2017

»June Workshop

»March Workshop

»February Workshop

Title: Teaching LGBT Psychology: The Experience in the Philippines
Presenter: Eric Manalastas, Psychology Department, University of the Philippines on Teaching LGBT Psychology
Date & Time: Saturday, February 27 2016 15:00-17:00
Venue: Building 2, Room 915 (9th floor), Sophia University, Yotsuya Campus
Language: English
Fee: Members Free; non-members ￥1,000; Non-member students: undergrads free; postgrads ￥1,000
Pre-registration is encouraged to insure your place: e-mail: programs@sietar-japan.org. Please note whether you are a member or non-member when registering.

Program Abstract:
Who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people? What are their diverse experiences of family, community, work, growing up, falling in love, and coming out? And how can LGBT lives be explored and taken up in a supportive, open, academic environment? This presentation will center on a narrative account of the design and delivery of an undergraduate elective focusing specifically on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender psychology at the University of the Philippines, the first of its kind in the country and possibly in the Southeast Asian region. Reflections will highlight the enabling conditions that permit the inclusion of such a course in an otherwise mainstream psychology program, including institutional support, the role of straight and feminist allies in administration, and contributions by the Filipino LGBT activist community. Using data from the past eight semesters of course delivery (from 2010 to 2015), findings about course impact, community engagement, and student evaluations will also be presented. Course delivery issues and pedagogical considerations for localizing topics in cultural context, as well as other academic milestones that emanated from experiences in teaching the course will be shared — including the establishment of the first dedicated LGBT studies library collection in the Philippines and the adoption of the course in other parts of the country.

Presenter:
Eric Julian Manalastas is a faculty member at the Department of Psychology of the University of the Philippines (UP), where he teaches undergraduate courses in gender & sexuality, social psychology, and LGBT issues. He is former deputy director of the UP Center for Women’s Studies, where he spearheaded LGBT-inclusive programming. He is also founding coordinator of the LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group of the Psychological Association of the Philippines, the first collective of mental health professionals in Asia working for LGBT rights and well-being. Eric has more than twenty publications on LGBT psychology, gender, and sexuality — including research on suicide risk and mental health of LGB youth, cigarette smoking among sexual minorities, measurement of homonegativity using national data, and friendships between women and gay men.

Directions:
7-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554 JAPAN
JR Chuo line, Marunouchi subway line, Nanboku subway line / 5 minutes from Yotsuya Station
Yotsuya Campus Access Guide:http://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/info/access/directions/access_yotsuya
Campus Map:http://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/info/access/map/map_yotsuya

2015

»July Workshop(SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP/CCD)

Title: The Intercultural Pioneer Path: Where are we headed next?
Presenter: Mr. Brian Szepkouski（President and Founder Szepko International Inc.）
Date & Time: Sunday, June 28th 2015 13:00-15:00
Venue: iLand Tower 4F Room 4104, Nishi Shinjuku
Language: English

Fee: Members Free; non-members 1,000 yen; Non-member students: undergrads free; postgrads 1,000 yen.

Pre-registration is encouraged to insure your place:Please note whether you are a member or non-member when registering.

Program Abstract:
Join us for a reflective and visioning discussion with about where we, as interculturalists, are now, and where we would like to see ourselves five or ten years from now. With over 25+ years of business/consulting experience, Brian S Szepkouski will lead the discussion with examples from his own “pioneering moments,” including examples from training and coaching, consulting, leading, marketing, selling from brown bag lunches to high-level M&A strategizing. He will present current insider data on what industry is telling us about what they think their needs are in the realm of culture. His intention is to lead a dynamic and structured discussion with participants willing to share information on the range of new and exciting projects we are all working on now. Participants will walk away with a new sense of what’s possible in our work and our world wherever there is an intercultural component. We invite diverse professionals
willing to openly share from their own “pioneering” experiences, and are seeking ways to broaden practices and “blaze” intercultural trails in new directions!

