[CFP] 10th Annual Conference of the European Network of Japanese Philosophy & 3rd ENOJP PhD Workshop
Roman Paşca
Dear colleagues,
It is with great pleasure that we open the call for papers to the 10th annual conference of the European Network of Japanese Philosophy (ENOJP). The next conference will be held in Akita, Japan from 4th-6th September 2026. This conference will be jointly organised by and held between Akita University and Akita International University.
This year’s conference theme is 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)
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Hans Peter LIEDERBACH (Kwansei Gakuin University)
Prof. KONO Tetsuya (Rikkyo University)
Prof. CHIBA Kaeko (Akita International University)
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 chair person to translate questions and answers from attendees and presenters.
In order to participate, please submit the following:
- Name
- Affiliation
- 5-10 keywords
- Abstract of no more than 250 words
Please submit your abstract here: https://forms.gle/7GsgYNvS4da5VTTQ8
The deadline for abstract submissions will be 31st March 2026.
Participants will be notified of successful submission by 20th April so that you may begin making travel arrangements.
Any general questions about the conference can be directed here: enojp10[at]gmail.com
All of the conference information will be added to the conference website: https://web.aiu.ac.jp/en/event/91836/.
We look forward to welcoming you to Akita!
Roman Pașca (Akita University) & Kyle Shuttleworth (Akita International University)
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Please also find below the info about the 3rd ENOJP PhD workshop, to be held in Akita on September 3, the day before our 10th conference. If you have / know any PhD students who might be interested, please spread the word. MA students are also welcome as observers.
The main points of the CFP are as follows:
3rd ENOJP PhD Workshop
Date: September 3, 2026
Venue: Akita University, Akita, Japan
Application deadline: April 15, 2026
Eligibility
Any student of any nationality working in any university on a topic related to Japanese philosophy and intellectual history is eligible. Please note that the workshop will be conducted in English.
Application and Selection Process
Please send the following documents by email to enojp10[at]gmail.com:
- a short curriculum vitae (2-3 pages);
- a summary of the dissertation project (maximum 1,000 words), explaining topic, relevance, research question, methodology, and current stage. In your summary, please insert 1-2 paragraphs about the things you are struggling with / would like to get advice on, etc.
Selected candidates will be notified by April 30, 2026.
For all inquiries please feel free to contact us via email at enojp10[at]gmail.com
Workshop coordinators:
Roman Pașca (Akita University) & Francesca Greco (ENOJP Vice President)