Latest news with #WasedaUniversity
Japan Forward
5 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Georgia Says No to Russia Without Restoration of Territory
Teimuraz Lezhava, Georgia's Ambassador to Japan, is famous for his witty and viral posts on X (formerly Twitter). Recently, he spoke exclusively with the Sankei Shimbun in an interview. With 20% of Georgia still under illegal Russian occupation, he made his position clear: "There will be no resumption of diplomatic ties with Russia unless our territory is restored." Lezhava also reiterated his country's unwavering support for Ukraine and commended Japan's accelerating efforts to bolster its national security. On November 15, 2021, Lezhava officially became the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Japan. As ambassador, his first viral moment came when he attended Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony wearing traditional Georgian attire. Social media quickly drew comparisons to the iconic costumes of the Ghibli movie Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind , catapulting him into online fame. Now 37, Lezhava first came to Japan with his family at the age of four for his father's research. He went on to attend Japanese elementary, middle, and high schools before graduating from Waseda University. Professionally, his career also began at a Japanese company. Believing his deep understanding of Japanese society gave him a unique voice, he began using X to introduce Georgian culture to a wider audience. That effort has earned him more than 350,000 followers. Although his posts often highlight the warmth of Georgian culture, featuring local wines and comfort foods like shkmeruli, his stance on global affairs is far more sober. Lezhava lived through Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia and the continued occupation of South Ossetia (Tskhinvali) and Abkhazia. He later witnessed the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, shaping a worldview firmly grounded in harsh geopolitical realities. Ambassador Lezhava emphasized, "Changing the status quo by force must never be tolerated. The rule of law is essential," he said, drawing a clear parallel between Georgia and Japan in their unwavering support for Ukraine. Speaking about Japan — surrounded by powerful neighbors like Russia, China, and North Korea — he observed, "Japan is reinforcing its security at an unprecedented pace." Lezhava added that he now seldom hears the country dismissed as being naively pacifist. Teimuraz Lezhava, Ambassador of Georgia to Japan (©Sankei by Katsuyuki Seki) Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, has drawn criticism for what some see as a pro-Russian stance. Addressing this, Ambassador Lezhava cited a tanka poem by Bokusui Wakayama: "Is the swan not sad — drifting, untouched by the blue of sky or sea?" Using the poem as a metaphor for preserving national identity without succumbing to surrounding influences, he explained, "If we fail to strike the right balance, it could endanger the very survival of our nation." Despite external pressures, he reaffirmed that Georgia remains firmly committed to its constitutional goal of joining the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (Read the article in Japanese .) Authors: Yusuke Hirata, Shigeyuki Mizuchi, The Sankei Shimbun
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Disabled Japanese writer makes literary history
When Saou Ichikawa was named the winner of the Akutagawa Prize in 2023, one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious literary awards, she flashed a thumbs-up to her parents and editor before going onstage to receive it in front of a gold screen. While the 45-year-old novelist was the 181st winner of the prize, she was the first to require a ramp to ascend the stage. Ichikawa has congenital myopathy, a muscle disorder that requires her to use a wheelchair for mobility and a ventilator to breathe, and was the first author with a severe physical disability to win. She used her moment in the national spotlight to highlight how people with disabilities face isolation and are invisible in society, a theme she took up in her prize-winning novel, Hunchback . 'I wrote this novel thinking that it is a problem that there were few authors with disabilities,' she told reporters, pressing a button on her larynx to speak. 'Why did the first winner not appear until 2023? I want everyone to think about that.' It was a long journey for Ichikawa, who was removed from school after being put on the ventilator at age 13. But she refused to disappear, becoming an author in her 20s in an effort to reclaim a voice in society. For two decades, she wrote more than 30 pulp romance and fantasy stories meant for young readers. But all of her manuscripts were rejected. Hunchback draws heavily from Ichikawa's personal experiences as a woman living with a severe physical disability in Instagram/ Whilereadingandwalking In 2019, when she enrolled in an online degree program at Tokyo's Waseda University, one of Japan's top schools, she began thinking about how people with disabilities are rarely represented in literature. She resolved to change that by telling the story of a character like herself, reliant on a wheelchair and a ventilator because of a major disability. Hunchback , her first work in which she said she took up a serious topic, bared a part of her experience for readers to see. 