On Tuesday November 26, 2024, H.E. Mr Masahiro MIKAMI, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Belgium and to NATO, gave a lecture at the Salle Académique of ULiège.
The lecture took place as part of the International Week at the invitation of the Centre d'études japonaises (CEJ) , which is organizing a variety of activities throughout the academic year to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Madame Izumi FUJII, Director of the Embassy's Cultural and Information Center. They were welcomed by Mrs. Aurélie ROYER, Governor of the Province of Liège, Mr. Pierre DUYSINX, Vice-Rector for International Relations, and Mr. Andreas THELE, Director of the EYC.
After welcoming H.E. Mr. MIKAMI, the Vice-Rector gave an overview of ULiège's many collaborations with partner institutions and universities in Japan. Mr. THELE then presented a summary of the Ambassador's long diplomatic career.
In his lecture "Personnal introduction to Japanese Culture and Language", the Ambassador presented aspects of Japanese aesthetics through literature and poetry. For example, haiku, of which he cited numerous examples, are a particularly good way of expressing Japanese sensitivity to nature and the seasons. In other areas, such as thought and the administrative organization of the state, traditional Japanese culture has been influenced in particular by China, while modern Japan has been inspired above all by the West.
A varied audience of around 110 attended the lecture with great interest, which ended with a question-and-answer session.
Researchers from ULiège participated in a study that adds nuance to the genetic history of prehistoric European populations. ULiège provided access to bones from archaeological sites in Liège that are preserved in its collections.
A history graduate from the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the University of Liège in 2003, Frédéric Bernard has had an extraordinary career. He spoke to many students during a special meeting.
Co-financed by the Erasmus+ program and organized by the University of the Greater Region, this complementary training course worth 6 ECTS credits is open to all ULiège students.
