UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN JAPANESE LITERATURE FIB USU Holds NATIONAL SEMINAR 2022

“Japan in the Edo Period”

The Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU) held the 2022 National Seminar with the theme “Japan in the Edo Period.” The activity was held on Thursday, March 10, 2022, in a hybrid format at the Multipurpose Room of FIB USU and via Zoom Meeting. The seminar took place from 09.00 to 18.00 WIB.

Highlighting the History and Dynamics of Japan during the Edo Period

The Edo period (1600–1867) was one of the important periods in Japanese history. This period was marked by the leadership of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which was centered in Edo, now known as Tokyo. During this period, various aspects of Japanese society developed, ranging from social structure, trade, education, arts, literature, to culture.

The seminar highlighted the Edo period because it was considered to have played an important role as one of the foundations for Japan's development into a modern country. The discussion covered the development of trade, agriculture, education, the growth of urban communities, as well as the development of arts such as ukiyo-e, Kabuki, and Bunraku. The education system had also developed through Terakoya before the emergence of the formal school system as it exists today.

Expanding Knowledge for Japanese Studies Learners and Researchers

The seminar was organized to provide knowledge and references on the history, education, culture, arts, and literature of Japan during the Edo period. This knowledge was expected to broaden the perspectives of learners, educators, researchers, and particularly students studying Japanese history as well as developing theses and academic works in the field of Japanese studies.

In addition to the academic aspect, the activity was also aimed at establishing cooperation among academic groups, particularly between the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature of FIB USU and study programs related to the speakers. Thus, the seminar not only served as a space for sharing knowledge but also as a means of expanding cooperation networks in the fields of Japanese education and culture.

Featuring Academics and Japanese Representatives as Speakers

The National Seminar featured four main speakers, namely Prof. Dr. Iriyanto Widisuseno, M.Hum. from Universitas Diponegoro; Mr. Suzuki Yushi, Deputy Consul General of Japan in Medan; Ilma Sawindra Janti, Ph.D. from Universitas Indonesia; and Dinda Ranadireksa, M.A., Ph.D. from Universitas Widyatama. The seminar was moderated by Irwan, M.Si., a lecturer of the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature of FIB USU.

Attended by Approximately 330 Participants from Various Universities

The seminar was attended by approximately 330 participants from various universities in Indonesia, including students, educators, researchers, and Japanese studies enthusiasts. The seminar was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences USU, Dr. T. Thyrhaya Zein, M.A., online.

Each speaker was given 30 minutes to deliver a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session. The participants' enthusiasm was evident from the large number of questions submitted, so the main session continued until 13.10 WIB before being followed by ISHOMA.

Followed by Parallel Presentation Sessions

After the main session, the activity continued with parallel sessions at 14.00 WIB. Participants attended the sessions according to the themes of the papers they would present. The presentations continued until the activity was officially closed.

The seminar also served as a space for presenters to present their academic works. The report recorded that 11 presenters participated in the parallel sessions. The papers that had been presented were subsequently collected and processed for publication as journal articles in SINTA 3 and SINTA 4 indexed journals, namely KOIZUMI and KIRYOKU from Universitas Diponegoro.

Strengthening the Study of Japanese History and Culture

The 2022 National Seminar of the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature of FIB USU was one form of academic activity that brought together various elements in Japanese studies. Through discussions on the Edo period, participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese history, education, culture, arts, and literature, as well as their connection to Japan's development toward the modern era.

The activity also strengthened the commitment of the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature of FIB USU to providing a scientific forum for students, lecturers, researchers, and Japanese studies enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and ideas. The enthusiasm of the participants, along with the involvement of academics and Japanese representatives, was an important part of the successful implementation of this national seminar.