#Japan #Tokyo #Thailand #Ghost Studies #Cultural History

The 4th Symposium on Ghost Studies in Cultural History: Insights from Thailand

The much-anticipated 4th symposium titled "Ghosts in Cultural History: Reports from the Ghost Country of Thailand" is set to take place on September 7, 2025, at the Nikkei Gakusha University Kudan Campus. This event promises to delve into the rich tapestry of ghostly tales and beliefs that permeate Thai culture, a country known for its devout spiritual practices and fascinating folklore surrounding spirits called "Pee."

This symposium aims to present new fieldwork insights into the ghost culture of Thailand, showcasing the various mystical stories that have proliferated over time and continue to evolve in contemporary society. By exploring the historical and cultural nuances of ghost narratives between Thailand and Japan, this event offers participants a unique academic platform for discussion and analysis.

Featured Speakers and Discussions

Renowned speakers will highlight the symposium's agenda through lectures, followed by a dynamic panel discussion. The lineup features Aphilak Kasempholkoon from Mahidol University, Hiroshi Sato, an esteemed emeritus professor from Tohoku University, and Satoko Koyama from Nikkei Gakusha University. Together, they will explore the distinctive traits of ghosts in both Thai and Japanese contexts, utilizing historical and cultural frameworks.

Additionally, the discourse will expand to include Yuji Yamada from Mie University and Hidekazu Hayashi from Nikkei Gakusha University, who will examine the societal implications indicated by ghostly encounters across Asia. Participants can expect a comprehensive comparative study of these otherworldly entities to unveil the cultural significances of ghosts and reflect on the psyche of contemporary society.

Event Details

• - Name: Symposium on Ghosts in Cultural History: Reports from the Ghost Country of Thailand
• - Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
• - Time: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM (Doors open at 12:00 PM)
• - Location: Nikkei Gakusha University Kudan Campus, Nakashu Memorial Hall, 1st Building
• - Format: The event will also be held online concurrently.
• - Organizers: Department of Cultural Promotion Thailand, Faculty of Letters, Nikkei Gakusha University
• - Cooperation: Mahidol University, Zignature Marketing and Technology, IAA Corporation

Entry: Free of charge (prior registration required). Physical attendance will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will open on August 1, 2025. Official Pre-Registration Website

Program Schedule

• - 12:00 PM: Doors Open
• - 1:00 PM: Opening Speech by Shin Sato (President, Nikkei Gakusha University)
• - 1:15-1:30 PM: Presentation on "Visiting Thai Ghost Spots" by Riku Kondo and Aya Yoshida (Students of Cultural History, Nikkei Gakusha University)
• - 1:30 PM: Lectures:

- Satoko Koyama: "Grudge vs. Sorcery: Are Thai 'Pee' Scarier than Japanese Ghosts?"
- Hiroshi Sato: "From Saints to Ghosts: Entities Emerging from the Shadows."

Break: 2:50 - 3:05 PM

• - 3:05 PM: Aphilak Kasempholkoon: "Thai Ghosts: Creativity and Their Functions in Thai Society."
• - 4:05 - 5:20 PM: Discussion on "Ghostly Presences Across Asia" featuring Aphilak Kasempholkoon, Hiroshi Sato, Satoko Koyama, Yuji Yamada, and Hidekazu Hayashi, moderated by Naotaka Yamaguchi (Nikkei Gakusha University).
• - 5:20 PM: Closing Remarks by Hajime Saito (Dean, Faculty of Letters, Nikkei Gakusha University).

The symposium is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in ghost studies, cultural history, and the intersection of folklore and societal values. We look forward to welcoming many participants eager to engage in this fascinating exploration of the supernatural.

Contact Information:
Nikkei Gakusha University Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History, Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, 6-16 Sanbancho 102-8336
Email: [email protected]

For further details, download the flyer: Ghost Studies Symposium Flyer