Japan Week 2009
From November 3 until November 16, the Catholic University of Leuven (department of Japanese Studies) and Kansai University will organise several cultural, academic and educational activities centering on Japanese culture, ranging from martial arts and classical music to modern film. This second 'Japan Week' will be held in Leuven as a part of the bilateral agreement between both universities.
All Japan Week events are free of charge and open to the general public.
See photos and information from the previous Japan Week!
Opening Ceremony
at the K.U.Leuven University Hall - November 3, 17h30-18h30
Opening reception and speeches, followed by a one-hour demonstration of the martial arts naginata and kendo by professor Alexander Bennett and his students from Kansai University, and a karaoke party for all Japan Week participants.
Browse the photo album of the previous Japan Week's opening ceremony
Modern Japanese society through film
- 4 November: "I just didn't do it" ("Soredemo boku wa yattenai", 2007)
- 5 November: "Give it all" ("Ganbatte ikimasshoi", 1998)
- 6 November: "Swing Girls" (2004)
All showings start at 20h, in Japanese with English subtitles. Before the screening of "I just didn't do it", Dimitri Vanoverbeke (professor of Japanese Law at the K.U.Leuven) and Luk van Haute (author of "The Japanese film revival") will provide the audience with a basic knowledge of Japanese film and the aspects of Japanese society seen in the three Japan Week films.
Location: Studio movie theater (map)
International seminar: Japan and the EU in Transition: Legal Reforms in a Globalized World
3 and 4 November, 9h to 17h
More information. Languages: English and Japanese.
Location: Erasmushuis, K.U. Leuven Faculty of Arts (Justus Lipsius room on the eighth floor) (map)
Second EU Workshop
3 November, 13h to 17h; 4 November, 9h30 to 18h; and 5 November (all day)
This second edition of the EU Workshop aims to offer young Japanese Studies researchers from Kansai University and the Catholic University of Leuven a forum to present their findings, benefit from critique and discussion, and network with their colleagues. Languages: English and Japanese.
- 3 November: Opening lectures
- 4 November: Main sessions and closing session
- 5 November: Fieldwork (workshop speakers only) and farewell party
See information about the first EU workshop, held in September 2008.
Location: PC rooms A/B, Erasmushuis, K.U. Leuven Faculty of Arts (map)
Martial arts workshops
4 November, 13h-17h
Under the guidance of professor Alexander Bennett, students from Kansai University will instruct students of the Catholic University of Leuven in the martial arts of naginata and kendo. Participation by non-students of Japanese Studies is possible upon request. Language: English.
Location: Parthenon Hall, Mgr. Sencie Institute, K.U. Leuven Faculty of Arts (map)
Gagaku: traditional Japanese music and dance
16 November, 20h-22h
A unique performance of traditional Japanese music and dance by the famous Kitanodai Gagaku Orchestra. Organized with support of the Japanese Embassy and the Belgium-Japan Association & Chamber of Commerce (BJA)
More information (in Japanese for now, English version coming soon)
To get a taste of traditional Japanese performance, browse photos taken during the Noh Workshop and Noh Theatre events of the previous Japan Week.
Location: K.U. Leuven Aula Pieter de Somer (map)