'There were only very stereotyped representations of the disabled, and I wanted to break that,' Ichikawa said in an interview at the home of her parents, with whom she lives. 'I wanted to show that we are people, too, with a diverse range of personalities and desires.' These include sexual desires, which her main character, a woman named Shaka who has a similar muscle disorder, uses to assert control over her own life and to seek revenge on a society that tries to deny her humanity. 'Through Japan's history, disabilities and illnesses were seen as something shameful to be kept hidden,' Ichikawa said. 'When pregnant women passed by people with severe disabilities, they were told to show a mirror to ward off evil spirits.' She stuck with writing, despite many setbacks, because she had no other way to be heard. Still, Ichikawa, who writes on an iPad, never imagined that her first work of 'pure literature' would win a top prize. 'When I heard, my mind froze,' she said. 'I think I was accepted because of my novelty, but I hope I can open the way for others to write more freely.' Ableism and social inclusion Ichikawa's breakthrough comes as Japan is becoming more aware of what is called ableism, the assumption that society belongs to the able-bodied. In 2019, two people with severe disabilities won the election to Japan's parliament, where renovations were required to accommodate their wheelchairs. An inclusive society begins by recognising and meeting the needs of the disabled community. Photo: 123rf 'Her winning the Akutagawa Prize has made a lot of people suddenly see the invisible barriers,' said Yuki Arai, a professor of literature at Nishogakusha University in Tokyo. Hunchback is a shout of anger at a society that doesn't realise it's denying them participation.' The most frequently cited passage of Ichikawa's book is a rant by the main character, who wants to read but cannot grasp a book in her hands. In a burst of angry self-loathing, Shaka blames an 'ableist machismo' that blinds most people to the barriers shutting out those with disabilities. 'Able-bodied Japanese people have likely never even imagined a hunchback monster struggling to read a physical book,' Shaka says. Although born with her illness, Ichikawa was healthy as a young child, enjoying dance and gymnastics in elementary school. Knowing that her condition could worsen, her parents took her on trips to Thailand and Canada. After Ichikawa started requiring a wheelchair and ventilator, her parents built a home by the coast so she could still see the ocean. She said this was nevertheless a dark time when she was plagued by nightmares, including one in which her floor was littered with the carcasses of dead bugs. Later, she read in a book on dreams that this reflected a fear of being left behind. Despite multiple book rejections, Ichikawa didn't give up, saying she had 'nothing else to do.' Hunchback has exceeded her dreams, with an English translation recently released. Now that she has ascended to a bigger stage, Ichikawa has no intention of leaving it. 'I plan to go on a rapid-fire spree of writing spontaneous novels for the next few years,' she said. 'I want to break preconceptions and prejudices.' – ©2025 The New York Times Company
Asahi Shimbun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
Junko Hagiwara dances her way to flamenco history in Spain
In the birthplace of flamenco, a storm of applause along with a scattering of boos greeted the announcement of the winner of one of the world's most prestigious competitions in the Spanish dance art form. A Japanese name resounded through the packed competition hall in the southeastern Spanish town of La Union on Aug. 10 last year. "The winner of the dance division is ... La Yunko!" Junko Hagiwara, 49, walked to the center of the stage and received her trophy—an emblem of a historic achievement as the first Japanese flamenco artist to win the honor. Established in 1961, the Cante de las Minas International Festival is celebrated as one of the world's premier flamenco competitions, standing alongside Cordoba's Concurso Nacional de Arte de Flamenco (National Flamenco Art Contest) as a pinnacle of excellence in the art. Throughout its rich history, the festival had never seen a non-Spaniard claim victory in the dance division in La Union. That is, until Hagiwara achieved this remarkable milestone. Hagiwara's journey into flamenco began in her junior high school years when she first encountered the raw, soul-stirring melody of a flamenco guitar. The sound struck her like lightning, sparking a deep yearning to embrace the dance herself. 'I want to dance,' she thought, and from that moment, the seeds of her dream were planted. EXPLORING THE FLAMENCO—DANCE, SONG AND MUSIC At Waseda University, she joined the flamenco club, embarking on formal training under some of Japan's foremost dancers. Through disciplined practice, she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the art. Yet, the deeper she delved into flamenco, the more she found herself gripped by a growing uneasiness. 