Tuesday, July 04, 2017, 15:00 - 16:00
Freedom of Speech in Japan
Language:The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation
In early June, the author Naoki Hyakuta was scheduled to give a speech at Hitotsubashi University on "The State of the Mass Media in Today's Society". But following a campaign by a campus group that accuses Hyakuta of racism, his appearance was cancelled.
The case raises classic questions about freedom of speech, even if that speech is offensive to some, and the willingness of universities to expose their students to a diversity of views. It mirrors recent events in the U.S., such as conservative writer Charles Murray's visit to Middlebury College in March, which met with disruption by students who accused the speaker of racism and hate speech.
Hyakuta is one of Japan's most popular and controversial novelists. A television screenwriter for many years, he found fame with his 2006 novel Eternal Zero, which was made into an award-winning film in 2013. The film, in particular, divided audiences. Some found it a deeply moving tale of World War II fighter pilots; others regarded it as a glorification of kamikaze suicide attacks.
A prolific writer, Hyakuta's recent novels include The Man They Called Pirate and The Paradise of Frogs. In 2013, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed him a governor of public broadcaster NHK. He served in that capacity until 2015. Hyakuta is frequently in the news over controversial remarks about history, politics and the media.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation.
Professional Activities Committee
