University of Toronto Holds Symposium: 150 Years after the Meiji Restoration - Japan’s Global Engagement Then and Now
2018/3/10
On March 8, a symposium entitled 150 Years after the Meiji Restoration-Japan’s Global Engagement Then and Now was hosted by Centre for the Study of Global Japan at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs. Panelists who were invited from Japan were: Ms Koko Kato, Special Advisor to the Government of Japan’s Cabinet Office; Dr. Yuichi Hosoya, Professor of International Politics at Keio University; and Dr. Tomoko Okagaki, Professor of Political Science at Dokkyo University. Ms. Kato presented on “Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution in Heavy Industry”, while Prof. Okagaki’s spoke on “Japan’s Entry into International Society” and Prof. Hosoya’s presentation was entitled “Japan’s Future Challenges: Lessons from the Meiji Era”.
Consul-General of Japan Takako Ito stated that last year was Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, while this year’s marks Japan’s 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration. She said the two countries, having taken different historic paths, are today invaluable partners that share common values such as democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the free market economy and rule of law. .
After each presentation, commentators added Canadian perspectives and comparisons to Canada, making the event especially interesting for those in attendance.
Dr. Randall Hansen, Interim Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, opened the event.
Consul-General of Japan Takako Ito gives remarks.
Ms. Koko Kato, Special Advisor to the Government of Japan’s Cabinet Office, presents on
“Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution in Heavy Industry”.
Dokkyo University Professor Tomoko Okagaki gives her presentation.
Commentators’ session following Dr. Okagaki’s presentation, from left: Professor Robert Vipond, University of Toronto’s
Dokkyo University Professor Tomoko Okagaki gives her presentation.
Commentators’ session following Dr. Okagaki’s presentation, from left: Professor Robert Vipond, University of Toronto’s
Department of Political Science; Dr. David Welch, U of T’s Dean’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar, who also acted as
the symposium’s moderator; Dr. Okagaki; Ms Deanna Horton, Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs.
Keio University Professor Yuichi Hosoya’s presentation.
Closing Round Table session, from left: Dr. Sarah Taylor, Director General for North Asia and Oceania,
Keio University Professor Yuichi Hosoya’s presentation.
Closing Round Table session, from left: Dr. Sarah Taylor, Director General for North Asia and Oceania,
Global Affairs Canada; Dr. Welch; Dr. Hosoya; Ms. Kato.