Michael Fisch to present on ecological progress in Japan post-3.11 on Sept. 7

The Institute for Japanese Studies will present a lecture by Michael Fisch, University of Chicago, on Thursday, September 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 251 Journalism Building. Prof. Fisch will present "Finessing Ecology: Experiments in the (N)ature of Post 3.11 Japan."

Abstract: Climate change appears to be unstoppable, putting our future under an increasing threat of global ecological collapse. Thus, it is no surprise that in recent years ecology has become a matter of central concern for anthropologists. Despite the flurry of publications on the topic, many with ecology in the title, there has been little reflection among scholars on the nature of the guiding presuppositions behind the term. This talk examines the conceptual and technological possibilities of ecology through an exploration of various ecological projects underway as part of the post 3.11 disaster reconstruction in Northeast Japan. Moving from massive concrete seawalls to efforts to re-establish vibrant coastal communities within a dynamic environment, Fisch questions the way in which the state and local residents are mobilizing ecological thought for new coastal futures. Only by reconceptualizing ecology, he argues, will we be able to establish a viable future framework for ecological governance.

NCTA Seminar to focus on the voyage of the "Phoenix of Hiroshima" on Sept. 9

The East Asian Studies Center will present "NCTA Workshop: Voyage of the Phoenix of Hiroshima" on Saturday, September 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. online (registration required). Tanya Maus, Wilmington Peace Center; Ann Marie Davis, The Ohio State University; and Angie Stokes, Wayne Trace Jr/Sr High School will facilitate.

Abstract: Join educators in a cross-curricular exploration of the primary source materials about nuclear weapons and the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, Japan. Additionally, the Voyage of the Phoenix of Hiroshima, comprised of a family living in Hiroshima and atomic bomb survivors traveled 54,000 nautical miles stopping at over 120 ports, will showcase the movement of people and ideas. From 1954-1958, Barbara and Earle Reynolds, along with their two children, Jessica and Ted and three Japanese shipmates and atomic bombing survivors—Fushima Motosada, Mikami Niichi, and Mitsugi Suemitsu—circumnavigated the globe in their yacht, “The Phoenix of Hiroshima.” What began as a journey to realize Earle’s lifelong dream of sailing around the world ended in an act of nonviolent direct action against the United States government to sail into a nuclear test site in the Marshall Islands to protest U.S. nuclear testing and its human and environmental harm. In addition to a Q&A with the film director, workshop facilitators will share relevant teaching tools and discuss ways to incorporate these topics in a variety of K-12 content areas.

CLAS, EASC to host film screening of "The Future Perfect" on Sept. 13

The Center for Latin American Studies and the East Asian Studies Center will host a film screening of "The Future Perfect" on Wednesday, September 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 180 Hagerty Hall.

Synopsis: Xiaobin is 17 years old and does not speak a single word of Spanish when she arrives in Argentina. But a few days later, she already has a new name, Beatriz, and a job in a Chinese supermarket. Her family lives in a parallel world in a launderette, far removed from the Argentinians. Xiaobin secretly saves money and enrolls at a language school. She tries out in the street what she learns there. After having learned how to “make appointments,” she arranges to meet a supermarket customer, Vijay. He comes from India, and although they can barely communicate with each other, they start a secret romance. And when she practices the condicional, the form of possibility, Xiaobin starts thinking about the future. What would happen if her parents learned about Vijay? The more she masters the Spanish language, the more she interferes in the scenario.

Taku Suzuki to present on Japan's asylum policies on Sept. 15

The Institute for Japanese Studies will present a lecture by Taku Suzuki, Denison University, on Friday, September 15 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 131 Mendenhall Lab. Prof. Suzuki will present "Art of Waiting: Acts of Citizenship among the Asylum Seekers in Japan." Jeffrey Cohen, The Ohio State University, will serve as discussant.

Abstract: This lecture provides an overview of Japan’s asylum policies, and their dire consequences for asylum seekers. In so doing, it highlights the temporary dimension of those asylum seekers with a contingent legal status. Based on my ethnographic fieldwork among the asylum seekers who are “provisionally released” from detention by the Japanese government, I argue that the central struggle of those asylum seekers and their citizen allies is the utter absence of temporal certainty in their lives. The struggle forces them to create a meaningful living in the "here and now," as their lives are indefinitely suspended by the state. These efforts, such as securing housing, employment, and child care, and improving Japanese language proficiency, then, can be understood not only as what Engin Isin calls daily “acts of citizenship” that produce them as legitimate members of the host society, but also as defiant acts of taking control of their own temporality.

2023 International Photography Competition now open

All Ohio State students, faculty, staff, visiting scholars and alumni are invited to submit their photos to the 2023 International Photography Competition. Entries will be accepted through October 6. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your original photographs from around the world. In addition to honoring the Best in Show, first, second and third place winners will be selected in the following categories: People, Places and Arts & Culture. There will also be People's Choice awards for the photos that receive the highest votes via an online voting phase.

John Glenn College accepting applications for WAIP

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs offers an opportunity for Ohio State students to study and work in the nation's capital. The Washington Academic Internship Program selects undergraduates from any major to spend a semester in Washington, D.C., as John Glenn Fellows. Students work in field placements that reflect their particular areas of academic interest.

Prior to completing the online application, it is recommended you set up a meeting with Washington Academic Internship Program staff in order to review materials, ask questions and ensure your application is of the highest quality. Applications for Spring 2024 must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, September 17.