Free Public Lectures at Toyo Gakuen University in 2026
Toyo Gakuen University, located in the heart of Bunkyo Ward in Tokyo, is set to host a series of free public lectures in 2026. This program, designed for lifelong learners, will consist of six distinct sessions that will be available in a hybrid format, allowing participants to choose between attending in person or online. The first lecture will commence on May 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, and all sessions will be free of charge.
This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking to broaden their knowledge across various fields of study, embracing the principles of liberal arts. The lectures are structured to cater to diverse audiences, ensuring that anyone interested can engage and learn from experienced professionals and scholars.
Schedule Overview
Below is the schedule along with the themes and distinguished speakers for each session:
- - 1st Session: May 16, 2026
Topic: Simple Rules for Learning English
Speaker: Yasuto Onishi, Professor, Faculty of Global Communication, Toyo Gakuen University
This session will delve into the fundamental rules that support the key components of English proficiency: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Through rich examples and reading aloud, attendees will enhance their skills in a straightforward manner.
- - 2nd Session: June 6, 2026
Topic: Sports and Wellness
Speaker: Nozomu Hasegawa, Associate Professor, Faculty of Human Sciences, Toyo Gakuen University
In this session, the intersection of sports and wellness will be explored. Participants will learn how exercise impacts mental and physical health, supported by easy w...
- - 3rd Session: June 27, 2026
Topic: The Philosophy of Cyber Civilization
Speaker: Jiro Nagakunoi, Professor, Waseda University Research Institute for Business Finance
This lecture will present a shift from a materialistic economy to one driven by information. It will explore the potential of sharing information to enhance societal wealth.
- - 4th Session: July 11, 2026
Topic: Connecting through Dance
Speaker: Sakuna Onishi, JDSF Strengthened Competitor, Toyo Gakuen University
Based on personal experiences from a young age in social dancing, this session will illustrate how dance fosters human connections and enhance everyday communication skills.
- - 5th Session: July 18, 2026
Topic: The World of Lafcadio Hearn
Speaker: Hiromi Kawashima, Translator, and Former Toyo Gakuen University Professor
Participants will delve into the literary beauty of Lafcadio Hearn's works, examining his thoughtful reflections on culture and human experiences.
- - 6th Session: July 25, 2026
Topic: Visualizing Politics in Japan and Globally
Speaker: Toyo Gakuen University President, Yutaka Tsujinaka
This lecture will focus on the complexities of contemporary politics in Japan and around the world, drawing from three decades of research on civil society across 15 different countries.
Event Details
- - Dates: May 16, June 6, June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25, 2026
- - Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- - Format: In-person and Online (via Zoom Webinar)
- - Location: Toyo Gakuen University, Building 1, 1-26-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- - Registration: Interested attendees must register through the public lecture application form available on the university's website at https://www.tyg.jp/koukaikouza/k-kouza/index.html before the day prior to each session.
With this engaging lineup, Toyo Gakuen University commits to enhancing the educational experience of its community while promoting a culture of learning and exploration. Participants are encouraged to join and immerse themselves in these enlightening discussions, which aim to broaden perspectives and nurture a love for knowledge in an accessible manner.
Please note that any changes to the event due to weather or speaker availability will be communicated through the university's homepage. Always check for the latest updates before attending.