AKIBA, Takeshi
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| Students in this seminar find a topic that they cherish and are self-motivated to pursue for their thesis research, within the broad theme of “diversity.” Students have written about topics such as nationality, gender, sexuality and identity, stemming from their own backgrounds, with a sincere desire to think further about a defining influence upon their lives. I too, wrote about Japanese nationality law and Japanese identity, when I was an undergraduate student. At the time I was struggling with dual identity between the U.S. and Japan. Being able to pursue the topic academically had a soothing and accommodating influence upon me. This experience led to what I do today, as a researcher focused on minorities and the law. Undergraduate thesis writing can become such a path breaking experience for students, and I really hope to open up that possibility to students finding a place in this seminar. The diversity of our members and the collaboration that comes out of it should be a wonderful experience for our hearts and minds. | ||||
– Enlighten our school life with wonderful memories which will last forever –
Akiba zemi is a place where students can deepen their knowledge of studies on minorities, diversity, social injustices, and human rights both inside and outside Japan, and also foster critical thinking skills through weekly active discussions. I met Professor Akiba for the first time when I joined his intermediate seminar as a sophomore, and I highly got inspired by his great passion for his field of expertise, intelligence, and kindness. His class was active, inclusive, and student-driven which include both discussions among students and informative lectures from the Professor himself. It significantly allowed me to learn and ruminate over Japanese minorities, such as the Ainu, ‘mixed-blood’ Japanese, and Burakumin, and this valuable experience of enjoying the atmosphere which Professor Akiba creates, and my increasing interest towards minority and human rights issues made me develop my desire to become a part of Akiba zemi.
In this zemi, there is a huge variety in each student’s graduation thesis topics—gender, race, immigrants, diversity, inclusion, disability, and many others—and we develop our own research over a year and a half. To give some detailed topics as examples, the 2023 senior theses explore the Oppression of Nikkei Women in US History, Portrayals of Blacks in Japan, and the Future of Sexual Minorities through Same-Sex Partnership Policies in Japan. Our weekly seminar includes approximately four presentations, Q&A, and discussion sessions, in which students get to learn new sets of ideas from each other and exchange feedback. The greatest charm of Akiba zemi is how each student is very passionate about sharing their ideas on each topic creating lively discussions, yet they all respect each other’s opinions. Not only the Professor but also all students are very diligent, kind, inclusive, respectful, and highly academic. This weekly seminar has become one of my sources of power, where I get energized and motivated to pursue my interests by gaining new knowledge of minority studies from informative presentations.
I have been composing my thesis on the topic of Child Poverty in Japan for over a year, in which I incorporated numerous academic research, documents, and also suggestions and inputs from the Professor and the students. My curiosity about national child poverty developed through my school-life interaction with students in financial difficulties and a firsthand experience of facing high educational expenses in Japan. I felt great helplessness over many Japanese children’s future options unreasonably get determined by a parent’s living situation, especially economic circumstances, and thus aimed to thoroughly analyze the causes, effects, and current measures of child poverty to discover what is truly needed for impoverished children today to pursue a physically, mentally, and socially healthy life.
As for the annual zemi excursion, senior students went on a two-day trip to Akita, a place where Professor Akiba has a huge connection, in October 2022. Since the Professor used to instruct at Akita International University (AIU), we were able to visit there holding a joint seminar with AIU students where we spent precious time exchanging our stories of academic interests, backgrounds, and cultures. Furthermore, we learned about the connection and differences between local regions including Akita and Waseda University from the president of Sano Pharmacy, Mr. Motohiko Sano, and also enjoyed having Inaniwa Udon, a traditional dish in Akita, for dinner. Getting fascinated by the beauty of Dakigaeri Valley and Kakunodate was one of our greatest memories as well, in which we tried out another local cuisine, Kiritanpo, with the Professor and bought multiple souvenirs for our families. Since this Akita excursion had been canceled due to the high restrictions of COVID-19 for the past two years, we were extremely glad to be able to make this trip happen and spend a fulfilling time with our amazing Professor and zemi members. Akiba zemi will allow us to not only develop our interest to the deepest level but also enlighten our school life with wonderful memories which will last forever.
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This article is written by…
MATSUMORI, Kanon
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*This article is current as of March 2023.
*This course may not be offered every semester.
