Japan Office

Wednesday 7 January 2026
Lecture: Has Japan really escaped catch-up modernisation?
By: Professor Hugh Whittaker and Professor Takehiko Kariya of the Nissan Institute

In this joint lecture, Professor Whittaker, Professor in the Economy and Business of Japan, and Professor Kariya, Emeritus Professor at the University of Oxford will both give short talks on the theme: “Has Japan really escaped catch-up modernisati0n?” Join us to hear two leading academics from the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies explore this question from their specific subject viewpoints.

‘Translated Scholarship and Japan’s Catch-Up and Post-Catch-Up Modernity’ by Professor Takehiko Kariya
The translation of Western knowledge has played a pivotal role in Japan’s modernisation. In this presentation, I will argue that translated scholarship has influenced the way Japanese people think.

‘Catch up or post-catch up? Reflections on Japan’s innovation policy’ by Professor Hugh Whittaker
In the wake of 3.11 Japan’s Science, Technology and Innovation policy was supposed to chart a new course focusing on solving social problems.  Has it done so, or has the catch-up reflex re-asserted itself?

Wednesday 7 January 2026
19:00 – 20:00
Lecture: Has Japan really escaped catch-up modernisation?
The talks will be delivered in English
UF Hall, Sanbancho UF Building 1F, 6-3 Sanbancho, Chiyoda ku, Tokyo
Map to lecture venue

20:10 – 21:30
Reception
Tony Roma’s, La Mer Sanbancho, 6-4 Sanbancho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
JPY 5,000 (payable on the door)
Map to reception venue

Make your booking here

Reading List: The following books, authored by our two speakers, expand further on the topics covered in the lecture.

Professor Hugh Whittaker’s latest book has recently been translated into Japanese as『新しい経済のつくり方　「人間中心」の日本型資本主義』. Please find details here.

Details on Professor Takehiko Kariya’s book 『追いついた近代　消えた近代 』can be found here.
Details on his book　『日本人の思考ーニッポンの大学教育から習性を読みとく 』can be found here.