FUNAKOSHI Rei | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Program: (APS) Contemporary Social Theory – Thinking about “Coexistence”
Instructor: SEIKE Kumi

Reasons for Participating in the Program

I decided to participate in this program because I wanted to seriously question the concept of "living with *others*. My research subjects, children who have not been attending school, have lost their place in the world and often feel isolated due to their disconnection from public education. I continue to ponder the support measures necessary for them to be able to live with others and not be excluded from society. In today's world, where "coexistence in a multicultural society" has long been advocated, I feel that only the word "coexistence" speak for themselves. I wanted to learn about "coexistence" from a different angle, and this program seemed very appealing to me because I could learn its theory while living in a community, which is "coexistence" in the concrete sense.

How the Program Helped You Grow

Within the program, lectures are given on various topics such as symbiosis theory, NPO theory, regional revitalization, and contemporary society theory. The Q&A sessions and discussions with participants after the lectures required me to "keep thinking" and "have my own words" about these topics, so I was able to strengthen my ability to think and speak up.
In addition, as a member of a sociology seminar, it was a great benefit for me to be able to thoroughly question "I" and "others," which are the smallest units of "society," the subject of my research. What is "I," "others," "symbiosis," "city," "rural area," and so on.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

We are usually busy with university lectures, reading literature, and pursuing concepts, and we often forget to pursue the subject as a concrete object. Is it really possible to appeal for environmental conservation without knowing nature as a concrete object, or to ask about a "symbiotic society" without considering what others are?
"Learning about NPO theory while listening to the stories of NPO founders."
"Ask the question of 'environmental conservation' while actually tinkering with the soil.
"Think about 'symbiosis' while living in a community.
We hope that by stepping out of the university and participating in this program, which is driven by the interaction between "concrete" and "concept," you will take your learning one step further.

(The photos show the participants working on repair activities near the accommodation facilities with the help of NPO representatives, and making “yosegaki” (a collection of letters) to be sent to those who helped us during the program.)