Continuing to Connect Europe and Kansai University for 20 Years

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the Kansai University European Center will hold a commemorative event at KU Leuven in Belgium, where the Center is based.
Since its establishment in 2006, the European Center has served as a base for Kansai University's academic and research exchange activities in Europe, promoting the development of education, research, and international exchange. This commemorative event provides an opportunity to look back on the achievements of the past 20 years while also looking ahead to the further development of exchange between Japan and Europe.
In the keynote lecture, Professor Alexander Bennett of the Division of International Affairs will speak on the theme "Budō for Our Times: Its Universal Relevance in Contemporary Society." This will be followed by a panel discussion on "The Role of Budō in European Society." With researchers from Belgium joining the discussion, the panel will explore the role that Budō, as an aspect of Japanese culture, plays in European society, as well as its educational and cultural value.

Event Overview
Date and Time
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 14:00-16:00 (Belgium Local Time)
Venue
DV1 91.56 (KU Leuven College De Valk) Tiensestraat 41, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Program
Keynote Lecture
Budō for Our Times: Its Universal Relevance in Contemporary Society

Speaker:
Professor Alexander Bennett (Kansai University)
Panel Discussion
The Role of Budō in European Society

Panelists:
· Professor Alexander Bennett (Kansai University)
· Professor Andreas Niehaus (Ghent University)
· Professor Magali Bugne (Université Libre de Bruxelles)