Japan Research Centre Sport Symposia Series

Helen Macnaughtan is lead organiser of the Japan Research Centre’s Sport Symposia series (2017-2023) in collaboration with the SOAS Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD), the Japan Foundation London and the Japan Sport Council. The Series is funded by the Toshiba International Foundation, and is focused around the impact Japan's hosting of Sports Mega Events, including the Rugby World Cup (2019) and the Tokyo Summer Olympics (2020) will have for sport, economy and society in Japan.

The Sport Symposia Series will run from 2017 to 2023. The following events have taken place so far:

1. Sport and Diplomacy: Past Reflections and Looking Toward 2020 - 15 May 2017
2. From Patients to Pros: The Paralympics and the Evolving Image of Disabled Athletes in Japan, 1964-2020 - 29 November 2017
3. Countdown to kickoff: Japan's rugby history one year out from the 2019 Rugby World Cup - 20 September 2018
4. Women and Sport in Japan - 11 March 2020 (cancelled due to Covid-19)
5. Crossing the Finish Line: Our Final Japan & Sport Symposium - 15 March 2023

Sponsored by the Toshiba International Foundation