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On 29 October 2018, the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation was delighted to be awarded the Ambassador’s Commendation. Ambassador Koji Tsuruoka commended the Foundation for its accomplishments in fostering closer links between Japan and the UK. The award was bestowed during a reception to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Foundation and was attended by many recipients of
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a driver of transformation across industries and societies globally. This tool has the potential to influence the way we work, learn and play, as well as helping us to address some of the most pressing global challenges. However, a number of concerns remain to be addressed, including privacy, security, misinformation, bias and discrimination. In this webinar, the panellists discussed current AI use in the UK and Japan, as well as the regulatory landscape, key challenges, and policy recommendations that can benefit society as a whole.
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In the context of increasing global tension, the world has been experiencing a surge of conflict. Wars continue to rage in Ukraine and Gaza, while tensions in East Asia remain high. Where should Japan’s foreign and security policy be headed, at a time when the international order is being profoundly shaken by the United States, the now avowedly illiberal leader of the ‘free world’? In this webinar, Professor Nakano discussed recent security-related legislation, the expanding role of the Self-Defense Forces, the implications for Japan’s peace constitution as well as the principle of constitutionalism, and the effects of emerging right-wing populist political parties on political decision-making. He also shared recommendations for maintaining peace in East Asia at a time of flux and uncertainty.
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Japan faces serious labour shortages in many sectors as a result of its ageing society and rapid population decline. In a notable change of approach, given its post-war history of refusing low-skilled migrant labour, Japan is now cautiously opening the door to migrant workers. In 2019, under the Abe administration, the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act was revised to allow bona-fide workers to enter on the newly created Specified Skilled Worker programme. In this seminar, Dr Roberts discussed the new short-term labour schemes, highlighting stakeholders’ viewpoints based on empirical research.
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Japan: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the culture, society, and global positioning of Japan. Starting by looking at the common stereotypes, clichés, and tropes associated with Japan, this accessible introduction to the country is designed to arm readers with key skills and knowledge for their study of Japan. In this talk, the author, Dr Christopher Hood, discussed some of the key features of the book, the way in which the book works alongside other books about Japan, how some of the research for the book was done, and other things related to the book – some of which are not mentioned in the book itself.
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The release of ChatGPT and the broader advent of generative AI was a shocking wake-up call to the world. OpenAI introduced its software in November 2022 and gained over a hundred million registered members within two months. Since then, generative AI has begun to show us the scope of its potential, affecting several industries and changing ways of working, businesses, and ultimately society. As a leader in both AI innovation and investment, Ren Ito provided a brief overview of the current state of generative AI, before diving deeper into his own unique insights about the industry, introducing notable examples from the UK and Japan and highlighting the importance of international cooperation to deal with existing and emerging challenges and problems.
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With the Paris Olympics 2024 approaching, around 45,000 volunteers are expected to be hired to support the organisation of the games. The role of volunteers is not only critical to the success of the Games, but also has a great social impact in strengthening and promoting volunteering infrastructure. In this event, moderated by Noel Thatcher MBE, Charles Nishikawa spoke about the role of volunteers in the Olympics. Mr Nishikawa has over 10 years of experience participating as a volunteer in past Olympic Games. He shared his perspectives on the differences between the UK and Japan regarding the collective experience, motivation, and social impact of volunteers.
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The semiconductor industry – vital for the development of future technologies – is at the centre of rising geopolitical competition between the US and China. Chip production is highly concentrated in East Asia, especially in Taiwan. As China develops its domestic semiconductor industry and geopolitical divides deepen, many countries, including Japan, are attempting to rebuild their semiconductor industry and related supply chains. In this talk, Mariko Togashi explained Japan’s position in the global competition for semiconductors and how it impacts the country’s national economic security strategy. She also discussed some of the greatest challenges lying ahead for Japan’s semiconductor industry and national security, and present recommendations.
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The Russia-Ukraine war has revealed the increasing relevance of cyber warfare and the potential impact that cyber threats might have globally. Cyberspace is regarded as one of the domains of hybrid warfare, in which digital attacks are used against an enemy state, disrupting vital computer systems. This domain is more accessible than others, enabling volunteers around the world actively to join a war. In this webinar, experts explained the present situation for global cyber threats and their challenges to cybersecurity, as well as potential future scenarios for cyberspace, and recommendations to increase safety.
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In this talk, our Director General Jason James shared the story of two writers who stayed in Japan in the 1920s. Edmund Blunden arrived in Japan in 1924 to take up a post as Professor of Literature at Tokyo University. The novelist William Plomer arrived in 1926, and the two became friends, of a sort. Upon returning to the UK, both spread the word about Japan and their influence still remains in today’s cultural scene.
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