German Institute for Japanese Studies, Tokyo (DIJ) Podcast

Contrary to widespread skepticism, the Abe government announced new policies for the advancement of women in society and is seemingly committed to promote and implement these policies. Yet, despite this impressive rhetorical commitment, many questions remain unanswered: What are the political motivations and strategies behind the “gender turn” of the Abe cabinet? What are the potential effects on Japan’s gendered political economic regime? Do we now witness a new era of concrete measures and ambitious gender equality polices in Japan, or is this all just cheap talk? The DIJ is honored to welcome two distinguished experts in the field as speakers to this DIJ Forum, who will discuss this topic from their respective perspectives as a former high-ranking government official on the one hand and as an academic, on the other hand.

Contrary to widespread skepticism, the Abe government announced new policies for the advancement of women in society and is seemingly committed to promote and implement these policies. Yet, despite this impressive rhetorical commitment, many questions remain unanswered: What are the political motivations and strategies behind the “gender turn” of the Abe cabinet? What are the potential effects on Japan’s gendered political economic regime? Do we now witness a new era of concrete measures and ambitious gender equality polices in Japan, or is this all just cheap talk? The DIJ is honored to welcome two distinguished experts in the field as speakers to this DIJ Forum, who will discuss this topic from their respective perspectives as a former high-ranking government official on the one hand and as an academic, on the other hand.

Japan and Germany, just as other European and Asian societies, are undergoing rapid social, economic and cultural changes. These include demographic changes, economic and political instability, the erosion of traditional institutions, changes in communication, as well as effects of natural disasters. These developments are related to changes in norms and values, and come with an increasing number of alternatives for individual and social decision-making. With the number of choices also increases the risk of making a wrong decision. To remain capable of taking any action at all, individuals need to trust in others, in expert knowledge and in abstract institutions. Therefore, trust – as the social lubricant that keeps societies running, and risks – as the challenges faced by a given society, are topics central to the analysis of any social system. The DIJ is honored to welcome two internationally renowned experts on trust and risk as speakers to this DIJ Forum, which is presented together with the German-Japanese Society for Social Sciences.

Japan and Germany, just as other European and Asian societies, are undergoing rapid social, economic and cultural changes. These include demographic changes, economic and political instability, the erosion of traditional institutions, changes in communication, as well as effects of natural disasters. These developments are related to changes in norms and values, and come with an increasing number of alternatives for individual and social decision-making. With the number of choices also increases the risk of making a wrong decision. To remain capable of taking any action at all, individuals need to trust in others, in expert knowledge and in abstract institutions. Therefore, trust – as the social lubricant that keeps societies running, and risks – as the challenges faced by a given society, are topics central to the analysis of any social system. The DIJ is honored to welcome two internationally renowned experts on trust and risk as speakers to this DIJ Forum, which is presented together with the German-Japanese Society for Social Sciences.

Naoto Kan had to cope with the Fukushima nuclear accident during his term as Prime Minister of Japan. What did really happen during and after this unprecedented disaster in Japan’s post-war history? After his resignation as Prime Minister, Naoto Kan has given his personal account of the accident on many occasions and continues to work towards a nuclear free Japan. In his speech he will talk about his experience of one of the most dramatic events in Japanese history and certainly the most challenging for any head of government. He will also give insights about the current discussion on nuclear energy in Japan.

菅直人氏は総理大臣在任中に東日本大震災に遭遇し福島原発事故の処理という重責を担った。この戦後未曽有の事態において、本当に起こった事は何だったのだろうか。

総理退任後菅氏は、この事故に対する彼自身の立場からの脱原発日本へ向けて、数々の活動を続けている。彼がここで語ってくれるのは日本史上最も劇的ともいえる事態を経験した、他の誰よりも過酷な挑戦をくぐりぬけた一国の指導者によるものである。また、今の原子力エネルギーに関する議論に対する洞察でもある。

Naoto Kan had to cope with the Fukushima nuclear accident during his term as Prime Minister of Japan. What did really happen during and after this unprecedented disaster in Japan's post-war history? After his resignation as Prime Minister, Naoto Kan has given his personal account of the accident on many occasions and continues to work towards a nuclear free Japan. In his speech he will talk about his experience of one of the most dramatic events in Japanese history and certainly the most challenging for any head of government. He will also give insights about the current discussion on nuclear energy in Japan.

After the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the consequent shutdown of all nuclear reactors, Japan has been forced to re-consider its energy and climate policy speeding up the expansion of renewable energy and granting it a larger share in its future energy mix. However, a stronger reliance on renewables may not only be a necessity, it might also come as an opportunity, given the abundance of renewable energy resources in Japan and their increasing price competitiveness due to continuing technological advances. Can resource poor Japan, that presently imports more than 90 per cent of its primary energy supply, become an energy rich country? If so, what is needed to achieve such a fundamental transformation?

After the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the consequent shutdown of all nuclear reactors, Japan has been forced to re-consider its energy and climate policy speeding up the expansion of renewable energy and granting it a larger share in its future energy mix. However, a stronger reliance on renewables may not only be a necessity, it might also come as an opportunity, given the abundance of renewable energy resources in Japan and their increasing price competitiveness due to continuing technological advances. Can resource poor Japan, that presently imports more than 90 per cent of its primary energy supply, become an energy rich country? If so, what is needed to achieve such a fundamental transformation?

In his inaugural lecture, Franz Waldenberger, the newly appointed Director of DIJ, outlined the research program that the institute will pursue over the coming years (see also https://dij.tokyo/research).

Welcoming words were delivered by Dr. Hans Carl von Werthern, Ambassador of Germany to Japan, and Dr. Harald Rosenbach, Executive Director of the Max Weber Foundation, Bonn.

In his inaugural lecture, Franz Waldenberger, the newly appointed Director of DIJ, outlined the research program that the institute will pursue over the coming years (see also http://www.dijtokyo.org/research/risks_and_opportunities_in_japan). Welcoming words were delivered by Dr. Hans Carl von Werthern, Ambassador of Germany to Japan, and Dr. Harald Rosenbach, Executive Director of the Max Weber Foundation, Bonn.