Presenter:
Brian S. Szepkouski M.A. is president of Szepko International, a consulting group specializing in cross-cultural communications, international executive development, and strategic planning for global business expansion. Brian personally provides cross-cultural training to companies
engaged in or developing international business as well as executive coaching for long-term excellence in global leadership. Additionally, he serves as an adviser to corporations and law firms on issues pertaining to intercultural management, international HR practices and internal training curricula.

Directions:
Shinjuku i-Land Tower can be accessed directly from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line by following the underground path. From JR Shinjuku Station, it is an approximately 10-minute walk. In the building, select an elevator that stops on the 4th floor. Follow the corridor to the right until you get to the last door on your left.

»May Workshop No,2
Title: Cultural Challenges in the Indian Market
Presenter: Ms. Nirmala Junko（India Business Advisor, President & CEO Encess Ltd.）
Date & Time: Saturday, May 30th 2015　14:00-16:00, followed by networking until 17:00
Venue: iLand Tower 4F Room4104, Nishi Shinjuku
Base language: English, Q&A in Japanese
Fee: Members Free; non-members 1,000 yen; Non-member students: undergrads free; postgrads 1,000 yen.

Program Abstract:
Japanese companies view the Indian market as one of the fastest growing due to the second highest population in the world, and which is further expected to increase by 2025. As the Indian manufacturing sector will lead the economy in the near future with a new MAKE IN INDIA CAMPAIGN, Japanese companies are required to work with Indian counterparts, Japanese companies face lots of challenges in their global operations not specific to India; and in particular, adapting to Indian local society and working styles is daunting. Many of Japanese companies are not fully aware of India and they travel with their own perception and that leads to a gap in understanding. Japanese people face immense challenge when they carry their style of work in India; however, there are people who quickly manage with help of Indian counterparts. This session will focus on the What , and Why of the challenges in the Indian market and how to deal with it both from Indian and Japanese perspective.

Presenter:
Junko Nirmala is a Tokyo resident with 16 years of experience in Technology and business consulting services mainly focusing on the India-Japan market and cross border related services. Her diverse background even includes a short stint as a Venturepreuner. During the last few years she has helped several Japanese companies with their India market entry strategies. Current assignments include consultancy and training programs for Japanese and Indian teams for performance, productivity, innovation and risk management.
Nirmala has published 3 books in Japanese and frequently contributes columns to India and japan media.

Directions:
Shinjuku i-Land Tower can be accessed directly from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line by following the underground path. From JR Shinjuku Station, it is an approximately 10-minute walk. In the building, select an elevator that stops on the 4th floor. Follow the corridor to the right until you get to the last door on your left.

»May Workshop No,1
Title: Getting Your Journal Articles Published
Presenters: Dr. Tomoko Yoshida (Professor, Keio University）& Dr. Adam Komisarof (Professor, Reitaku University)
Date & Time: Saturday, May 9th 2015　13:00-17:00　(We may end earlier than 17:00)
Venue: Aoyama Gakuin, Shibuya Campus Building 17, 7th floor, Room 713
Base language: English
Fee: Members Free; non-members 1,000 yen; Non-member students: undergrads free; postgrads 1,000 yen.
＊If you are interested in participating, please register in advance by emailingIn response, you will receive two articles to read in advance.

Program Abstract:
This workshop is designed for anyone who is interested in publishing an academic article. As homework, we will send you two articles to read and review. During the workshop, we will have you work in groups to discuss what needs to be done to make the article publishable. We will end by sharing some tips we have learned on how to get an article accepted and then open the floor for questions. If you are interested in participating, please register in advance by emailing  In response, I will send you two articles to read in advance.

Presenters:
Dr. Tomoko Yoshida: Tomoko is Professor in the Faculty of Business & Commerce at Keio University. Tomoko is currently Co-Editor of the Journal of Intercultural Communication. She has published various journal articles through the International Journal of Intercultural Relations and books including Intercultural Communication Training: An Introduction (co-authored with Richard Brislin, 1994, Sage), and Ibunka Training (co-authored with Kyoko Yashiro, Eriko Machi, & Hiroko Koike, 2014, Sanshusha). She is also the author of Academic Writing Nyuumon (2015, Keio University Press).

