Josai University Educational Corporation

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University of Southern California’s Dr. Elizabeth M. Daley Gives Commemorative Mikio Mizuta “Global Lecture” Series Keynote in Honor of Josai University Educational Corporation’s 50th Anniversary

The Josai University Educational Corporation (Chancellor Noriko Mizuta) invited Dr. Elizabeth M. Daley to give a keynote address in the 1st Building Hall at Tokyo Kioicho Campus on December 4, 2015. Dr. Daley is Dean of the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC) in the U.S.A. Many came to listen to Dr. Daley's valuable thoughts regarding media schools and the future of film. Approximately 160 people attended the lecture, including members of the film industry, faculty members, and students from Josai International University’s Faculty of Media Studies.

Dr. Daley’s speech was just one in the Commemorative Mikio Mizuta “Global Lecture” Series being held this year, a part of Josai University’s 50th Anniversary. The university has organized this lecture series in an effort to contribute to the cultivation of global human resources by gathering people with domestic and international influence, people with outstanding achievements in research, and so on. Many important figures have already contributed to the series. They include the former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir bin Mohamad on May 21, Harvard University Professor Emeritus Ezra F. Vogel on June 13, Nobel Prize in Physics Laureate Makoto Kobayashi on July 9, Studio Ghibli Managing Director and Producer Toshio Suzuki on July 10, Honorary President of the Japan Business Federation Hiromasa Yonekura on October 1, and International UKIYO-E Society Chairman Tadashi Kobayashi on November 21. Dr. Daley was the seventh speaker to take the podium in the lecture series.

Since Dr. Daley became Dean of the USC School of Cinema-Television (changed to the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2006), the school has added three new divisions in animation, digital arts and interactive media. It has also built the Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts. She is now the head of a school that is leading other schools across the U.S.A. and the world. Moreover, being in Los Angeles, the center of the entertainment world, has allowed her to make great contributions as both a researcher and a producer. Additionally, she is a member of the Directors Guild of America.

Before the lecture, Chancellor Mizuta gave an opening address. “Even in Southern California, a place full of media schools, USC has one of the top-rated media schools in the world, and Dr. Daley has achieved the status of being its leader. This lecture is a wonderful opportunity for those of us who are wondering how to improve our media programs in the future,” she said.

Chancellor Mizuta gives a few opening remarks

Chancellor Mizuta gives a few opening remarks

Dr. Daley speaks to the audience

Dr. Daley speaks to the audience

Dr. Daley's lecture was titled “An Argument for the Cinematic Arts in a 21st Century University.” At first, she mentioned the past. “It used to be that this idea of developing media programs was questionable to many, but things have changed a lot.” She went on, emphasizing, “Movies, television, and other new media have a huge effect on our lives. A media program that studies that should be at the center of the study of humanities.” Additionally, she cited several well-known movies, saying, “Film is the literature of our era.” Near the end of her presentation, Dr. Daley spoke of Josai International University's Faculty of Media Studies. “This is a special place in Japan, and in Asia. I believe we can continue down this road (for media programs) together,” she concluded.

Afterward, many students had questions, such as “Do you have any concerns about the future of the industry?” Dr. Daley's responses offered encouragement to the students. “The opportunities for working in movies, television, anime, and new media are endless. There are risks, but if you want to do it, you have to go for it. How you reach the viewer will always be different depending on your content. I am optimistic about the future,” she said. The audience gave her a big applause.

Dr. Daley answers a student's question

Dr. Daley answers a student's question

Student representatives present Dr. Daley with bouquets

Student representatives present Dr. Daley with bouquets

Dr. Daley speaks with study abroad students at the reception

Dr. Daley speaks with study abroad students at the reception


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