“Roppongi Dialogue” is the launch of a monthly philosophy salon, by Dhillon Marty Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO
Islands are expanses of land surrounded by sea. They also occupy a major and often paradoxical space in cultural imaginaries. On the one hand, as shown by the two English words “insulate” (directly from the Latin “insula”, for island)and “isolate” (via the Italian “isola”), an island is imagined asa kind of protected space, in which physical inaccessibility creates a barrier against unwelcome influences.
In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, this imaginary of isolation/insulation has powerfully shaped the backdrop to public health policies. On the other hand, and sometimes at the same time, island exist in dynamic relation with the sea or ocean, and allow islanders to project themselves far beyond the limitations of their territory.
From a cultural perspective, there is a striking contrast between self-conscious islands that choose to isolate, as Japan did for several centuries, and those, such as Britain, that choose global projection as “island nations”.
The British case is of particular current interest in so far as Brexit combines both aspirations: to insulate from Europe, and to project globally.
By discussing from a philosophical perspective the history, cultural anthropology and symbolism of “being an island”, the first Roppongi Dialogue will offer a window into a fascinating area of psychogeography.
Moderator
Mr.John Crowley
Chairman and CEO PHGD
Founded PHGD in 2020 to bring together a portfolio of interests in sustainable energy and environmental regeneration and has high-level international experience in the United Nations system.
Panel
Dr. Milanga MWANATAMBWE
Tokushukai Doctor
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He came to Japan in 1987. Since 2006, has been the representative of Africa in the Tokushukai Group’s technology transfer program and has coached many African medical professionals.
H.E. Mr. Pierre Ferring
Ambassador of Luxembourg to Japan
Pierre Ferring is a career diplomat who is the current ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg toJapan since presenting his credentials in May 2019.
Mr.Tetsuo Jimbo
Journalist
Graduated The Graduate Columbia University, in New York.After he also worked as Tokyo correspondent for the Associated Press and as TokyoBureau Chief for CNBC.
Ph.D. Yuko Hayashi
Professor, Graduate School of Innovation and Technology Management at Yamaguchi University
After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tokyo School of Health Sciences, he earned a master’s degree in technology and policy programs from MIT and a PhD. Currently, he is also an outside director of JCR.
Entertainer
Ms.Manami Noro
Soprano
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music. Italy she graduated from the Baroque Music Department of the Corsico Municipal Music School with the highest score.She made her opera debut in 2008 in Milan, Italy, playing the role of “Callisto” Ninfa.
Instagram: @noro_manami
Mr.Sohsaku Ohtake
Singer-Songwriter, Arranger, Saxophone-Player
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Department of Instrumental Music. He majored in saxophone. In 2006, he made a major debut from avex with his band “Otosan.” He also begins his career as a lyricist, composer and arranger. He studied saxophoneunder Yuji Ishiwatari.
Instagram: @ohtakesohsaku