Events
Lecture

Soga Japan Center Special Talk

Posted by Elizabeth Braaksma for Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Inclusive Japanese Language Teaching: What We Can Learn from Japan and How Universal Design for Learning and AI Can Help

Research addressing disability and accessibility within Japanese language pedagogy remains limited. This talk by Dr. Carlos Pimentel, associate professor and advisor of Japanese in the Department of World Languages and Literatures, examines the development of support for students with disabilities in Japan and considers lessons for creating more inclusive Japanese language classrooms in the United States. 

It reviews research on accommodations for international students with learning and physical disabilities and introduces Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework for making instruction accessible to a wider range of learners. Drawubg on Pimentel's experience teaching students with disabilities at WMU, the talk also considers emerging uses of generative AI as an accessibility and UDL tool for supporting inclusive language learning and practice.

Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Brown Hall, Rm. 3025.

  • "Streaming Samurai: Historical Japan in Contemporary Media" presented by Dr. Ethan Segal, associate professor from Michigan State University.Although the age of samurai ended more than 150 years ago, medieval Japanese warriors continue to fascinate people today as characters in video games, movies and on television. This talk analyzes the depiction of samurai in three recent streaming shows: “Shōgun” (2024), “Blue Eye Samurai” (2023) and “Age of Samurai” (2021). 
  • "Three Questions for Japan in Michigan: Where, Who and What?" presented by Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori, the Consul General of Japan in Detroit. Kishimori shared insights into Japan’s presence and contributions in Michigan. From business and industry to cultural exchange and community connections, this talk explored how Japan and Michigan continue to shape one another through shared partnerships and people-to-people ties. 
  • "Sewing the Buddhist Robe: Innovation and Inclusion" presented by  Dr. Diane Riggs of World Religions and Cultures at Western Michigan University
  • "Japan: People, Society, Tradition and its Relations with the US" presented by Yusuke Shindo, the Honorable Consul General.  Shindo, a career diplomat of Japan, joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1986. At the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry, he was, among others, in charge of economic development assistance, trade negotiations, climate change and arms control. He served several overseas postings such as Saudi Arabia, Germany, Los Angeles, Indonesia, Geneva and Pakistan. In July of 2021, he moved to Michigan from Pakistan as Consul General of Japan in Detroit.

Accessibility

We are happy to provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. To request accommodation, please contact Soga Japan Center staff at @email at least five business days before the event.

View All WMU Events
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
3025 Brown Hall
1903 W Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49008 US
Michiko Yoshimoto, Program Manager Soga Japan Center