The Center for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS) at Tohoku University, in cooperation with the University of Bologna, is pleased to announce The 10th Annual Hasekura International Japanese Studies Symposium, to be held at the University of Bologna on March 11–13, 2027.

The theme of this milestone symposium is "Zu: Unconventional Cartographies." We are currently accepting proposals for research presentations.

■ Theme Overview

Zu 図 is the Sinitic ideogram that carries the meanings of chart, diagram, map, figure, drawing, and illustration, appearing in dozens of Japanese compounds ranging from syllabary tables to future plans and family trees. This symposium takes this array of meanings to interpret zu in its broadest sense.

We invite presentations featuring a wide range of approaches, including mapping and diagramming of all types, spatial metaphors, visual representations of abstract conceptions, the rendering of the analog in digital forms, and the imposition of ordered systems on disordered data, images, or ideas. We welcome scholars from all disciplines and working on all world regions to participate.

■ Symposium & Submission Details

• Dates: March 11 (Thu) – 13 (Sat), 2027

• Venue: University of Bologna (Italy)

• Organizers: University of Bologna & Center for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS), Tohoku University

• Submission Procedure: Please send a proposed presentation title and brief summary to the email address below.

• Contact Email: hasekurasymposiumbologna@gmail.com

• Application Deadline: October 15 (Thu), 2026

Note: Selected participants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

Feel free to share this Call for Papers with any colleagues, associates, or students who might be interested.

■ About the Hasekura Symposium

Originating from the "Hasekura League"—an international Japanese Studies network encompassing 41 universities across 25 countries—this symposium brings together researchers from a broad spectrum of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Held regularly in collaboration with Tohoku University's key overseas partner institutions, the symposium serves as a platform for academic exchange to pioneer new possibilities in Japanese Studies from multifaceted perspectives.