Conference Marks the 150th Anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s Birth

 On Monday, October 31, 2016, Kyushu University and the Institute[A1]  of Dr. Sun Yat-sen Studies of Sun Yat-sen University (China) held a conference in the Inamori Hall (Ito Campus) to mark the 150th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth. Co-organized by the Sunwah Foundation, Kyushu Economic Forum, and the Kyushu Associations of Independent Entrepreneurs, the Conference on Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s International Legacy and Inspirations for the Future was attended by around 200 people.

 This conference was held on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth to look back at his activities in the context of relations with Japan, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the world as a whole, and discuss the prospects for a globalized future based on the perspectives of researchers from various countries.

 Ahead of the opening, Jonathan KS Choi of the Sunwah Foundation and Susumu Ishihara, Kyushu Railway Co. Adviser and President of the Kyushu Economic Forum, offered congratulatory remarks.

 From Kyushu University, Professor Takeshi Shizunaga [A1] (Faculty of Humanities) and Associate Professor Takeshi Onimaru[A2]  (Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies) gave presentations at the conference. In addition, Professor Akihiro Iwashita (Center for Asia-Pacific Future Studies) served as moderator of the second session, during which he engaged in discussion with visiting researchers from China, Canada, Singapore, and Vietnam. During the discussion on the theme of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s International Legacy and Inspirations for the Future, participants explored the historical and contemporary impacts of the philosophy of Sun Yat-sen, who promoted the development of Asian countries and the region as a whole. In addition, they looked back over his encounters and interactions with people against the background of the diverse cultures of Asia. There was also a lively discussion of the contribution that Sun Yat-sen’s international legacy can made to cooperative relationships and integration within the region, in light of the growing demand for multilateral cooperation triggered by globalization and the growing power of Asia.