January Monthly Meeting --01/26/2006

"Toward a Shared Historical Narrative "

Dr. Higashi, Professor of Social Sciences at Ritsumeikan University, will discuss how Japan's attitudes toward history, such as visits to Yasukuni Shrine and editing of school history texts, affects relationships with neighboring countries and will highlight how the current political climate has brought local governments together in efforts to mitigate the tension resulting from national government actions.  Professor Higashi received her PhD in International Education from New York University and has lived in Hong Kong, Paris, New York and Kyoto. This will be a unique opportunity to understand not only the big picture of Japan's relationships in Asia, but also to see what committed citizens can do at the local level.
Do join us!