Dr. Adam Komisarof: Adam Komisarof, PhD is a professor in Reitaku University’s Department of Economic Studies and Business Administration. During the 2012-13 academic year, he served as a senior associate member of St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, and conducted research as a visiting academic at the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies. As a bilingual intercultural trainer (Japanese and English), he has performed scores of workshops for large companies and governmental organizations in Japan, the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Dr. Komisarof has over 40 publications?including academic papers, English textbooks, and articles in the mass media. His first book, On the Front Lines of Forging a Global Society: Japanese and American Coworkers in Japan (2011), earned him Reitaku University’s Excellence in Research Award for 2012. His latest book, At Home Abroad: The Contemporary Western Experience in Japan (2012), has been positively reviewed in the mass media, including The Japan Times.

Directions:
Access and campus map http://www.aoyama.ac.jp/en/outline/aoyama_campus.html

2014

»December Workshop
Title： A Look at Intercultural Communication: From a Journalist’s Perspective
Presenter: Mr. Tetsuya Sumi（Journalist; Former Professor at Yokohama National University）
Date & Time: Saturday, December 6^th, 2014　15:00-17:00
Venue: iLand Tower 4F Room4104, Nishi Shinjuku
Base language: Japanese, Q&A in English
Fee: Members Free; non-members 1,000 yen; Non-member students: undergrads free; postgrads 1,000 yen.

To register, please email us to:with your name and phone number.

＊We will hold a year end party at 6 pm in a nearby restaurant, Oto oto, Fee: 5000yen http://www.otooto-gohan.jp/shop/maps/post.php

If you would like to join us, please mention that when you register for the workshop, and if you are vegan, please mention that, too. Party only participants welcome!

Program Abstract:
A journalist’s work, whether news gathering or interviewing, is intercultural communication in a broad sense. From his 35 years of experience as a journalist, including time as New York correspondent for Kyodo News, Sumi will speak from a journalist’s perspective on topics such as cultural differences, cross-cultural understanding, and the reporting and translation of international news.

Presenter: Sumi Tetsuya
Graduated from International Christian University (1970) with a major in Cultural Anthropology. Studied abroad in the U.S. and Mexico. After joining Kyodo, Sumi reported on city news and cultural affairs, worked as New York correspondent, editor of cultural affairs at the Osaka branch, and was a member of the editorial board before retiring in 2005. Full professor of mass communication at Yokohama National University, with additional responsibility for the university’s international exchange program until 2012.

Publications include “Thought Bog In Japanese Communication,” co-authored “Major Roles in Multinational Zipangu,” translation of “The Tenth Commandment” by Lawrence Sanders and “Last House on the Road Excursions into a Rural Past” by Ronald Jager.

Directions:
Shinjuku i-Land Tower can be accessed directly from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line by following the underground path. From JR Shinjuku Station, it is an approximately 10-minute walk. In the building, select an elevator that stops on the 4th floor. Follow the corridor to the right until you get to the last door on your left. http://www.shinjuku-i-land.com/access.html http://www.shinjuku-i-land.com/access.html

»2014Retreat Program
Here you have an invitation to SIETAR Retreat which will be held in the beautiful Izu-Kogen. 　This time we have invited three professors to give us interesting lectures.
Place: Obirin Izu Kogen Club
Dates: Nov.15 (Sat) and 16 (Sun)
Lectures:
1) Dr. Masahiro Nochi, professor of Graduate school of Education, University of Tokyo, will give a lecture on Qualitative Study.
2) Professor Shoko Araki from Obirin University, will give a lecture on Teaching Styles.
3) Dr. Kichiro Hayashi, professor emeritus of Aoyama Gakuin University, will give a lecture and workshop on Metaphoric Drawing.
Fees: (one night accommodation, three meals, and seminar fees)
1) Students: 10,000yen
2) SIETAR members: 18,000yen
3) non-members: 21,000yen
For more information, please visit Retreat Program page.

»May Program
Title:”Invitation to Co-Creative Dialogue“

Presenters: Kichiro Hayashi, Akira Kusaka, Kyoko Yashiro andCo-Creative Dialogue Interest group members
Date & Time: Sunday, May 18, 2014, 13:00 – 16:00
Venue: iLand Tower 4F Room4104, Nishi Shinjuku
Base language: Japanese with technical terms in English
(If a majority of participants prefers English, the base language will be switched.)

