Event
10th European Network of Japanese Philosophy Conference
Unheard Voices: Diverse Currents of Thought in Japanese Philosophy
Over the past decade, there has been a general shift away from globalization as a universal framework and from the idea of a single, linear narrative of modernity or progress. In philosophical thought, we see this move from a grand narrative of Western rationality to plural traditions of thought and multiple modernities. Although philosophy as an academic discipline has become more diverse, acknowledging world philosophies (such as African, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean thought) as legitimate ways of doing “philosophy”, not all philosophies have been represented equally. In terms of Japanese philosophy, Nishida Kitarō and the Kyoto School have become popular through their connection to continental philosophy, but other, equally important perspectives of Japanese philosophy have received less representation and exposure. With this in mind, the intention of this conference is to raise awareness of lesser known Japanese philosophical perspectives within European scholarship.
We particularly welcome, and will prioritize panels and individual presentations on
– indigenous cultural practices and philosophies (Ainu and Ryukyu)
– studies on non-human beings (animals and nature)
– pre-modern Japanese philosophies (Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto)
Date and Location
| Date: | 4th-6th September, 2026 |
| Location: | Akita University and Akita International University |
Language Policy
The official languages of the conference are English and Japanese.
To facilitate inter-dialogue between participants, we encourage Japanese presenters to prepare powerpoint slides with English bullet points. In such cases, we will allocate a bilingual chairperson to translate questions and answers from attendees and presenters.
Abstract Submission
In order to participate, please submit an abstract of the presentation using the registration form.
The deadline for abstract submissions will be 31st March 2026.
*We will notify you of the results by 20th April so that you can begin planning your trip and making travel arrangements.
Contact
| Contact Person: | Kyle Shuttleworth (Akita International University) Roman Paşca (Akita University) |
| Email: | enojp10@gmail.com |
3rd ENOJP PhD Workshop
The European Network of Japanese Philosophy (ENOJP) invites PhD students engaged in research in Japanese philosophy and intellectual history to apply for the third PhD workshop, to be held in Akita the day before the 10th ENOJP annual conference.
The aim of the workshop is to create a cross-national network of advanced graduate students and scholars in Japanese philosophy. The workshop will be organized in an informal setting, with ample time for discussion, socializing, and networking.
Date and Venue
| Date: | 3rd September, 2026 |
| Venue: | Akita University |
| Participation Fee: | Free of charge |
Workshop Program
The workshop will include (some of) the following:
| Presentation Session: | Peer-to-peer feedback on research projects. |
| Advising Session: | In-depth advice from a senior scholar specialized in your topic. |
| Sempai Talk Session: | Direct discussions with PhD graduates about dissertation writing (overcoming writer’s block, life-work balance) and career paths (post-doc, publishing, job hunting). |
| Publishing Session: | Information on journals, publishing houses, and submission tips. |
Eligibility
Any student of any nationality working in any university on a topic related to Japanese philosophy and intellectual history is eligible.
- The workshop will be conducted in English.
- Participating in both the workshop and then presenting a paper at the conference is accepted.
Application
Please send the following documents to enojp10@gmail.com.
| Required Documents: | Short CV (2–3 pages) Summary of Dissertation Project (Max 1,000 words): Explain topic, relevance, research question, methodology, and current stage. Please include 1–2 paragraphs regarding specific challenges you would like advice on. |
| Deadline: | By 15th April, 2026 |
Selection Process
| Selected candidates notified: | By 30th April, 2026 |
| Detailed writing sample due (approx. 5,000 words): | By mid-July, 2026 |
Contact
| Contact Person: | Roman Paşca (Akita University) Francesca Greco (ENOJP Vice President) |
| Email: | enojp10@gmail.com |
Please note that at the time of this call for applications, there is no funding available for the workshop. However, the ENOJP and the local organizing team in Akita have applied for funding to various institutions and we are hoping to be able to subsidize at least some of the costs of the workshop. The workshop will be free of charge for all participants.