Activity report: JSAS Tokyo Conference 2026

 “Afrasian Connectivity in a Changing & Turbulent World”

This annual conference, held on October 24, 2026, at Chiba Keizai University, examines how people are dealing with the Global Crisis and how it affects people’s daily expenses and rural-urban supply chains. The conference organizer, Atsuko Munemura, introduced that Chiba has a unique geography that connects urban and farming areas with a rich supply chain of farm products. This topic is connected to the key note session titled "Global Crisis, Supply Chain Disruption and Food Security: Strengthening the Resillience of Small-Scale Farmers", with moderation by Dr. Rangarirai Gavin Muchetu. 2 keynote speakers, Prof. Oussouby Sacko and Prof. Regina Hoi Yee Fu, showed comprehensive and grassroots perspectives on case studies in Nigeria. While the session discussed the situation of African small-scale farmers, commentator Prof. Chizuko Sato suggested reconsidering the dualistic urban/rural conception as a response. The conference was hosted both on-site and online, attracting active participants from abroad.

The afternoon session included 3 panel sessions and 4 individual sessions on conflict, gender, and cultural exchange, expanding their scope to Afrasian connectivity in history, politics, and finance, employing qualitative and quantitative research methods. The conference featured student presentations in on-site and online sessions, including presenters from abroad (Hong Kong and China). At the general meeting, members discussed ideas for encouraging article publication in the International Journal of Afrasian Studies; newsletters on our Website; and launching new research projects involving JSAS members broadly.  The Nagoya Branch agreed to organize the next annual conference, with flexible support from other board members.

October 24, 2026

Atsuko Munemura, Tokyo Conference Organizer

With Tokyo Conference Committee; Hanai Kazuyo(President), Kinyua Kithinji, Rangarirai Gaving Muchetu, Makino Kumiko and Ohira Wakiko