Events category: Webinar

AI in Society

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is already transforming our lives and society. AI is evolving at an astonishing pace, and this progress is expected to accelerate even further in the years ahead.

In this webinar, AI researcher Shota Imai from Japan Advanced Institute of Science & Technology Graduate School will explore the rapidly evolving frontier of artificial intelligence. He will discuss the current state of AI agents, whether AI could surpass human intelligence, what it will mean to be human in the age of AI, how AI may transform society and the world, and the potential risks associated with highly advanced AI.

AI in Democracy

In this webinar, Yuya Mineshima, a Member of Japan’s House of Representatives and of the Team Mirai political party, will explore how his party is using AI and digital technology to transform political participation in Japan. Professor Oliver Escobar from the University of Edinburgh will then share the UK perspective on how AI is reshaping democracy and public policy, exploring its potential to strengthen citizen participation and public involvement in policymaking. Finally, Professor Matt Ryan from the University of Southampton will offer a different perspective on how AI can support political deliberation, drawing on recent experiments and work with a Japanese AI-enabled platform.

Minoru Yamasaki’s Nisei Life and Legacy: A Granddaughter’s Perspective

In this talk, artist Katie Yamasaki reflected on the vision and values of her grandfather, Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki, and explored the complex legacy of the Twin Towers, which he designed, from her personal perspective as his granddaughter in the years following 9/11. Drawing on her book, ‘Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather’s American Journey’, she also discussed what she hopes to convey about her grandfather’s life and work, and what she wishes to pass on to younger generations.

Shinya Tsukamoto in Conversation with Professor Alastair Phillips

In this webinar, moderated by Professor Alastair Phillips, acclaimed filmmaker Shinya Tsukamoto discussed his latest film, ‘Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?’, which received the Leoncino d’Oro Award at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. He shared insights into his work, the concepts and background behind the film’s creation, as well as the inspiration behind the work.

The International Legal Order: The ICC’s Current Challenges and Future

Amid ongoing international conflicts and growing geopolitical tensions, the international legal order is facing increasing pressure. Most recently, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, and a senior ICC lawyer, further raising concerns about the independence of international judicial institutions. This webinar explored the challenges facing the international legal order, their implications for the ICC and judicial independence, and Japan’s government response. The speakers also discussed what this situation means for the international rule of law and how international institutions can respond to growing geopolitical pressure.

Why Now? Putin Visits a Disputed Island

In August 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed island called Etorofu in Japanese (Iturup in Russian) for the first time. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi criticised Putin’s visit as ‘absolutely unacceptable’. The two countries have been locked in a territorial dispute over the islands since the end of the Second World War. Why has Putin chosen to visit now? In this webinar, the speakers explained the current status of the Northern Territories dispute, explored the potential reasons behind President Putin’s visit and discussed its implications for Russia–Japan diplomacy and security in Northeast Asia.

Ishiuchi Miyako: Traces

Through subjects as diverse as old apartment blocks, human scars, kimono fabrics, personal belongings of the deceased and even her own water-damaged prints, Ishiuchi Miyako (b. 1947) captures time, atmosphere and memory in photographic form. Ishiuchi Miyako: Traces charts the course of her practice over fifty years and identifies themes that resurface throughout her work, including her relationship with place, the passage of time and the bodies and possessions of people, always with an emphasis on ephemerality. In this book launch, co-editor Lena Fritsch introduced the book and discussed Ishiuchi’s work with the artist.

Japanese Poster Design: From 1945 to the Age of AI

Japanese poster design has evolved alongside social and cultural changes and technological innovation. Tracing the history of posters allows us to gain insight into the values, concerns, and social consciousness of different eras.

In this webinar, Ian Lynam will examine the evolution of Japanese poster design from 1945 to the age of AI, covering the postwar era, Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, Expo ’70, the bubble economy, the “Lost Decades,” and today’s AI era. He will also explore the unique qualities of Japanese graphic design, the power of posters as a medium, and the relationship between design and society over time.

バイリンガル研究：第二言語習得とAI

日本や英国で増加するバイリンガルは、未来を創る重要な存在です。しかし、その習得プロセスには、今も多くの謎が残されています。本ウェビナーでは、最新のバイリンガル研究の知見を解き明かします。環境要因や個人の能力の影響や、ロンドン大学(UCL)の最新研究を通して、なぜ言語習得に差が生まれるのか、そして何がその大きな要因となるのかを紐解きます。

そしてこれらの知見をもとに、AI時代の今、家庭内外でどのように積極的な多言語環境を築けるのかについて考えます。未来の教育と研究の可能性について、皆さんと共に議論します。

Japanese Politics under the Takaichi Administration

Prime Minister Takaichi has marked six months in office after becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister last October. While her approval rating among the population remains high, it is uncertain whether she can sustain this level of support in months to come. Factors such as inflation and economic and energy security may play a key role in determining this. In this webinar, moderated by Professor John Nilsson-Wright, Professor Izuru Makihara analysed the first six months of her administration, including her leadership and policy initiatives, as well as the major challenges she faces.