Musashino University to Host 95th Cultural Lecture on July 25: 'Diplomacy and Buddhism—The Buddhist Bond Between Sri Lanka and Japan'

The Musashino University Support Association will hold its 95th Cultural Lecture, titled 'Diplomacy and Buddhism—The Buddhist Bond Between Sri Lanka and Japan,' on Saturday, July 25, at Setsuchō Hall on the Musashino Campus (Nishitokyo City, Tokyo).

The theme of this lecture is 'Diplomacy and Buddhism—The Buddhist Bond Between Sri Lanka and Japan.' It will explore the relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka through the lens of Buddhism, referencing speeches by former Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene, who is said to have helped save post-World War II Japan on the global diplomatic stage by quoting the words of the Buddha during his diplomatic engagements across numerous countries.

The speaker, Masako Perera, studied Japanese literature and Buddhism at Musashino Women's University—the predecessor of our university—and has long been engaged in research and education on Buddhism and international culture while living in various countries as a diplomat's wife. Special guest E. Rodney M. Perera, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan, will also speak about bilateral exchanges and mutual understanding.

【Event Details】

Lecture Title

'Diplomacy and Buddhism—The Buddhist Bond Between Sri Lanka and Japan'

Date and Time

July 25, 2026 (Saturday) 13:30–15:00 (Doors open at 13:00)

Venue

Setsuchō Hall, Musashino University Musashino Campus (1-1-20 Shimmachi, Nishitokyo City, Tokyo)

※Please use public transportation when visiting.

· Approximately 10 minutes by bus from Mitaka or Musashino-Kyōguchi Station / 15 minutes from Kichijōji Station; get off at 'Musashino University'

· Approximately 5 minutes by bus from Tanashi Station; get off at 'Shisei Gakusha Tokyo Mae' and walk 5 minutes

Target Audience

Open to all

Capacity

500 people

※Admission may be denied once capacity is reached.

Admission and Registration

Free admission; no reservation required

Organizer

Musashino University Support Association (School Corporation)

Inquiries

Musashino University Support Association Office

TEL: 042-468-8298　Email: kouenkai@musashino-u.ac.jp

Business Hours: 9:00–17:00 (excluding weekends and holidays)

※Inquiries only regarding the lecture.

For media inquiries, please contact the Public Relations Office.

【Speaker Comments】

Masako Perera

Born in Kiryū City, Gunma Prefecture. Graduated from Musashino Women's University (now Musashino University), where she studied Japanese literature and Buddhism. After graduation, she worked at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan and married E. Rodney M. Perera, who was also employed at the embassy. For 25 years thereafter, she lived in various countries—including New York, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Italy, Norway, Belgium, and the United States—as a diplomat's wife. From 2022 to 2024, she served as the spouse of the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan. Currently, she conducts lectures on themes such as 'Japan from the Outside,' 'Gender Equality,' and 'Happiness,' based on her overseas experiences. Together with her husband, Mr. Perera, she founded RMP Diplomatic Solutions Co., Ltd., contributing to international exchange, education, and consulting from a private-sector perspective.

E. Rodney M. Perera

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan. As a Sri Lankan diplomat, he has served for many years in various countries and international organizations, including Japan, the United States, the European Union, and NATO, gaining extensive experience in international peace and cooperation. After high school, he stayed in Tokyo to study computer programming. He later majored in Management Information Systems (MIS) at a U.S. university and earned a Master’s degree in International Relations from Columbia University’s Graduate School. He also completed specialized training at Harvard University and the National Defense Academy of Japan. During his tenure as Ambassador to Japan, he actively promoted exchanges with the Japanese government, local governments, and educational institutions. In 2024, following the Noto Peninsula earthquake, he led relief efforts alongside the Sri Lankan community in Japan.

【About Musashino University】

Founded in 1924 with the ideal of character education rooted in Buddhist principles, the institution began as Musashino Women's Academy. It evolved into Musashino Women's University and was renamed Musashino University in 2003. Since becoming co-educational in 2004, the university has advanced reforms, growing into a comprehensive university with over 14,000 students, 13 undergraduate faculties and 21 departments, 14 graduate research divisions, and a correspondence education department. In 2019, it became the first private university in Japan to establish a Faculty of Data Science. In 2021, it launched Japan’s first Faculty of Entrepreneurship and introduced 'Musashino INITIAL,' a university-wide foundational curriculum that mandates 'AI Utilization' and 'SDGs' as core subjects. In 2023, it established Japan’s first Department of Sustainability. In 2024, marking its 100th anniversary, it launched the world’s first Faculty of Wellbeing. In 2026, it will open the International Data Science Department within its correspondence education division, proposing a new model for distance learning. The university continues its reform efforts to cultivate creative talent for the future toward 2050.