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Soga Japan Center Special Talk

Posted by Elizabeth Braaksma for Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Join us to hear from the Consul General of Japan, Hajime "Jimmy" Kishimori. 

Title: Reality Check for Michigan-Japan Relations: From the Viewpoint of a Japanese Diplomat

Abstract: The Consul General of Japan in Detroit, Mr. Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori, will offer a Japanese diplomat’s perspective on the current state of relations between Japan and Michigan. Drawing on his experience representing Japan in the United States and abroad, as well as his work with the United Nations, he will take a closer look at the many connections that have developed between Japan and Michigan through business, industry, education, culture, sports, and people-to-people exchange. He will consider what these relationships mean from Japan’s perspective, how they have evolved over time, and what opportunities exist to further strengthen the partnership in the years ahead.

  • "Inclusive Japanese Language Teaching: What We Can Learn from Japan and How Universal Design for Learning and AI Can Help" presented by Dr. Carlos Pimentel. Research addressing disability and accessibility within Japanese language pedagogy remains limited. Dr. Pimentel examined the development of support for students with disabilities in Japan and considered lessons for creating more inclusive Japanese language classrooms in the United States. 
  • "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.

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Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
1710 Sangren Hall
1903 W Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49008 US
Michiko Yoshimoto, Program Manager Soga Japan Center