[Call for Participants] "Asahi Global Conference 2023: Opening the Post-COVID World Through Dialogue" October 9-12

The Asahi Shimbun will hold the international symposium "Asahi Earth Conference 2023" from Monday, October 9 (a national holiday) to Thursday, October 12. The event will take place at the Asahi Hall in Yurakucho, Tokyo from October 9 to 11, and online on October 12. Details on speakers, the program, the latest information, and how to apply to participate are available on the official website.

■ Asahi Earth Conference 2023 Official Website: http://t.asahi.com/awf23dt

Message from the Organizers

The 8th Asahi Earth Conference international symposium will be held under the main theme "Opening the Post-COVID World Through Dialogue." In 2023, COVID-19 restrictions have eased, streets bustle with tourists, and generative AI technology is rapidly expanding in workplaces and daily life. Meanwhile, Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, and prices for food and other goods are rising. This summer saw the world's average temperature reach its highest level on record, among other developments. Global affairs and climate change are forcing significant changes upon our lives. Even in these uncertain times, we believe that continuing dialogue, without forgetting empathy, cooperation, and hope, will open the path to a better future.

From Monday, September 9th (a national holiday) to Wednesday, September 11th, we will welcome audiences in person for the first time in four years at the Asahi Hall in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Day 1 will explore generative AI and human intelligence/creativity. Day 2 will feature discussions with three "global intellectuals" on future international affairs and global environmental issues. Day 3 will focus on topics like entrepreneurship (startups). (Online streaming will also be available.) On Thursday, September 12th, we will stream pre-recorded sessions online, totaling approximately 30 sessions over the four days.

Participation is free. Register via the official website : http://t.asahi.com/awf23dt. On-site attendance applications close Monday, September 25 (lottery if oversubscribed). On-site activities include a talk event by Asahi Shimbun Podcast, a commemorative newspaper corner (paid) where you can print the front page of any day since the Tokyo Asahi Shimbun's founding (July 1888), and a drawing for signed books by speakers for survey respondents. Registering in advance (including for online streaming) allows you to submit questions to speakers and receive the latest information via email.

■Main Session Themes and Scheduled Speakers (Titles Omitted)

【Monday, October 9 (Holiday)】 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Venue: Asahi Hall, Yurakucho, Tokyo + Online Streaming
◇"The Challenge from AI: What is Intelligence and Creativity?"
Meredith Whitaker (President, Signal), Kazuto Ataka (Professor, Keio University), Makoto Tezuka (Visualist), Coordinator: Tomoko Nagano (Caster)
◇ "Satoyama: The Intersection of Nature and Culture - What is Sustainable Living?"
Naomi Zaizen (Actor), Kizo Hisamoto (Mayor of Kobe), and others
◇ "What We Thought About at the Eco-House 'Hokuhoku': Changing the World Through Actions Right Under Our Feet"
Yukihiko Harashina (President, Chiba University of Commerce) and others

【Tuesday, October 10】 10:00 AM - 7:25 PM
Venue: Asahi Hall, Yurakucho, Tokyo + Online Streaming
◇"The Changing World Order in 2024: Perspectives for a New Era"
Based on interviews with three scholars—Markus Gabriel (philosopher), Francis Fukuyama (political scientist), and Emmanuel Todd (anthropologist/historian)—a panel discussion will be held with Yoko Iwama (Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies) and Takahiro Nakajima (Director, Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, The University of Tokyo).
◇"The Breath of Theater: The Present and Future of Stage Performance"
Mari Hanazō (Actress), Shūichirō Koike (Special Advisor and Director, Takarazuka Revue), and others
◇ "To the Moon, to Mars, and Beyond: The Future of Space Exploration"
Takao Doi (Astronaut), Tomoko Arai (Director, Planetary Exploration Research Center, Chiba Institute of Technology)
◇ "Earth in Crisis: We Want to Act, But How!?"
Ichikawa Danjuro (Kabuki Actor), Hitoko Hirata (Representative Director, Climate Integrate), James Minnie (President & CEO, Fair Trade Company)
◇"Protecting Earth's Future: What We Can Do for Climate Change Mitigation"
Naomi Trauden (Talent) and others
◇"Post-Corona Cities, Spaces, and Human Forms"
Kengo Kuma (Architect), Momoko Ando (Film Director)
◇"The Semiconductor Three Kingdoms: Can Japan Survive?"
Rena Yamazaki (Talent), Kazuto Suzuki (Professor, Graduate School of the University of Tokyo), and others

【Wednesday, October 11】 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Venue: Asahi Hall, Yurakucho, Tokyo + Online Streaming
◇ "Unlocking the Potential of Washoku: Through Nature and People"
Sakiko Yamada (CEO, FOOD LOSS BANK), Yusuke Sato (CEO, Shinsei Shuzo), Ryohei Hayashi (Owner, Teno Shima)
◇ "Connecting Through Questions & Tips for Dialogue"
Rei Nagai (Philosopher), Dominique Chen (Information Studies Researcher), Kimiyo Ogawa (English Scholar)
◇"The Startup Option"
Yoichi Ochiai (CEO, Pixie Dust Technologies), Haruka Mera (CEO, READYFOR), Katsuya Uenoyama (CEO, PKSHA Technology)
◇"Earth Boiling?! ~ Living in a World 1.5°C Warmer"
Kohei Saito (Associate Professor, University of Tokyo Graduate School), Masataka Emori (Professor, University of Tokyo Future Vision Research Center), and others

【Thursday, October 12】 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Day 4: Online streaming only
◇"Planetary Health Frontlines: Climate Change and Infectious Diseases Today"
Masaki Umeda (Vice Chief Executive Officer, SORA Technology), Miki Nagashima (Director, NPO Malaria No More Japan), and others
◇ "Is Japan a 'Buy' in 2030?"
Yoshiyasu Ono (Specially Appointed Professor, Osaka University), Reiko Hayashi (Deputy Director, National Institute of Population and Social Security Research)
*As of September 4. For the latest information, visit the official website.
※Program and broadcast times are subject to change

〈Organizer〉 Asahi Shimbun     
〈Co-host〉 TV Asahi
〈Special Sponsors〉Asahi Glass Foundation, Aderans, Kobe City, Suntory Holdings, JT, Ferrotec Holdings, Meiji, Resonac Holdings
〈Cooperation〉Global Compact Network Japan, Asahi Student Newspaper, CNET Japan, HuffPost Japan, Forest Culture Association, Chiba University of Commerce, Special Exhibition "Washoku: Japanese Cuisine – Nature and Wisdom"
〈Special Co-organizer〉 Malaria No More Japan
〈Support〉Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (planned), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of the Environment, Tokyo Metropolitan Government

■Contact
Asahi Global Conference 2023 Organizing Secretariat (within Pasona Panasonic Business Services Co., Ltd.)
Email: awf2023.km@pasona-pbs.co.jp