Research
Japan as an island country in a transforming Asia offers a rich field for research into the increasingly globalising world and society. Building on the success of the academic-led, interdisciplinary UCD Japan Group (since June 2016), the Centre (established in April 2020) will continue offering an innovative cross-disciplinary research-driven model, supporting the research into a unique culture and society.
The following three overarching research themes will be the focus of JaSt in the coming years.
Re-examining Japan in global context
The Centre has obtained research funding in the areas of ageing and assistive technologies in Japan from a comparative perspective. The development of Japanese Studies creates a unique opportunity for ‘understanding humanity’.
Science, technology and implementation in Irish and Japanese society
Successful funding applications include the EU (Erasmus+ICM) under the theme of One Health. Pioneering basic and applied STEM research (e.g. infectious disease, data science, laser/plasma physics) will be a key feature of this innovative model of Japanese Studies.
Approaches to teaching and learning, business and diplomacy
The Centre has a track record of funded research in Lesson Study in Japanese mathematics and Beyond Classroom Learning for Japanese language and culture.