First lecture series held in new Platinum College lifelong learning program

On June 1, Meiji Gakuin University launched a new lifelong learning lecture program called Platinum College. The first series of lectures took place from June 1 (Fri) through June 15 (Fri) on the subject of “Reflecting on Empresses Throughout Japanese History on the Eve of the Emperor’s Abdication.” Lecturer and series coordinator Takeshi Hara, a professor emeritus at the university, discussed the need for historical perspectives in understanding contemporary Japan as the emperor prepares to abdicate next year, and delivered two talks on the role of female leaders from ancient to present times. At the third event in the series, on June 15, Professor Hara engaged in a dialogue with special guest Mimi Hachikai, a poet and expert on the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. The lively discussion, which included a question-and-answer session with attendees, covered imperial succession in the past, present, and future.
“I decided to participate because this is such an important issue right now,” one attendee said. “The quality of the material the professor presented was excellent, and I really liked his fresh take on things. I would love for more young people to hear what he has to say.”
The Platinum College program aims to deepen understanding of topics relevant in any day and age, from politics, history, and Christian studies to business administration, musicology, and psychology. The second series of lectures will explore historical perspectives on Christianity. Participants will use ideology, practice, and culture as windows onto how the religion held by nearly a third of the world’s population has both shaped and been shaped by history.

Second Lecture Series: Christianity in Historical Perspective (3 lectures)

June 22 (Fri)
“Christianity as Ideology: Jesus and Paul the Apostle” 
Lecturer: Hisao Kayama (Professor Emeritus, Meiji Gakuin University)

June 29 (Fri)
“Christianity as Practice: The Monastery Movement”
Lecturer: Nanako Tezuka (Professor of Economics, Meiji Gakuin University)

July 6 (Fri)
“Christianity as Culture: Civil Religion and Civil Society”
Lecturer: Ken Ueki (Associate Professor, Meiji Gakuin University Center for Liberal Arts)

When: Fridays from 18:30 to 20:30
Where: Room 2301, Building 2, Meiji Gakuin University Shirokane Campus 
For more information, contact the Community Outreach Department of the General Planning and Development Office
Tel: 03-5421-5247 / Fax: 03-5421-5387
Email: mpc@mguad.meijigakuin.ac.jp

Registration information is available in Japanese at the following web page:
https://www.meijigakuin.ac.jp/about/activities/regionalalliances/platinum_college/index.html