COMMUNICATIONS

Most of the research meetings we have now are online. This is because we’re afraid of the covid-19, so we’re social distancing. But it’s not only at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies; I guess the situation is no different at other research institutions, or even in private offices.

And I’m sure that every organization has noticed this, but online research meetings and conferences cost relatively little. You don’t have to pay for travel, accommodation, or a venue. Perhaps the financial authorities of the post-Covid-19 era will come after us, pressing us not to hold any more research meetings that involve gathering people together. This may become the start of future budget cuts.

In order to preserve face-to-face meetings, we need to arm ourselves with theoretical arguments. But it’s hard to argue that chats and confidential talks other than debates are important, and it’s difficult to put such arguments down on paper. I’m at a loss; is there any good way to do this?

Recording Professor Hosokawa Shūhei’s Public Farewell Lecture (February 2021).