Program Abstract:
The CCD team aims to realize quantum dialogue proposed by David Bohm by presenting a simulation which focuses on Japanese paper producing company managers meeting. The topic of the meeting is compatibility of business objectives and ecological responsibility of the company. In the simulation managers will start from rational and data based argument and progress toward paradigm shift which enables holistic quantum perception. Hopefully members will experience quantum leap and succeed in forming a common vision.

CCD members are looking into following issues to enrich the content of the dialogue. What are the Japanese paper companies and Asia Pulp and Paper doing for ecology? What is the Japanese government’s stand on this issue? What are the policies of Indonesia and Malaysia where vast deforestation is occurring? What is the policy of companies which use paper for their products? What are the attitude and actions of consumers including NGOs on this issue?

We welcome participation from the audience. We hope you will join with the CCD members to construct quantum dialogue.

Presenter:
Kichiro Hayashi Prof. Emeritus Aoyamagakuin University, CCD leader
Akira Kusaka Intercultural Business Consultant, CCD facilitator
Kyoko Yashiro Prof. Emeritus Reitaku University, CCD facilitator

Akiko Asai, Kyoko Isozaki, Eriko Katsumata, Keiko Kibe, Tomoko Tj Kusaka, Yoshiko Higuchi, Miki Yamashita, Kaoru Yamamoto

»April Program

Title:”The Thinking Body”

Presenters: Kentaro Suyama and Tania Coke, directors of tarinainanika performing unit
Date & Time: April 26, 2014, 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: Sophia University, Bldg 2, Room 915
Base language: English and Japanese
Fee: Members free; non-members 2,000 yen

Program Abstract:
Why do I have a body? What is the role of the body in communication, creation and personal development? What is the relationship between my being, my doing and my thinking?

In the 20th century, a Frenchman named Etienne Decroux developed a new theatrical artform called Corporeal Mime which offers a unique perspective on these essential questions. Known as “the art of the thinking body”, it is a rigorous technique which gives the actor the ability to physicalise the inner world of thought through the body. In this workshop we will introduce you to some of the core themes in Corporeal Mime including: levels of awareness; the shape, rhythm and weight of action; the portrayal of thought; stylisation and the creative process. You will engage in the technique through both body and mind: in the first part of the workshop you will try out the technique physically; in the second part we will invite you to reflect on how it relates to you and your work in the field of intercultural communication. This is a rare opportunity to discover the modern art of Corporeal Mime – we hope you can join us!

NB This workshop does not require a high level of physical fitness, but please be prepared to stand up and move! You will need comfortable clothes and bare feet/socks/soft-soled shoes.

Presenters: Kentaro Suyama and Tania Coke
Kentaro Suyama and Tania Coke are actor-directors of “tarinainanika”, a performing art unit specialised in Corporeal Mime. They perform in festivals and theatres around Japan, teach regular classes and give a range of workshops and lectures on Corporeal Mime. They both trained for many years under Steven Wasson and Corinne Soum (last assistants of the “father of modern mime”, Etienne Decroux) and were members of their Theatre de l’Ange Fou mime ensemble in London. www.facebook.com/tarinainanika

Originally from Gunma Prefecture, Kentaro spent 18 years in London studying, practising and teaching Corporeal Mime on a Fellowship from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Now back in Tokyo he is working to spread and develop Corporeal Mime, as an artist, teacher and translator.

Tania studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University and worked as a management consultant in London until she encountered Corporeal Mime. And Kentaro. Nowadays, alongside her work in Corporeal Mime, Tania remains active in the business field, teaching global business communication. She is also a qualified mediator.

»January Program
Title:Workshop “Working with Asia: Negotiation and Communication Skills”
Presenter: Mr. Hirota Koatsu (Li Guang Da)
Date & Time: Saturday January 11th, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Venue: Rikkyo University, Ikebukuro Campus 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Building 10 room 301
Language: Japanese and English
Fee: Members free; non-members 1,000 yen; member students (undergrad & postgrad) free; non-member undergraduate students free; non-member postgraduate students 1,000 yen.

