18 October 2007
Debates on local government reform are common to both the UK and Japan. While it has been argued that political power in both countries has become far too centralised, partnerships between local and central government have achieved significant results in particular spheres.
5 October 2007
This afternoon seminar will look at how haiku has become a global pastime with a competitive edge.
19 September 2007
In an age of government watchdogs and regulatory bodies, the role of Parliament in challenging the work of the government is at the forefront of the democratic process.
17 September 2007
Umami, the fifth taste, was first identified as a taste in 1908 by Japanese scientist Dr Kikunae Ikeda while researching the strong flavour of seaweed broth.
4 July 2007
Superficial comparisons between the UK and the Japan inevitably include references to the monarchy and the Emperor system.
21 June 2007
The role of the media in influencing public opinion can make or break a Government. Different approaches to briefing the press may be employed in the UK and Japan but, in both countries, the power of the media is an acknowledged force within political life.
23 May 2007
In exploring the dynamics of government and politics in the UK and Japan, the role of citizens’ groups is becoming more important in both countries. In the aftermath of the 1995 Kobe earthquake, Japan has seen the emergence of a wealth of voluntary organisations engaged in community action and acting as pressure groups to facilitate societal change.
26 April 2007
During and after the next general election in the UK, there could well be renewed public attention given to electoral systems for parliamentary elections. In Japan, electoral system reform has reduced previous large discrepancies but urban areas remain relatively under-represented.
19 April 2007
Manga is now the fastest growing market in UK publishing. At the forefront of the manga revolution has been TOKYOPOP. The world’s largest manga publisher outside of Japan and the market leader in the US, this Los Angeles-based publisher established its UK operations in 2003.
4 April 2007
This seminar will explore the significance of classical tanka poetry in the context of Japanese culture and will consider the content and background of The Floating Bridge.