Understanding Japanese Governance: Sato Yu's Lecture Series
Introduction
In a rapidly changing world, understanding the intricate dynamics of governance and culture is crucial. The Editorial Engineering Institute, led by President Akiko Ando, is hosting a special program titled "Intelligence Editing Engineering Lectures: Japan Edition" featuring Sato Yu, a distinguished author and former chief analyst at the Foreign Ministry. This series aims to explore how Japanese people should navigate the complexities of modern governance and worldviews, drawing insights from historical and contemporary sources.
The Structure of the Course
The series consists of six lectures divided into two parts, each focusing on different aspects of Japanese governance and thought. Participants are encouraged to register for both sessions for a comprehensive experience. Each lecture includes discussions, online assignments, and unique insights from Sato Yu, fostering an interactive learning environment.
Key Themes Explored
Part One: Historical Governance and Worldview
In the first segment of the series, Sato Yu will dissect Masayoshi Matsuoka's concept of "Japan as a Method," focusing on Japan's governance during the medieval era. The discussions will delve into how Japanese identity has been shaped throughout history, highlighting the complexities of its governance system and its reflections on societal values.
Part Two: Modern Japanese Thought and Intelligence
The second half of the lectures pivots to modern interpretations of Japanese thought, including how the West perceives Japan. Sato Yu will offer his unique perspective on Matsuoka's work, "Gii," emphasizing practical intelligence in navigating today's global landscape.
Schedule Details
The lecture series is scheduled to take place from January to June 2026, with a mix of in-person and online sessions to accommodate participants. Here’s a brief overview of the dates:
1.
First Lecture: January 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Venue: Editorial Engineering Institute, Goutokuji Isis Hall
- Reading Assignment: "Japan as a Method" by Masayoshi Matsuoka
- Special Feature: Screening of a dialogue between Matsuoka and Sato Yu.
2.
Second Lecture: February 13, 2026, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Online)
- Reading Assignment: "Gukan-sho" by Jien
3.
Third Lecture: March 13, 2026, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Online)
- Reading Assignment: "Shin-cho Saito Ki" by Kitabatake Chikuba
4.
Fourth Lecture: April 10, 2026, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Online)
- Reading Assignment: "Historical Reality" by Tanabe Hajime
5.
Fifth Lecture: May 8, 2026, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Online)
- Reading Assignment: "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" by Ruth Benedict
6.
Final Lecture: June 13, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Venue: Editorial Engineering Institute, Goutokuji Isis Hall
- Reading Assignment: "Gii" by Masayoshi Matsuoka
- Participants will present their final projects for critique by Sato Yu.
Registration and Participation
To ensure a seamless experience, participants are encouraged to register for both the first and second parts of the series. The course is open to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Japanese governance and its historical context.
- - Costs: The in-person participation is limited to ten individuals per session at a cost of 220,000 JPY for each segment, while online listeners can join for 110,000 JPY. All sessions will be archived for later viewing.
Conclusion
Sato Yu's lectures promise to be an enlightening journey into Japanese governance and thought. With the rapid changes occurring in the global environment, gaining a nuanced understanding of these themes is not only beneficial but necessary. Don't miss this opportunity to join a unique intellectual discourse at the Editorial Engineering Institute.
For more details on registration and the specific readings, you can visit the
Editorial Engineering Institute's Website.