[Diplomacy x Music] Osaka University International Affairs Study Group to Host Lecture on Cultural Diplomacy with Conductor Shun Oi on May 19.
On May 19, 2026, the Osaka University International Affairs Study Group (SWADOM) will host a lecture featuring conductor and pianist Shun Oi. The theme is 'Cultural and Private Diplomacy Learned from Musicians and International Situations,' focusing on the power of music as a tool for soft power diplomacy in the current tense global climate.
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The Osaka University International Affairs Study Group (an officially recognized university club, commonly known as SWADOM) will hold a lecture on May 19, 2026 (Tuesday), at the Toyonaka Campus of Osaka University. The guest speaker will be conductor and pianist Shun Oi, presenting on the theme 'Cultural and Private Diplomacy Learned from Musicians and International Situations.' As global tensions rise and governmental diplomacy faces deadlocks, this event focuses on 'soft power diplomacy' through culture, art, and private exchange to provide new perspectives.
Speaker: Shun Oi (c) Hayrik Adamyan
■ Overview
Date: May 19, 2026 (Tuesday) 18:30–20:00
Venue: Science Commons Studio A, Toyonaka Campus, Osaka University (Experimental Building 1F, Center for Education in Liberal Arts and Sciences). An online venue is also available.
Format: Lecture and Q&A (Hybrid format: In-person and online)
Organizer: Osaka University International Affairs Study Group (SWADOM)
Participants: Up to approx. 80 Osaka University students and faculty (In-person); Up to approx. 300 online participants (Public welcome).
*Admission is generally on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirmation will be sent via email.
Click here to apply
The lecture will focus on the following:
- Introduction of Mr. Oi, and the basics of cultural and private diplomacy.
- Mr. Oi's experiences in international activities and their connection to diplomacy.
- The historical role of music in diplomacy.
- Music during the Cold War and the invasion of Ukraine.
- Examples of private diplomacy at the Takefu International Music Festival.
- Summary
■ Background of the Project
As the international situation becomes increasingly unstable, challenges that are difficult to solve through conventional political and diplomatic frameworks alone are becoming apparent. On the other hand, cultural exchanges at various pavilions during last year's Osaka-Kansai Expo became positive topics as venues for mutual understanding across borders. Diplomacy through culture, art, and private exchange is expected to be re-evaluated as a new possibility in the future.
In this lecture, speaker Shun Oi will talk about the historical role music has played in diplomacy and provide examples of soft power diplomacy based on his own experiences, making diplomacy feel more relatable and leading to a multi-faceted understanding.
■ Speaker Profile
(c) Great The Kabukicho
Shun Oi
Conductor, pianist, and early instrument performer.
Born in Tokyo and spent childhood in Tottori Prefecture.
Graduated from the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris (Piano), University of Music and Performing Arts Munich (Early Music), and Mozarteum University Salzburg (Piano and Conducting). Completed Master’s degrees in Conducting and Piano at Mozarteum University and a Master's in Fortepiano at Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.
Won 1st prize at the Hiroshima International Conductor Competition in 2022 and 2nd prize in the Conducting Division of the Khachaturian International Competition in 2025.
He has collaborated with domestic and international orchestras such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, Meiningen Court Orchestra, and the Orchestre d'Harmonie des Gardiens de la Paix (Paris). He has also appeared in media such as TV Asahi's 'Untitled Concert.'
He has appeared on Austrian national broadcasting and performed at the Austrian Pavilion of the Osaka Expo last year, active at the forefront of cultural diplomacy. He has served as a conductor at the Takefu International Music Festival for three consecutive years.
■ Comment from the Organizer
Yusei Komatsu, Representative of Osaka University International Affairs Study Group
'In addition to his extensive experience in Western Europe, the heart of classical music, our speaker, Mr. Oi, is well-versed in Eastern European music such as Russian works and holds a broad perspective, having won 2nd prize at a conductor competition in Armenia. At last year's Expo, he performed piano at the Austrian Pavilion. While active internationally, he also engages in activities closely rooted in local regions in Japan, serving as a conductor for three consecutive years at the Takefu International Music Festival in Fukui, where private international exchange is flourishing. Furthermore, he is knowledgeable in history and languages, being fluent in English and German. He truly embodies Osaka University's vision of 'Live Locally, Grow Globally,' and I am confident this will be a wonderful lecture with much to learn for Osaka University students.'
