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NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2019 (VOLUME 6)

Centre for Japanese Studies

NewsletterCentre for Japanese StudiesMarch 2019 (Volume 6)

Inside:• Message from the Acting Director• Exchange• Culture & Language• Scholarships & other Opportunities• Events• Japanese Language Course


Message from the Acting Director

Greetings!

The Centre for Japanese Studies (CJS)has played a pivotal role in encouraging dialogue and collaboration through networking between South African and Japanese Universities. The leadership of those who have preceded me has left its indelible mark on the networking and collaboration agenda, as detailed in the previous Newsletters. Almost one year into my term as Acting Director of the CJS, I take the opportunity of this edition to take stock and discuss possible paths for the future.

From the Diplomatic history of Japan in our book review section to Omotenashi, we can see that Japan has so much to share with South Africa and the world on how she is managing the global changes.

The upcoming South Africa-Japan University Forum hosted by Universities of South Africa (USAF) and CJS at the newly opened Future Africa Campus in May is expected to strengthen strategic research partnership between the two countries.We are making every effort to lead this forum to be fruitful and successful.

The past few months have been very exciting, with students and academic staff exchanging between UP and Japanese Universities. We have also welcomed Professor Masafumi Nagao, the former UNU professor to join us as visiting fellow.

I invite you to read their stories in this issue and to join our network.

Professor Hennie F. StanderActing Director, Centre for Japanese Studies


Mr Arsenio Botha, a third year BSc Medical Science student went to Hokkaido University on the Hokkaido University Short-Term Exchange Program (HUSTEP) from the University of Pretoria. He spoke highly of Japan, its culture and people. He was most impressed with their practice of “Ubuntu”, which is a South African term loosely translated as brotherhood. He felt that although we speak about it, it is practiced by the Japanese people as “we live for each other.”

He found Sapporo, a city in Hokkaido to be amazing with a feeling of calm that set him at ease the moment he got there. Meeting other International students and forging close bonds with them and the Japanese students proved to be invaluable. He was so taken in by his experience that he wishes to return to Japan sometimes in the future.

Student ExchangeReturn of Exchange Student from Hokkaido University

Appointment of Prof. Nagao as a Visiting Fellow

Exchange Programs

Academic Staff ExchangeTwo lecturers from University of Pretoria have participated in the academic staff exchange with Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Senior Lecturer at Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, Dr. Nisa Palekar and Dr. Mabutho Shangase, lecturer at the Department of Political Science were the first South African lecturers to teach both undergraduate and graduate students for six months from September 2018 to February 2019.

Prof. Masafumi Nagao was appointed as a visiting fellow at the Centre for Japanese Studies for the period of 1 February 2019 to 30 September 2019 to do the advisory work for CJS. Prof Nagao is currently Advisor at the International Development Center of Japan and is a former Visiting Professor at the Institute for the Advancement of Sustainability at the United Nations University in Tokyo, Japan, and the project manager of the Education for Sustainable Development in Africa (ESDA) project. This project brings together eight leading African universities in a graduate-level education program for professionals to be engaged in sustainable development in Africa.


Culture & Language

Book Review

The Diplomatic History of Postwar JapanWinner of the prestigious Yoshida Shigeru Prize 1999 for the best book in public history, this book presents a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Japan’s international relations from the end of the Pacific War to the present. Written by leading Japanese authorities on the subject, it makes extensive use of the most recently declassified Japanese documents, memoirs, and diaries. It introduces the personalities and approaches Japan’s postwar leaders and statesmen took in dealing with a rapidly changing world and the challenges they faced. Importantly, the book also discusses the evolution of Japan’s presence on the international stage and the important – if underappreciated role – Japan has played. The book examines the many issues which Japan has had to confront in this important period: from the occupation authorities in the latter half 1940s, to the crisis-filled 1970s; from the post-Cold War decade to the contemporary

war on terrorism. The book examines the effect of the changing international climate and domestic scene on Japan’s foreign policy; and the way its foreign policy has been conducted. It discusses how the aims of Japan’s foreign relations, and how its relationships with its neighbours, allies and other major world powers have developed, and assesses how far Japan has succeeded in realising its aims. It concludes by discussing the current state of Japanese foreign policy and likely future developments.

This book is available at CJS Library.

Hospitality of Japan: OmotenashiHow many of you have heard the word “omotenashi” before? This word essentially translates to Japanese hospitality and has grown in popularity since its use in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics candidate speech. Omotenashi captures the way in which Japanese hosts pay attention to detail and the anticipate their guests’ needs.

