Newsletter No. 1198
Information-Announcement
November 10, 2008

 

THE JAPAN CENTER FOR MOROCCAN STUDIES TO OPEN IN HOKKAIDO

On November 29th I am planning to attend the launching ceremony in Sapporo for the Japan Center for Moroccan Studies. Other guests at this event will include Moroccan Ambassador Abdelkader Lachheb, who is also one the keynote speakers. According to the information sent to the Shingetsu Institute by the organizers:

The idea of putting in place a Japan Center for Moroccan Studies dates back a few years. A number of eminent scholars, university professors, ambassadors and career diplomats, businessmen, and civil society actors have conducted a series of meetings and debates over issues of common interest between Japan and Morocco, and have come up with a framework that allows for a better understanding and interaction among peoples of both countries -- the Japan Center for Moroccan Studies.

The stated objectives of the new center are as follows:

-- Better understanding of Japanese culture and society in Morocco
-- Better understanding of Moroccan culture and society in Japan
-- To facilitate and provide support for business relations in both countries
-- To put in place exchange programs from both countries
-- To organize cultural events which highlight each country’s national characteristics
-- To encourage publications on issues of common interest

The inaugural president of the Japan Center for Moroccan Studies will be Shoji Matsumoto of Sapporo Gakuin University, and its inaugural director will be Dr. Elmostafa Rezrazi of Mohammed V University and the Maghreb Arab Press Agency.

Inquiries about the center and applications for membership should be directed to the following e-mail address:

japanmoroccocenter@gmail.com