1st Osaka University School of Foreign Studies Symposium and Oktoberfest in OU Semba held

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the 1st Osaka University School of Foreign Studies Symposium was held in the Grand Hall at Minoh Theatre for the Performing Arts. This event was held in cooperation with the Osaka University Association for Integrated Studies of Language and Society (AISLS) in commemoration of the foundation of the Diversity and Community Engagement Research Center, which opened in April 2023 as an institution affiliated with the Graduate School of Humanities.

The Minoh Campus, as an Osaka University Global Campus (OUGC), carries out a mission to connect local communities with the world through area studies and languages. This symposium was held as an opportunity to educate citizens, attracting some 700 participants.

The symposium began with opening remarks from President NISHIO Shojiro, which were followed by an explanation of the symposium’s objective by Professor TAKEMURA Keiko, Dean of the School of Foreign Studies.

President NISHIO Shojiro

In part 1 of the symposium, the following keynote speeches were held:

• “For Mutual Understanding that Transcends Words,” Professor YAMAGIWA Juichi (Director, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature)
• “The Role of Words in Our Multicultural Symbiosis,” Professor Oussouby Sacko (Director, Integrated Research Institute, Kyoto Seika University)

In part 2 of the symposium, a panel discussion entitled “On the Occasion of Establishment of the Diversity and Community Engagement Research Center -- What We Can Do to Create a Society that Utilizes Diversity,” the background behind the establishment of the center, its mission, and the efforts by 3 alumni and current students were introduced. Professor Yamagiwa and Professor Sacko were also in attendance to exchange opinions with the panel.

Between the keynote speeches and panel discussion, the YéréYa Africandance Company performed West African music and dance to liven up the venue. Finally, Executive Vice President of Global Engagement TANAKA Manabu gave his closing remarks, ending the symposium on a positive note.

Participants had the following to say about the symposium:

• “I’m glad I was able to think of topics that I have no chance to consider from a new angle.”
• “I was able to reconsider what language and culture are.”
• “It was very enlightening.”

Director Yamagata

Director Sacko

Executive Vice President Tanaka

Professor YAMANE So (Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Humanities / Dean of Division of Foreign Studies)

School of Foreign Studies Symposium

Following the symposium, in cooperation with Minoh-Beer Inc., the Oktoberfest in OU Semba was held on the pilotis on the 3rd floor, the OU Plaza, and the Citizens Plaza, attracting some 450 attendees. The participants enjoyed Minoh Beer and local food offered from various restaurants and the Minoh Association For Global Awareness (MAFGA), workshop booths by Gamba Osaka and the Semba Nishi Community Association, and performances of jazz and West African music, making for a lively and entertaining atmosphere even after the sunset.

Through intergenerational learning and exchange in this event, the participants were able to experience learning, culture, and cooperation with the community on the Minoh campus, namely the very purpose of the campus.

Professor TAKEMURA Keiko (Dean, School of Foreign Studies)

Minoh City Mayor UESHIMA Kazuhiko

Oktoberfest in OU Semba

MINOH BEER THANKS GIVIN 2023 held on the same day