Pre-registration is encouraged to insure your place:Please provide us your (1) name, (2) organization, (3) phone number.

Program Abstract:
Geared mainly to corporate trainers, or professors teaching communication skills, this program will Introduce negotiation and communication skills for the workplace, whether with an external institute, or internal division. The focus countries will be mainly China, Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand.

Presenter: Mr. Hirota Koatsu (Li Guang Da)
Overseas Chinese, born in Kobe (when 35 years old, Japanese Nationality permitted) Now working at Oji Management Office Corporation (formerly Oji Paper). SIETAR Japan Newsletter Co-Director, Japanese Language Editor, Member of The Japan India Association, Japan Indonesia Association. Specialization in Marketing and Business Development. Now responsible for corporate planning in Overseas M&A (Merger and Acquisition) or Joint Ventures with local companies.

Rikkyo University can be accessed from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station. Walk straight on Kanamae-cho Street and turn left onto Rikkyo Street, just past the Marui Department Store. Building 10 is the second building on the right. It is about a 10 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. http://english.rikkyo.ac.jp/access/pmap/ikebukuro.html

2013

»April Program
Title: Paradigm Shift in Daily Life

Presenters: Kichiro Hayashi, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Aoyama Gakuin Univ.
Date & Time: April 20th, 13:00 – 16:00
Venue: iLand Tower 4F Room4104, Nishi Shinjuku
Base language: Japanese with technical terms in English
(If a majority of participants prefers English, the base language will be switched.)

»July Program

Title: Building Satisfying Intercultural Relationships & The Role of Acculturation Strategies
Presenters: Adam Komisarof, Ph.D.
Date & Time: July 5th, 19:00 – 21:00
Venue: Obirin University Yotsuya Campus, Room Y309
Language: English

Program Abstract:
How can Japanese and non-Japanese people cultivate more satisfying intercultural
relationships? The aim of this talk is to facilitate such relationships between people working and/or living in multicultural environments in Japan through a better understanding of
acculturation strategies. Acculturation strategies have great power to actualize positive
intercultural relations, and they can be used as a tool for integrating non-Japanese into their work organizations and communities. Unfortunately, the many effects of acculturation strategies on intercultural communication dynamics are often overlooked. In this talk, participants will learn how acculturation strategies affect intercultural relationships and how to leverage an understanding of them to improve the effectiveness of multicultural teams at work and the quality of intercultural communication in broader society. Finally, the implications of a deeper consciousness about acculturation strategies will be outlined: the new discourses which arise regarding what it means for Japanese and non-Japanese residents to mutually promote Japan-based globalization, and also how acculturation strategies impact Japan’s efforts to retain the workers that the country so desperately needs to offset the potentially disastrous effects of a rapidly depleting workforce.

Participants will learn
–what are acculturation strategies and their influence on intercultural communication.
–about their own acculturation strategies through guided exercises and discussions.
–how to align acculturation strategies in order to improve intercultural relationships at work and in other contexts.

Presenter: Professor Adam Komisarof
Adam Komisarof, PhD is a professor in Reitaku University’s Department of Economic Studies and Business Administration. During the 2012-13 academic year, he served as a senior associate member of St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, and conducted research as a visiting academic at the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies. As a bilingual intercultural trainer (Japanese and English), he has performed scores of workshops for large companies and governmental organizations in Japan, the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Dr. Komisarof has over 40 publications—including academic papers, English textbooks, and articles in the mass media. His first book, On the Front Lines of Forging a Global Society: Japanese and American Coworkers in Japan (2011), earned him Reitaku University’s Excellence in Research Award for 2012. His latest book, At Home Abroad: The Contemporary Western Experience in Japan (2012), has been positively reviewed in the mass media, including The Japan Times.

Place：Obirin University Yotsuya Campus. Take the Chuo Line to Yotsuya Station. The
Yotsuya Campus is three minutes’ walk from the Yotsuya Exit of Yotsuya Station.
http://www.obirin.ac.jp/en/generalinfo/access_guide.html