Understanding Modern Society through the Dreyfus Affair – Kobe Gakuin University Faculty of Law Hosts 30th Cross-Cultural Understanding Symposium on June 30

The Faculty of Law of Kobe Gakuin University will hold the 30th Cross-Cultural Understanding Symposium on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Port Island 1st Campus.

The Faculty of Law has been continuously organizing the Cross-Cultural Understanding Symposium to deepen understanding of cultural diversity and commonalities in international and domestic society.

This 30th edition is themed 'What We See Today through the Dreyfus Affair.'

Last year, French President Macron announced the establishment of a 'Dreyfus Day.' And from this year (2026), marking 120 years since the end of the affair, he declared that a ceremony celebrating 'the victory of justice and truth over hatred and antisemitism' would be held annually on July 12. The first historic ceremony will soon take place.

The symposium will consider what the Dreyfus Affair asks of us today and what lessons we can learn.

The event will begin with a lecture by Professor Masayuki Iwata of the Faculty of Law, followed by a discussion with guest Tomomi Norikyo, General Manager of International Operations at the International News Department of Asahi Shimbun, along with Professors Issei Sato and Aoi Okai of the Faculty of Law.

This symposium is free for students, faculty, and the general public.

Please join us for an opportunity to deepen understanding of diverse cultures and values.

【Date and Time】
Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 13:45-15:15

【Venue】
Kobe Gakuin University Port Island 1st Campus
Building B, 2nd Floor, Room B211 (subject to change to Room B212)

【Theme】
'What We See Today through the Dreyfus Affair
— Considering Prejudice, Mass Media, and Division in Nation-States —'

【Lecture】
Professor Masayuki Iwata (Faculty of Law, Kobe Gakuin University)

【Discussion】
・Tomomi Norikyo (General Manager, International Operations, International News Department, Asahi Shimbun)
・Professor Issei Sato (Faculty of Law, Kobe Gakuin University)
・Professor Aoi Okai (Faculty of Law, Kobe Gakuin University)

【Target】
Open to Kobe Gakuin University students, faculty, and the general public　*Free admission

【Notes】
Group and general participants must contact the following inquiry desk in advance.
*If prior contact is not made, entry may be refused due to capacity constraints.

Please use public transportation when visiting. Limited parking is available, so please refrain from coming by car.

【Contact】
Kobe Gakuin University Faculty of Law Office
TEL: 078-974-4543

Contact person: Professor Masayuki Iwata
E-mail: miwat@law.kobegakuin.ac.jp