Voices for a Better Japan: Insights from Anthropology, Religion, Sociology, and History
| Dates: | 11 March 2026 |
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| Times: | 17:00 - 18:30 |
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| What is it: | Lecture |
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| Organiser: | School of Arts, Languages and Cultures |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, Adults, Alumni, Current University students, General public |
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Dr. Chika Watanabe
Prof. Erica Baffelli
Dr. Yuki Asahina
Dr. Aya Homei
With a special introduction to Japanese Studies at the University of Manchester by Dr. Peter Cave.
Talk Description
On March 11, 2011, at 2:46 p.m., a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami and a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Marking the fifteenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, this event will explore what happens when disasters and crises occur and how individuals and communities respond to them. Each speaker will give a short presentation (approximately 10 minutes) drawing on their specific area of expertise, followed by questions from the audience.
The presentations will explore themes such as the intersections between disaster preparedness and art in activities with children; new social connections created through disaster relief activities in Tohoku with marginalised communities in Tokyo; collaboration between labour unions in supporting temporary and precarious workers; and actions, including formal apologies, addressing Japan’s painful past of forced sterilisation. Collectively these talks will reflect on examples from Japan that show how individuals and organisations mobilise to respond to disasters, crises, and difficult historical legacies.
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
Lecture Room 6.213