'The more I learned, the more I felt as though I was drifting away from the flamenco I truly sought,' she reflected. After graduating, she entered the workforce, but her unwavering desire to uncover the essence of flamenco never dimmed. Defying her parents' objections, she packed her bags and journeyed to Seville--the heartland of flamenco in Andalusia, southern Spain. In Seville, Hagiwara refined her technique under the guidance of some of the foremost flamenco masters. Yet, her artistic evolution extended beyond formal lessons. She immersed herself in a 'pena'--an intimate club where local flamenco aficionados gathered where technical mastery alone could not ignite the room. In true flamenco performances, a heartfelt cry of 'Ole!' bursts forth from the audience, driven by genuine emotion. It was in these spirited gatherings of passionate enthusiasts that she cultivated a deeper appreciation for flamenco as a living, breathing art form—not merely the dance, but also the soulful singing and intricate guitar melodies that give it life. DANCING THROUGH THE WALL OF RACE As a Japanese professional flamenco dancer in the birthplace of the art, Hagiwara frequently encountered barriers rooted in race and culture. 'I know you're a skilled dancer,' a stage owner told her, 'But there's one problem—you're Japanese.' Her nationality led to rejection, denying her an opportunity to perform. Yet, those who recognized the depth and soul in her dancing stood by her, urging her to persevere. When Hagiwara first entered the Cante de las Minas competition, she was eliminated in the preliminary round. As this year's contest approached, doubt crept in: 'I'm Japanese. I'm older than the other dancers. Maybe I won't even make it to the finals.' But she reminded herself, 'I've faced these walls time and again. This is nothing new to me now.' Her performance, infused with the essence of her life experiences and relentless dedication, won over the judges and critics alike. "I liked her more than her competitors for three reasons: her classicism, the fact that she did not dance for the gallery, that is, for the public, and, finally, her good training," flamenco critic Manuel Bohorquez wrote in the online newspaper Sevilla Info. Holding the trophy felt almost unbearably heavy—not just the weight of the award itself, but the profound responsibility it symbolized. 'There's so much to learn,' Hagiwara reflected. 'A lifetime isn't enough. I want to keep dancing with love and respect—and contribute to the culture of flamenco.' Junko Hagiwara's Journey: 1976: Born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan 1994: Began flamenco at Waseda University through club activities 2002: Moved to Seville, Spain, and studied under top flamenco masters 2007: Began teaching flamenco in Seville; also held short-term workshops in Japan 2024: Became the first non-Spaniard to win the dance division at the Cante de las Minas International Festival
Japan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Japanese 'salarymen' inspire with cheerleading acrobatics
It's a cold, wet morning and frigid air is seeping through the open doors of a college gymnasium in Tokyo. But that doesn't seem to worry Soichiro Kakimoto and 30 other young businessmen as they gear up for their weekend routine: cheerleading. "Smile when times are tough!" shouts a tall man with an eager smile. The others — all dressed in dark suits and ties — pump their fists and jam to the upbeat music that fills the space. Their chants echo through the gymnasium. "Yes you can! You can definitely do it! Go, Japan! Go Japan!" The young men are all about spreading cheer through their eye-popping acrobatic performances, volunteering their weekends at shopping malls and other venues to entertain crowds. Calling themselves "Cheer Re-Man's" — a mash-up of "cheerleading" and "salaryman" — the group, formed in 2023, is made up of alumni from the elite Waseda University's male cheerleading squad. Their day-jobs range from real estate sales to marketing, and they balance their professional lives with their passion for cheerleading. For practice, the squad often borrows half the gym from a female college cheerleading team in exchange for biscuits. From Monday to Friday, Kakimoto is the quintessential Japanese salaryman, commuting in crowded trains, working late and going out drinking with colleagues, wearing the stretchy navy Uniqlo suit that doubles as his cheerleading uniform. "On weekdays, I use my brain and on weekends, I use my body. Even if one isn't well, the other might be, and that's contributing to my overall mental health," said the 23-year-old, who works at a software development company. "If we, Japanese salarymen, can do what we're passionate about, then everyone else can keep chasing their dreams too." The unusual sight of Japanese corporate warriors being launched 7 meters into the air in synchronized routines won them an online commercial spot to advertise the stretchy Uniqlo suits they wear for their performances. The group also competed in "Britain's Got Talent," where they came third in their semi-final. On a recent weekend, the suited men performed in front of a huge crowd at a shopping mall with gravity-defying stunts, human towers and infectious energy. Yasuko Yamaki, a 61-year-old housewife who learned about the group three months ago through social media, was there to see the spectacle. "In Japan, we're all going through a lot. Watching these salarymen putting in so much without giving up makes me cry," she said. "It's so inspirational."
