Hello,
The Seoul National University Institute of Cross-Cultural Studies, in collaboration with the Anthropology BK21 Education Research Group, is hosting the second colloquium of the first semester of 2025. This presentation will be delivered by Professor Ji-hwan Park from Seoul National University’s Graduate School of International Studies on the topic: "The Future of Japanese Society Through Public Practices in Urban Lower-Class Areas."
The event will take place at Room 512, Asia Research Institute (Building 101), Seoul National University, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. We encourage your participation.
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 14, 16:30–18:00
Venue: Medium-sized Seminar Room, Asia Research Institute, Seoul National University (Building 101, Room 512)
Speaker: Ji-Hwan Park (Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University)
Lecture Overview: This presentation examines the social movements that have unfolded in Kamagasaki, Osaka, in an effort to understand the transformation of contemporary Japanese society. Kamagasaki was originally a daily labor market but is now home to elderly male homeless individuals and welfare recipients, making it one of the most marginalized areas under Japan’s postwar system. Since the 1990s, various social movements have emerged to address housing, employment, and social isolation issues for the homeless. Paradoxically, public practices in the most marginalized areas have created new types of social relationships and public spaces. Through this analysis, this presentation illustrates how contemporary Japanese society is striving to balance freedom and stability.
* The lecture will be conducted in Korean, and light refreshments will be provided.
For inquiries regarding the colloquium, please contact iccs@snu.ac.kr.
Seoul National University Institute of Cross-Cultural Studies 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Building 220, Room 521
Email: iccs@snu.ac.kr
Website: iccs.snu.ac.kr