The concept of omotenashi is said to have been established by the grandfather of the Japanese tea ceremony, Sen no Rikyu, through his ways of entertaining his guests through chakai (Japanese tea ceremony). In a chakai, each experience is “ichigoichie” or a once in a lifetime experience. Thus, it is said that both the host and the guest must act with sincerity.

The difference between “service” and omotenashi

In the South Africa, “service” generally refers to the relationship between the service provider and the customer. Transactions between the two-entail service fees and returns that are most often monetary.

One of the main differences between “service” and Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) is that South African service is often done with the hope that customers will pay for a product or an additional service, whereas omotenashi is performed without an expectation of anything in return. Unlike in South African culture where it is appreciated (and sometimes even expected) to tip for good service, there is no charge for omotenashi.

Japanese hospitality is often not as visible as “service” and is frequently intangible. It is in the things not done as much as what is done. Service can sometimes be somewhat forward or blatant in order to remind the customer that they are being provided a product. On the other hand, omotenashi is frequently invisible to the customer and essentially should never intentionally remind the customer of the hospitality. The tea master’s dedication to find the right tea-set for the guest is a perfect example of this act of invisible hospitality.


Scholarships & other Opportunities

ABE Initiative Scholarship recipient: Sellina Makgopela

Something which was once a dream came to reality when I was awarded an opportunity to pursue my master’s degree at Hiroshima University: Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation through Africa Business Education (ABE)Master’s Initiative program for Africans. Starting as a research student gave me an opportunity to adjust into Japan and the academic world after along break from studying.

Studying in a graduate school where interdisciplinary approaches in education are implemented to develop professionals who can engage in various issues. I had an opportunity to gather skills and knowledge not limited to my area of specialization which is inclusive education. I also had an opportunity to engage in discussions in various topics, whereby student and professors shared experiences from various countries in developing and developed countries. The latter gave me an opportunity to see the world through an eye of a global citizen not a South African, understand the world better and to embrace being an African.

As I consider myself a global citizen, I believe through the skills and knowledge I have acquired during my studies I am in a better position to continue to contribute towards making this globe a better place especially for people with disabilities whose human rights are not promoted mostly in the education sector.

In 2017, I graduated with Masters degree in Education and my research topic was “Support services for students with disabilities in Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges in South Africa”. With this degree/study/skills and knowledge acquired I hope it is a step working towards becoming one of the student support servicespecialist in South Africa in the higher education sector. Furthermore, contribute to research and policy development for policies to be considerate of people with disabilities as at times they are forgotten if not left out.

I wish to respond to the call of lifelong learning and the future is to pursue a doctoral degree in the same are as my master’s degree and enter into the research or join the higher education sector/institution to assist in promoting the rights of students with disabilities in the sector.

2020 MEXT Scholarship ProgramThe MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) offers scholarships to Research, Undergraduate and Special Training College for South African students who wish to study at Japanese universities under the Japanese Government Scholarship Program for 2020. Application forms (for 2020) will become available during the month of April 2019 on our Embassy Website and submission deadline is May 31.

For enquiries, please contact:

Ryan Keet @ the EMBASSY OF JAPAN SOUTH AFRICA

Information and Culture

Tel: +27 (0) 12 452 1607

E-mail: [email protected]


Past Events, Activities and Visitors(February – March 2019)

February 15thVisit from The University of Tokyo & Akita International UniversityOn the 15th of February, Prof. Nagao of the Center for Japanese Studies hosted Prof. Mino Takashi of The University of Tokyo & Prof. Yoshitaka Kumagai of Akita International University to exchange views about future collaboration between University of Pretoria and two Japanese universities.The meeting was also attended by Prof. van Heerden; Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Dr. Nyika; Department of Research & Innovation, Willeke de Bruin PhD; postdoctoral fellow at the centre of Excellence in Food Security and Agricultural Transformation,and Christopher Nshimbi PhD of Centre for the Study of Governance and Innovation.

Monday 18th – Wednesday 20th FebruarySophia University study tourThe Centre for Japanese Studies hosted students from Sophia University at the University of Pretoria, as a part of their 2-week study tour in South Africa. During their stay in Pretoria, the students had the opportunity to receive a lecture on the basic history of South Africa, by Prof Karen Harris. Additionally, the students visited the University of Pretoria’s Mamelodi Campus, where they received a lecture by Mr Thato Mokoena and entrepreneur; Ms. Van Rooyen from the Business Clinic and had the opportunity to engage with Mamelodi Ladies group of entrepreneurs. At the end of their stay, they visited the student’s dorm and interacted with undergraduate students from the University of Pretoria.

