DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

The severe situation of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant since March 2011 reminds us that we must not only eliminate nuclear weapons, but also must reconsider our life style so that we may relinquish our reliance on the so-called “peaceful use” of nuclear energy.  We inherit the spirit of late Professor Toshiyuki Toyoda, the first Director of PRIME, who strenuously fought against complacency shared by the majority, and dishonesty of those “experts” who are immersed in vested interests.  We now know that humankind barely survived the Cold War, and numerous symptoms still hinder our efforts to uphold peace and human dignity in the 21st century.  The sword of Damocles is still hanging over us.  We at PRIME shall continue to seek what peace research can do to make steps towards a convivial world without war and all forms of violence.

PRIME DIRECTORS

1986-1992 Toshiyuki Toyoda
1992-1993 Yoshikazu Sakamoto
1993-1995 Motofumi Asai
1995-1998 Kinhide Mushanokouji
1998-2002 Makoto Katsumata
2002-2004 Takao Takahara
2004-2010 Makoto Katsumata
2010-2012 Shigeki Takeo
2012-2014 Makoto Katsumata
2014- Takao Takahara

1. INTER-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

PRIME conducts various research projects with affiliated researchers playing a central role. Our main project research is distinctiveness of peace studies, empirical research on deliberative democracy in peace research, and peace research on Syria conflict.

2. PEACE EDUCATION

As part of its peace studies and peace education program, PRIME organizes a series of classes on peace, development, and human rights under such titles as “Hiroshima and Nagasaki” The former is authorized as a “Hiroshima-Nagasaki Peace Studies Course” from the Mayors for Peace. With the help of student volunteers, PRIME also hosts “Cafe du PRIME,” a learning forum where students and teachers gather once a week over brown bag lunches for free, multifaceted discussions about important issues of our times.

3. PARTNERSHIP WITH CIVIL SOCIETY

PRIME hosts one or two international symposia each year. These are important events for the institute. It also hosts open seminars and lectures with speakers from both within and outside of Meiji Gakuin University on a broad range of issues connected with our project research.

4. PROVISION OF DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION

PRIME publishes PRIME (the institutional journal ) and “Thinking of the South” series. The institute also has a reference room with books, magazines, and audiovisual materials collected according to the unique perspectives of our affiliated researchers. These materials may be borrowed through the Meiji Gakuin University’s library or browsed on-site (prior appointment required). The room has the Pugwash Library, which is a collection of records, resources and documents pertaining to the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs.

PUBLICATIONS

PRIME

PRIME is the institute’s annual journal. PRIME No.38, the latest edition, was published in March 2015 with a special theme “Thoughts on Peace.”

Minami wo Kangaeru(Thinking of the South)

A series of readings for students, “Minami wo Kangaeru No.14” was published in March 2014 and its special theme was “Comments on the Japanese Situation”.

Prime Occasional Papers

The bulletin is published several times a year.

International Peace Research Institute,Meiji Gakuin University (PRIME)
Address: 1-2-37 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8636 Japan
TEL: ＋81-3-5421-5652　FAX: ＋81-3-5421-5653
Email: prime@prime.meijigakuin.ac.jp

http://www.meijigakuin.ac.jp/~prime/about/prime/english_details.html