The Center for Japanese Studies and the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia, supported by The Japan Foundation, present the International Japanese Studies Research Workshop & Symposium 2026 under the theme “Rethinking Area Studies through ‘Japan’.” It comprises three components:
This sequence of activities aims to strengthen research skills, encourage methodological reflection, and foster ongoing academic connections among young Japanese Studies scholars in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. We welcome participation from undergraduate and postgraduate students, alumni, and all enthusiasts of Japanese Studies.
The Undergraduate Research Workshop is dedicated to immersing participants in the multifaceted realm of Japanese studies. It introduces a wide array of topics and methodologies, encouraging participants to delve into diverse perspectives and approaches within the field. By bringing together emerging scholars, the workshop fosters a dynamic network poised to shape the future of Japanese studies. Moreover, it offers participants invaluable experience in engaging with international academic events, enhancing their collaborative research skills and cross-cultural communication. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions, participants are equipped to navigate the complexities of Japanese studies and contribute meaningfully to the global academic community. Participants are required to attend the online lecture series. They are also expected to take part in the international symposium as panel presenters, where they will present their research proposals and receive feedback from peers and international experts.
| Topic 1: Introduction to Japanese Studies (Himawan Pratama) |
10 April | Introduction + practice | |||
| 17 April | Group work | ||||
| Topic 2: Gender & literature (Rouli Esther Pasaribu) |
24 April | Introduction + practice | |||
| 8 May | Group work | ||||
| Topic 3: Linguistics & Language education (Lea Santiar & Ariestyani Wahyu Perwitasari) |
22 May | Introduction + practice | |||
| 29 May | Group work | ||||
| Topic 4: Qualitative Data Collection Method (Indah S. Pratidina) |
5 June | Introduction + practice | |||
| 12 June | Group work | ||||
| Topic 5: Migrant Studies (M. Reza Rustam) |
19 June | Introduction + practice | |||
| 26 June | Group work | ||||
| Topic 6: Digital ethnography (Aldrie Alman Drajat) |
3 July | Introduction + practice | |||
| 10 July | Group work | ||||
| Individual Research |
17 July | Mentoring 1 | |||
| 24 July | Mentoring 2 | ||||
Lecturers for the Japanese Studies Research Workshop
The online seminar series aims to introduce the diverse practices and methodologies of Japanese Studies across Southeast Asia. Held monthly from April to July, each session features prominent scholars from leading Southeast Asian & Indonesian universities, offering participants insights into regionally grounded approaches to the field. By bringing together scholars and students from across the region, the series fosters a vibrant network that encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Serving as a lead-up to the international symposium scheduled for August, this initiative provides valuable experience in international academic engagement and contributes to the advancement of Japanese Studies in a global context.
| Schedule | Speakers |
|---|---|
| 25 April | Lim Beng Choo (National University of Singapore) Kitti Prasirtsuk (Thammasat University) Idrus (Universitas Andalas) |
| 30 May | Ron Bridget Vilog (De La Salle University) Hafiizh Hashim (Universiti Brunei Darussalam) Ayu Azhariyah (Universitas Hasanuddin) |
| 27 June | Asmadi Hassan (Universiti Malaya) Hoang Minh Hang (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) Nunuk Endah Srimulyani (Universitas Airlangga) |
| 18 July | Loch Leaksmy (Royal University of Phnom Penh) Joao Francisco Maia (Universidade da Paz) Fadjar Ibnu Thufa’il (National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia) |
*Each lecture will be held at the following hours:
Online Seminar Series: Japanese Studies in Southeast Asia (Series I, 25 April 2026)
The International Symposium, scheduled for August 4–5, 2026, is organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities Universitas Indonesia (FIB UI) and supported by The Japan Foundation. It offers a platform for scholars to present new research and explore emerging perspectives in Japanese Studies, with particular attention to the theme of Rethinking Area Studies through “Japan”. Invited speakers from Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asian universities will share diverse regional insights. In addition, scholars are encouraged to submit proposals for panel sessions, with submissions open to all areas of Japanese Studies. By bringing together researchers and students from across the region and beyond, the symposium aims to foster meaningful academic exchange and strengthen international collaboration in the field.
The Center for Japanese Studies Universitas Indonesia and The Faculty of Humanities Universitas Indonesia, supported by The Japan Foundation present:
Call for Panel Presenters
The International Japanese Studies Research Workshop & Symposium 2026 invites scholars to submit abstracts for panel presentations.
Background:
Area studies has traditionally focused on specific geographical or cultural regions, with “Japan” often understood as a clearly bounded national space. However, in today’s globalized world, this perspective is increasingly challenged.
Japan is no longer only a place—it is also an idea shaped across borders. Its images circulate widely, including in Southeast Asia, while people, cultures, and practices move between Japan and other regions. From cultural representations to migrant experiences, “Japan” is constantly being reimagined beyond its territory.
Under the theme “Rethinking Area Studies through ‘Japan’,” IJSRWS 2026 invites participants to explore these shifting perspectives. How can we understand Japan not just as a location, but as something produced through global connections? And what does this mean for the future of area studies?
Symposium Dates: 4–5 August, 2026
Format: Hybrid (Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia and via Zoom)
Theme: Rethinking Area Studies through “Japan”
🔵Abstracts (200–250 words) may be submitted in English.
🔵Include: title, author name(s), affiliation(s), email address(es), and 3–5 keywords.
🔵Format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx).
🔵Open to all areas of Japanese Studies.
🔵Abstract Submission Deadline: 1 June 2026
🔵Review Notification: 15 June 2026
🔵Presentation registration deadline: 30 June 2026
🔵For payments in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
IDR 500,000 – On-site participation
IDR 300,000 – Online participation
🔵Fee applies per abstract-listed author
Further details and submission portal: