian ambassador to Japan, Helena Drnovsek Zorko, and drew an audience of about 160, including faculty and students―both domestic and international―from Josai University and Josai International University (both of which offer courses in women’s studies), visiting scholars, and members of the Japan-Sweden Association (for which Chancellor Mizuta serves as President).

Uppsala University was founded in 1477 and is the oldest university in Northern Europe. Uppsala is one of the most influential European institutions in higher learning and research, boasting fifteen affiliates (either faculty or alumni) who have received the Nobel Prize. Uppsala is also known as the university where the father of botany, Carl von Linné, pursued his studies. This joint symposium was made possible by former Swedish ambassador to Japan and Uppsala graduate Lars Vargö (currently working as special lecturer for Josai following his retirement from the embassy) who introduced Josai to his alma mater. Josai paid a visit to Uppsala in October 2014, during which the joint symposium was planned.

Chancellor Mizuta provided opening remarks at the symposium, saying, “The greatest honor for me was to be able to meet all of you as soon as I did. It’s my hope that this event will serve as a point of departure for future communication between Sweden and Japan.” The symposium was divided into two sessions, with Mr. Vargö also participating, featuring discussion and debate on the state of women’s literature and expression in both Sweden and Japan as well as regarding Sweden’s position as a forerunner in gender studies. The session closed with a panel discussion with all the participants. In closing, Professor Öhrberg offered her opinion stating, “Sweden is often declared the forerunner in gender studies, but we cannot become complacent with this idea. We must continue to progress.” She also expressed her gratitude for the event saying, “With today’s symposium I learned so much about Japanese literature and culture, as well as Josai University.”

In conjunction with the symposium, an “Ukiyo-e Special Exhibition” was held in the 1st floor gallery featuring pieces from the art museum collection. The Faculty of Social Work Studies also put up a display about their activities, which the Uppsala University delegation and other visitors browsed with great interest. During intermission, participants were treated to Japanese tea made by Josai’s tea ceremony club and the symposium was followed by a reception, giving participants a chance to engage in casual conversation. With this joint symposium, one can expect even more programs of exchange and joint research projects with Uppsala and other Swedish universities in the near future.