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Join us for a colloquium in the University of Auckland’s Korean Studies Colloquia Series, featuring Professor Kyungsoo Rha from Gakushuin University.

In his talk, The Reality and Significance of Korea–Japan Cultural Exchange, Professor Rha reflects on the history, present state and future of Korea–Japan relations, and explores the possibilities for cultural exchange between the two countries and beyond.

• Date & Time: Monday, 2 November 2026, 4-5 PM (NZDT)

• Venue: Pat Hanan Room (Building 207 - Room 501), University of Auckland

• Online: Attendance is available via Zoom

[About the talk]

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of normalised Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, this colloquium critically examines the enduring yet paradoxical state of their bilateral relationship. Beyond diplomatic friction and persistent historical memory conflicts, robust cultural interactions, particularly among the youth and at the grassroots level, have flourished. This talk reflects on historical milestones and explores the profound significance and modern dynamism of these exchanges. As a focal point, the unique trajectory and hybrid cultural identity of Tokyo’s Shin-Okubo Korea Town will be analysed, showcasing the potential for cultural fusion, coexistence, and future-oriented cooperation between the two nations.

This Korean Studies Colloquium Series is made possible through the generous support of the Strategic Research Institute Program for Korean Studies of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Studies Promotion Service at the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS-2022-SRI-2200001).