I-House Seminar Series

Spring 2006: "The Future of East Asia"

The concept of an "East Asian Community" and regional integration is currently drawing much attention in Japan since it is not only relevant to Japanese diplomacy and regional security but also a domestic issue, with its possible relation to migration and changes in the labor force. In this series, from the various arguments revolving around "East Asia," we hope to examine the future of East Asia from the following points of view: East Asian Community from the U.S. perspective and its influence on U.S.-Japan relations; the migration of peoples such as the migration of workers to Japan with conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and its implications for a brain and labor drain; the possibility of sustainable development with emphasis on environmental networking in Asia, where economic growth will continue; and lastly the future of Sino-Japanese relations, viewed as key for any meaningful East Asia regional cooperation.

April 5 (Wed.) East Asian Community and the U.S.-Japan Alliance
Japan from one perspective will have to choose between East Asian Community and the U.S.-Japan alliance, but is this how it is seen from the U.S. and what does is it really mean for the U.S. that Japan participate in the East Asian Summit and strengthen its ties with the other members? We will examine the East Asian Community seen from the U.S. side, including how this perspective might or might not change after a post-Koizumi government is formed in September.
Speaker: Gerald Curtis (Professor, Columbia University)
Commentator: Yoshihide Soeya (Professor, Keio University)

April 14 (Fri.) Global Mass Migration in the East Asia-Economic Integration and Political Reorganization
Issues surrounding immigrants are a major policy issue in European countries. In Japan, with its falling birthrate and aging population, the issue of admitting foreign labor is beginning to be debated in earnest. An immigration policy viewing immigrants as subjects for management and control has reached its limits.
In this seminar, we will examine the following points: how the increase of immigrant workers from Asia has evolved in connection with the structural shifting of the global economy (the new wave of immigrants such as female immigrant workers employed in caretaking or housework, and advanced technology and business immigrants), how this mirrors the economic integration and political reorganization in the Asian region, and how the immigrant issue presents itself as a struggle for place caused by globalization.

Speaker: Toshio Iyotani (Professor, Hitotsubashi University)
Commentator: Tetsuro Irohira (Doctor, Minami Aiki Village Clinic)

May 10 (Wed.) Towards Sustainable Development in East Asia-How to Promote Environmental Cooperation
In the first half of the '90s, the World Bank praised East Asia for its remarkable economic growth as "the miracle of East Asia." Now that we are in the 21st century, the idea of an East Asian Community is talked about more concretely. But at the same time, many serious pollution problems have occurred and various types of environmental damage has come to the surface in East Asia. What can we do in this situation? We will examine issues revolving around the urgent need for environmental cooperation in Asia which is necessary for the sustainable development of East Asia including Japan.
Speaker: Shunichi Teranishi (Professor, Hitotsubashi University)
Commentator: Tomio Watanabe (General Manager, Asset Recovery Management Unit, Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd.)


May 17 (Wed.) Sino-Japanese Relations in East Asia
In the formation of an East Asia Community, Sino-Japanese relations and their restoration are crucial factors drawing attentions from other Asian countries. Also, with the spread of automobiles in China and other growing countries, oil consumption in Asia is set to register a sharp increase and thus the energy supply in this region is another major concern. In this lecture will examine China's aims and strategy in the formation of an East Asian Community and its future influence and presence in the region.
Speaker: Zhu Jianrong (Professor, Toyo Gakuen University)
Commentator: Ryousei Kokubun (Professor, Keio University)

Time: 19:00~20:30
Venue: Lecture Hall, International House of Japan
Language: Japanese
Admission Fee: Per Series (4 lectures) 7,000 yen, per lecture 2,000 yen (students 1,000 yen)
Registration: Please fax (03-3470-3170) or e-mail (program@i-house.or.jp) to the Program Department.
Seating is a maximum of 150 persons. First-come, first-served.