The 2nd East China Sea Forum for Dialogues was held in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture on December 5. Researchers from the University of Tokyo, Daito Bunka University, Waseda University, Okinawa International University, the University of the Ryukyus and others, along with journalists from Okinawa-based media outlets including the Okinawa Times, Ryukyu Shimpo, Asahi Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun, and Kyodo News, participated.

Expert presentations and discussions took place on topics focused on historical and present day issues on the China-Taiwan relations, Japan-U.S. security issues in Okinawa and historical facts and perceptions surrounding the status of Ryukyus.

Abstract Agenda (Details and resulsts of discussions are to be released later) 

This forum was held as part of the activities of the Research Group “The Internal Logic of Eurasian Regions” (chaired by Prof. Shin Kawashima) of ROLES of the University of Tokyo. Professor Takashi Suzuki of Daito Bunka University, a member of the research group, served as the initiator and led the planning and operation of the. forum.

For this forum, researchers from universities in Tokyo and journalists from Tokyo-based nation-wide newspapers gathered with researchers from major Okinawan universities, journalists and bureau chiefs from Okinawa-based newspapers and TV stations as well as diplomats who are stationed in Okinawa.

A Taipei-based journalist was connected online to participate in the discussions.

Following the opening remarks by Professor Takashi Suzuki of Daito Bunka University, Professor Satoshi Ikeuchi of the University of Tokyo and Professor Shin Kawashima of the University of Tokyo, presentations were given by Professor Takashi Okamoto of Waseda University, Associate Professor Michihiro Akiyama of Okinawa International University, Professor Fumihiro Nozoe of Okinawa International University, an Asahi Shimbun reporter Koji Sonoda, Professor Emeritus Eiichi Hoshino of the University of the Ryukyus, Professor Yasuhiro Matsuda of the University of Tokyo, and Professor Shin Kawashima of the University of Tokyo, delivered presentations. This was followed by a Q&A session, detailed discussions, and forward-looking deliberations. The forum concluded with an overall summary and reflections by Professor Emeritus Eiichi Hoshino, University of the Ryukyus.

This forum held its first session on November 22 last year at the campus of RCAST of the University of Tokyo, and it held its second session in Naha this time. The next round of the forum is planned to be held in Taipei in the next fiscal year.

Details of the meeting will be compiled and published in a report in the future.