Press conference: Japanese embassy in London

In order to expand Japanese studies in the United Kingdom, The Nippon Foundation and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation have established posts for 13 young instructors at 12 British universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. As a result, new courses on such subjects as Japanese politics and modern Japanese culture will begin in September of 2008. The initiative is meant to counteract the recent decline in interest in Japanese studies.

In recent years, British universities and government agencies have focused more and more on Chinese studies, at the expense of Japanese subjects. For example, three universities including the University of Essex have recently closed Japan programs and departments, while others, such as the University of Birmingham have downsized these areas.

Since the Edo period (1603–1868), exchange between Japan and the UK has been strong, in fields from economics to science to culture. Achievements in these areas have been reinforced by exchange among universities, government agencies, and the private sector. The recent stagnation of Japan studies, however, could lead to a shortage of experts capable of maintaining this communication. At the same time, numerous surveys of young people in the UK have shown that interest in Japanese culture, primarily focused on manga and anime, is increasing. The foundation project was launched in response to these trends.

The new posts will cover a wide range of fields, from Japanese science and technology to modern Japanese politics, cultural policy, and graphic media. The Nippon Foundation will provide 2.5 million pounds (approximately 600 million yen) in support over the first five years, with the respective universities taking over thereafter.

At an October 4th explanatory meeting at the Japanese embassy in London, Mr. Tatsuya Tanami, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, said, “To ensure that interest in Japan does not stagnate any further, we are working to strengthen ties between the UK and Japan through this program.” Prof. Mark Williams of the University of Leeds and President of the British Association for Japanese Studies stated that, although people generally believe that the 21st century will be the century of China, neglecting the development of the next generation of researchers on Japan--the world’s second-largest economy--would be detrimental to Britain.