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The 4th “Seeing the World from Various Perspectives” Mongolia edition: SHIBA Ryotaro and Mongolia event held
The 4th “Seeing the World from Various Perspectives” Mongolia edition: SHIBA Ryotaro and Mongolia event was held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Research and Education Hub on the Minoh Campus.
UOsaka Global Campus (Minoh Campus) is engaged in initiatives to share language and cultural studies from around the world with the local community, and “Seeing the World from Various Perspectives” is one of its flagship events.
Minoh Campus was transformed into a totally Mongolian-themed venue for the entire day of the event.
Approximately 210 people attended the lecture SHIBA Ryotaro and Mongolia.
The event began with opening remarks and an introduction to Mongolia by Associate Professor IMAOKA Ryoko, Associate Professor NAKASHIMA Yoshiteru, Assistant Professor ARAI Yukiyasu, and specially appointed academic staff BYAMBAJAV Tuvshintugs of the Mongolian Department. This was followed by a lecture delivered by SHIBAYAMA Yutaka, a graduate of the department and Honorary Chairman of the Japan-Mongolia Literary Association.
The event's theme was centered around the connection between Mongolia and SHIBA Ryotaro, a renowned author and distinguished alumnus who studied Mongolian at the Osaka University of Foreign Studies, now known as the School of Foreign Studies at UOsaka. Drawing on his expertise as a scholar of Mongolian literature as well as his personal interactions with SHIBA during his student years, Mr. SHIBAYAMA spoke about SHIBA’s connections with Mongolia. The audience listened with great interest to his engaging account of SHIBA and Mongolia.
(Left) Opening remarks by the Mongolian Department faculty members (Right) Lecture by Mr. SHIBAYAMA
Next, FUKUI Noriyuki gave a performance of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and khoomei (throat singing). The venue was filled with the sound and atmosphere which brought to mind the vast Mongolian landscape, captivating the audience with the rich musical expressions woven by Mr. FUKUI.
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring journalists MACHIDA Yukihiko, UEMURA Yusuke, and YAMAMOTO Tatsuhiro, with MASAOKA Maya participating online via Zoom.
Taking questions from the audience, the speakers discussed, from their respective viewpoints, the experience of learning Mongolian and pursuing careers in journalism.
(Left) Morin khuur and khoomei performance by Mr. FUKUI (Right) Panel discussion by graduates
[Feedback from lecture participants]
-I found Mr. SHIBAYAMA’s lecture, Mr. FUKUI’s musical performance and throat singing, as well as the panel discussion, all very interesting and engaging.
-I had the opportunity to hear many valuable insights, which deepened my interest in both Mongolia and academic studies. It was a truly rewarding experience.
-I had a wonderful time at the event. It sparked my interest in learning more about the structure of the Mongolian language and the distinctive features of Mongolian culture.
The event also featured the Nomadic Culture Festival, held throughout the Minoh Campus, where participants were able to experience Mongolian culture firsthand through its clothing, food, housing, games, and music.
On the first floor, in the Osaka University of Foreign Studies Commemoration Hall, a variety of activities were offered with a traditional Mongolian ger—a portable dwelling used by nomadic peoples—as the centerpiece. These included a photo exhibition, opportunities to try on traditional Mongolian costumes, a morin khuur experience, workshops on Mongolian calligraphy and wool felt crafts, and the sale of Mongolian goods and crafts. Participants thoroughly enjoyed experiencing aspects of Mongolian culture that they would not ordinarily have the opportunity to encounter.
At the Piloti (UOsaka Deck) on the third floor, attendees enjoyed a variety of Mongolian and Uyghur foods at vendor stalls, as well as performances showcasing traditional dances from both cultures. The authentic tastes and captivating performances brought a vibrant and festive spirit to the event.
(Left) A miniature ger built by students as part of their coursework (Right) Children performing a traditional Mongolian dance
(Left) Uyghur traditional dance (Right) Colorful Mongolian goods and crafts
(Left) Workshop on wool felt crafts (Right) Workshop on Mongolian calligraphy
(Left) Morin khuur experience (Right) Children trying on traditional costumes
Many locals visited the event throughout the day, serving as an opportunity to share the research achievements and activities at the Minoh Campus, thereby bringing UOsaka and Mongolia closer.
Where will our journey of cultural exploration lead us next? We hope you will look forward to next year’s “Seeing the World from Various Perspectives,” along with the enriching conversations and encounters it will bring.
[Related link]
UOsaka Global Campus
https://www.sfs.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/