■Topics 2019
2019-12-20 NichibunkenNews
A symposium co-hosted by Columbia University and Nichibunken addressing the theme of “The Sacred, Discrimination and the Spirits of the Dead in Japan” was held on Thursday, 5 December at Kent Hall, Columbia University, New York.
This symposium was cosponsored by EALAC, the Department of Religion, and the Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture. Professor Isomae Jun’ichi presented on “The Sacred, Discrimination and the Public Sphere in the History of Japanese Religions,” and Professor Yasui Manami presented on “Imaging the Spirit of a Deceased Pregnant Woman: Towards a Transcultural Study of the Spiritual World."Professor Shirane Haruo, Chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University was the master of ceremonies, and Associate Professor Michael Como provided his thoughts and comments after the presentations.
Over thirty participants were in attendance, including Columbia University professors and graduate students. There were many meaningful questions and comments from the floor, and the discussions continued beyond the scheduled time. We would like to extend our gratitude to Professor Shirane Haruo and the staff, scholars and students of Columbia University for their hospitality, and look forward to continuing our academic relationship.
