The Institute for Japanese Studies at Seoul National University is hosting a symposium titled "Political Imagination and Social Solidarity in Japan's Shrinking Society." This event presents the research achievements of the Political Imagination and Social Solidarity Team during the second phase of the HK+ Planned Research project. No prior registration is required, and all are welcome to attend. We look forward to your interest and participation.
Theme: Political Imagination and Social Solidarity in Japan's Shrinking-Society
Date and Time: April 17 (Fri), 2026, 12:30–18:00
Venue: GL Room, Building 140, GSIS, SNU
Program:
12:30–12:40 Opening Remarks and Welcome Address
Opening Remarks: PARK Ji-hwan (Director, Institute for Japanese Studies, Seoul National University)
Welcome Address: LEE Eun-gyong (Seoul National University)
12:40–14:25 Part 1: Exploration and Practice
Chair: SAITO Ayumi (Seoul National University)
Presentation: KIM Hyojin (Seoul National University), "The Practice of Inbound Tourism as a Regional Policy in Japan's Small Cities: Focusing on the Case of Matsuyama"
Discussant: PARK Kyung-min (Seoul National University)
Presentation: KIM Hee-kyung (Kyungpook National University), "A Chronicle of Sharing Demand under the Shrinking Regime: The Formation Process and Practical Significance of the Nagano Elderly Cooperative Movement"
Discussant: PARK Seung-hyeon (Keimyung University)
Presentation: PARK Ji-hwan (Seoul National University), "Education for Youth with Migration Backgrounds in Japan: Practical Cases in Areas of Residence of Zainichi Koreans"
Discussant: SON Seok-ui (Seoul National University)
14:25–14:40 Break
14:40–16:25 Part 2: Diagnosis and Reflection
Chair: KIM Ji-hyun (Seoul National University)
Presentation: LEE Ho-sang (Incheon National University), "Shifts in Infrastructure Policy and Social Issues in Japan's Shrinking-Society"+
Discussant: TAMURA Fuminori (Seoul National University)
Presentation: PARK Wan (Sookmyung Women's University), "Japan's Population Decline in the 21st Century and the Problem of Securing Personnel for the Self-Defense Forces"
Discussant: YOO Ji-a (Wonkwang University)
Presentation: JO Gwanja (Seoul National University), "Social Imagination and Existential Capacity in the Age of Compound Disasters: Focusing on Transformations of the Narrative of the Media Mix "
Discussant: YAMA Yoshiyuki (Kwansei Gakuin University)
16:25–16:40 Break
16:40–17:50 Part 3: Memory and Implications
Chair: KIM Beom-seong (Tokyo University of Science)
Presentation: JUNG Sinhyeok (Seoul National University), "Development, Conservation, and "Survival": Nature Conservation Policy on IRIOMOTE Island after the Reversion of Okinawa (1972) and the Response of Local Communities"
Discussant: HYEON Jae-hwan (Hanyang University)
Presentation: LEE Eun-gyong (Seoul National University), "Abortion Rather Than Contraception: A Social History of Japanese Birth Control"
Discussant: KIM Young-soo (Kyung Hee University)
17:50–18:00 Closing Ceremony