Thursday 28th – Friday 1st MarchVisit by Tokyo University of Foreign Studies’ Prof. TakeuchiOn the 28th of February, Prof. Takeuchi (Director, African Studies Centre, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies) visited Centre for Japanese Studies to discuss the upcoming South Africa Japan Universities Forum (SAJU). During his 2 days visit, Prof. Takeuchi visited Prof. Hennie Stander, out acting Director and also had an opportunity to tour the new Future Africa Campus where SAJU is expected to take place. He also met with Prof. Ahmed Bawa, CEO of Universities of South Africa (USAf) to discuss and confirm about the next SAJU.

Tuesday 12th March 2019Rikkyo University study tourThe Centre for Japanese Studies hosted college of tourism students from Rikkyo University at the University of Pretoria on a one day visit to the campus. The students had the opportunity to receive a lecture on the basic history of South Africa, by Prof Karen Harris before visiting the University of Pretoria’s Mamelodi Campus, where they received a lecture on township entrepreneurship by Mr Thato Mokoena and Tourism Mamelodi entrepreneur; Ms. Van Rooyen. Additionally, the studentsenjoyed a tour guide of Mamelodiand visited historical tourist attractions of the township provided by Mamelodi Tourism Association.

Upcoming EventsThursday 23rd - Friday 24th May 2019 / Future Africa Campus4th South Africa Japan University Forum


7 March–27 June 2019 | Classes presented on Thursday evenings from 18:00–20:00

Shifting knowledge to insight

The Japanese Language Course is ideal whether you are looking to acquire Japanese for the purpose of business, travel or personal interest. From delicious sushi and tea, to the brave samurais and beautiful geishas of ancient Japan, this three-part course (basic, intermediate and advanced) will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to communicate in this exciting language. During the course, you will be able to broaden your understanding of the Japanese language and culture.

Course content

Topics• Greetings and introductions• Asking and giving personal information• The time• Shopping (basic concepts)• Ordering at a restaurant• Describing daily routines• Making plans for the weekend• Inviting somebody to do something

Grammar• Introduction to the Japanese writing system• Hiragana/katakana• 30 kanjis• Japanese pronunciation• Word order• Ko/so/a/do system• Time expressions• Particle ni/de/to• Verbs with particle o/ni

Culture• Understanding some practical culture differences• Introducing traditional and contemporary cultures

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to• develop basic communication skills in listening, speaking,

reading and writing in Japanese, and• get to know both traditional and contemporary Japanese

cultures and societies through various materials (videos, quizzes, etc.) and activities (origami, wearing yukata, etc.).

This course requires disciplined study habits and compulsory class participation.

Who should enrol?

This course is ideal for you if you are keen to learn Japanese as a

foreign language whether you are a participant in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, have prospective business dealings with Japanese companies/organisations or if you are a student participating or interested in an exchange programme to Japan.

Course fees

R2 250.00 (VAT incl.) for studentR6 360.00 (VAT incl.) for the public

Student proof of registration required for discounted fee. Course fees include all course material for use during contact sessions.

Course fees must be paid in full 14 days prior to course start dates. Proof of payment can be submitted to [email protected].

Admission requirements

Prospective delegates should at least have a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) and/or relevant work experience. Delegates who do not adhere to the minimum requirements will be considered upon submission of a motivation for enrolment.

Accreditation and certification

Enterprises University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd is wholly owned by the University of Pretoria. As a public higher education institution, the University of Pretoria functions in accordance with the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997. Enterprises University of Pretoria offers short courses on behalf of the University and these short courses are not credit-bearing, and do not lead to formal qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) – unless stated otherwise. Delegates who successfully complete a short course and comply with the related assessment criteria (where applicable) are awarded certificates of successful completion and/or attendance by the University of Pretoria.

Registration and enrolments

Course coordinatorNishana NaranTel: +27 (0)12 434 2612Cell: +27 (0)83 414 9659Email: [email protected]

Course leaderProf Hennie StanderDirector: Centre for Japanese Studies

www.enterprises.up.ac.za

For quotations on in-house training, email [email protected]

+27 (0)12 434 2500 +27 (0)12 434 2505 [email protected] Private Bag X41, Hatfield, 0028

Japanese Language CoursePresented by the Centre for Japanese Studies, University of Pretoria


Get in touch!

If you would like to be added to the CJS mailing list, share suggestion and comments, please email our Administrator

Mrs Anita Devchand at [email protected] with your:

Full name Email address

Contact number Organisation

Position

Through the mailing list you will receive our event notifications, newsletters and any other information related to CJS!

We look forward to your email!

University of PretoriaLynnwood Road and Roper Street

Hatfield, PretoriaSouth Africa

Telephone: 012 420 6488Email: [email protected]

Website: www.up.ac.za/centre-for-japanese-studiesFacebook: www.facebook.com/centreforjapanesestudies

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