The 30th Cultural Seminar was held.
Saturday, October 7th
Professor Youji Yamamoto (Professor at Yamagata University's Faculty of Academic Research) gave a talk on "East and West of Tenmei Culture: Buson and Tsutaju," focusing on Yosa Buson, Tsutaya Juzaburo, and other figures from the Edo Tenmei era when urban culture flourished. Participants were able to feel the resilience of the citizens of that era and also engage with woodblock prints and ukiyo-e, making it a very lively event.
The next seminar will be held on Saturday, October 21st.
Saturday, October 21st
Professor Ichiro Fukumoto (Professor Emeritus at Kanagawa University, Japanese literature scholar) gave a talk on "Reading the 'Mogami River' Section of 'Oku no Hosomichi' - From the Perspectives of the Ordinary and the Extraordinary." We examined whether the famous verse "Mogami River collecting..." was "swift" (早し) or "cool" (涼し) from the perspectives of the ordinary and the extraordinary. Questions flew back and forth, and a lively discussion took place.
Saturday, October 28th
Professor Tadashi Ishikawa (Professor of Literature at Tohoku University of Art and Design, literary critic) gave a talk on "The Historical Facts and Reception of Sakamoto Ryoma - How Historical Figures Engage with Content Culture." The discussion delved into why historical figures continue to be received and embraced, making it a very engaging event.