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
An Undaunted Writer Who Broke an Invisible Barrier in Japan
When Saou Ichikawa was named the winner of the Akutagawa Prize in July 2023, one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious literary awards, she flashed a thumbs-up to her parents and editor before going onstage to receive it in front of a gold screen. While the 45-year-old novelist was the 181st winner of the prize, she was the first to require a ramp to ascend the stage. Ms. Ichikawa has congenital myopathy, a muscle disorder that requires her to use a wheelchair for mobility and a ventilator to breath, and was the first author with a severe physical disability to win. She used her moment in the national spotlight to highlight how people with disabilities face isolation and are invisible in society, a theme she took up in her prizewinning novel, 'Hunchback.' 'I wrote this novel thinking that it is a problem that there were few authors with disabilities,' she told reporters, pressing a button on her larynx to speak. 'Why did the first winner not appear until 2023? I want everyone to think about that.' It was a long journey for Ms. Ichikawa, who was removed from school after being put on the ventilator at age 13. But she refused to disappear, becoming an author in her 20s in an effort to reclaim a voice in society. For two decades, she wrote more than 30 pulp romance and fantasy stories meant for young readers. But all of her manuscripts were rejected. In 2019, when she enrolled in an online degree program at Waseda University, one of Japan's top schools, she began thinking about how people with disabilities are rarely represented in literature. She resolved to change that by telling the story of a character like herself, reliant on a wheelchair and a ventilator because of a major disability. 'Hunchback,' her first work in which she said she took up a serious topic, bared a part of her experience for readers to see. 'There were only very stereotyped representations of the disabled, and I wanted to break that,' Ms. Ichikawa said in an interview at the home of her parents, with whom she lives. 'I wanted to show that we are people, too, with a diverse range of personalities and desires.' These include sexual desires, which her main character, a woman named Shaka who has a similar muscle disorder, uses to assert control over her own life and to seek revenge on a society that tries to deny her humanity. 'Through Japan's history, disabilities and illnesses were seen as something shameful to be kept hidden,' Ms. Ichikawa said. 'When pregnant women passed by people with severe disabilities, they were told to show a mirror to ward off evil spirits.' She stuck with writing, despite many setbacks, because she had no other way to be heard. Still, Ms. Ichikawa, who writes on an iPad, never imagined that her first work of 'pure literature' would win a top prize. 'When I heard, my mind froze,' she said. 'I think I was accepted because of my novelty, but I hope I can open the way for others to write more freely.' Ms. Ichikawa's breakthrough comes as Japan is becoming more aware of what is called ableism, the assumption that society belongs to the able-bodied. In 2019, two people with severe disabilities won election to Japan's Parliament, where renovations were required to accommodate their wheelchairs. 'Her winning the Akutagawa Prize has made a lot of people suddenly see the invisible barriers,' said Yuki Arai, a professor of literature at Nishogakusha University. ''Hunchback' is a shout of anger at a society that doesn't realize it's denying them participation.' The most frequently cited passage of Ms. Ichikawa's book is a rant by the main character, who wants to read but cannot grasp a book in her hands. In a burst of angry self-loathing, Shaka blames an 'ableist machismo' that blinds most people to the barriers shutting out those with disabilities. 'Able-bodied Japanese people have likely never even imagined a hunchback monster struggling to read a physical book,' Shaka says. Although she born with her illness, Ms. Ichikawa was healthy as a young child, enjoying dance and gymnastics in elementary school. Knowing that her condition could worsen, her parents took her on trips to Thailand and Canada. After Ms. Ichikawa started requiring a wheelchair and ventilator, her parents built a home by the coast so she could still see the ocean. She said this was nevertheless a dark time when she was plagued by nightmares, including one in which her floor was littered with the carcasses of dead bugs. Later, she read in a book on dreams that this reflected a fear of being left behind. Despite multiple book rejections, Ms. Ichikawa didn't give up, saying she had 'nothing else to do.' 'Hunchback' has exceeded her dreams, with an English translation recently released. Now that she has ascended to a bigger stage, Ms. Ichikawa has no intention of leaving it. 'I plan to go on a rapid-fire spree of writing spontaneous novels for the next few years,' she said. 'I want to break preconceptions and prejudices.'