■ About Osaka University International Affairs Study Group (SWADOM)
Established in 2011 by volunteers including executives of the then Japan-India Association. It is an officially recognized student organization/circle at Osaka University. Its activities center on planning study groups and lectures on international affairs, participating in numerous international exchange events. It often interacts with internationally active professionals and diplomats, and in 2016, it hosted a special lecture by the Indian Finance Minister. This academic year, it continues to strengthen collaborations with external partners to provide unique learning opportunities for Osaka University students.
■ Inquiries
Osaka University International Affairs Study Group
Email: the.swadom
Speaker: Shun Oi (c) Hayrik Adamyan
■ Overview
Date: May 19, 2026 (Tuesday) 18:30–20:00
Venue: Science Commons Studio A, Toyonaka Campus, Osaka University (Experimental Building 1F, Center for Education in Liberal Arts and Sciences). An online venue is also available.
Format: Lecture and Q&A (Hybrid format: In-person and online)
Organizer: Osaka University International Affairs Study Group (SWADOM)
Participants: Up to approx. 80 Osaka University students and faculty (In-person); Up to approx. 300 online participants (Public welcome).
*Admission is generally on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirmation will be sent via email.
Click here to apply
The lecture will focus on the following:
- Introduction of Mr. Oi, and the basics of cultural and private diplomacy.
- Mr. Oi's experiences in international activities and their connection to diplomacy.
- The historical role of music in diplomacy.
- Music during the Cold War and the invasion of Ukraine.
- Examples of private diplomacy at the Takefu International Music Festival.
- Summary
■ Background of the Project
As the international situation becomes increasingly unstable, challenges that are difficult to solve through conventional political and diplomatic frameworks alone are becoming apparent. On the other hand, cultural exchanges at various pavilions during last year's Osaka-Kansai Expo became positive topics as venues for mutual understanding across borders. Diplomacy through culture, art, and private exchange is expected to be re-evaluated as a new possibility in the future.
In this lecture, speaker Shun Oi will talk about the historical role music has played in diplomacy and provide examples of soft power diplomacy based on his own experiences, making diplomacy feel more relatable and leading to a multi-faceted understanding.
■ Speaker Profile
(c) Great The Kabukicho
Shun Oi
Conductor, pianist, and early instrument performer.
Born in Tokyo and spent childhood in Tottori Prefecture.
Graduated from the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris (Piano), University of Music and Performing Arts Munich (Early Music), and Mozarteum University Salzburg (Piano and Conducting). Completed Master’s degrees in Conducting and Piano at Mozarteum University and a Master's in Fortepiano at Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.
Won 1st prize at the Hiroshima International Conductor Competition in 2022 and 2nd prize in the Conducting Division of the Khachaturian International Competition in 2025.
He has collaborated with domestic and international orchestras such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, Meiningen Court Orchestra, and the Orchestre d'Harmonie des Gardiens de la Paix (Paris). He has also appeared in media such as TV Asahi's 'Untitled Concert.'
He has appeared on Austrian national broadcasting and performed at the Austrian Pavilion of the Osaka Expo last year, active at the forefront of cultural diplomacy. He has served as a conductor at the Takefu International Music Festival for three consecutive years.
■ Comment from the Organizer
Yusei Komatsu, Representative of Osaka University International Affairs Study Group
'In addition to his extensive experience in Western Europe, the heart of classical music, our speaker, Mr. Oi, is well-versed in Eastern European music such as Russian works and holds a broad perspective, having won 2nd prize at a conductor competition in Armenia. At last year's Expo, he performed piano at the Austrian Pavilion. While active internationally, he also engages in activities closely rooted in local regions in Japan, serving as a conductor for three consecutive years at the Takefu International Music Festival in Fukui, where private international exchange is flourishing. Furthermore, he is knowledgeable in history and languages, being fluent in English and German. He truly embodies Osaka University's vision of 'Live Locally, Grow Globally,' and I am confident this will be a wonderful lecture with much to learn for Osaka University students.'
■ About Osaka University International Affairs Study Group (SWADOM)
Established in 2011 by volunteers including executives of the then Japan-India Association. It is an officially recognized student organization/circle at Osaka University. Its activities center on planning study groups and lectures on international affairs, participating in numerous international exchange events. It often interacts with internationally active professionals and diplomats, and in 2016, it hosted a special lecture by the Indian Finance Minister. This academic year, it continues to strengthen collaborations with external partners to provide unique learning opportunities for Osaka University students.
■ Inquiries
Osaka University International Affairs Study Group
Email: the.swadom