[Call for Participants] Asahi Global Forum 2025 "Thinking with You: The Future of a Turbulent World and Regions" Opens October 24

The Asahi Shimbun is accepting applications for the international forum " Asahi Global Forum 2025," which opens on Friday, October 24. This year marks the 10th anniversary, with the main theme being "Thinking with You: The Future of a Turbulent World and Regions."

The event features in-person sessions at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Conference (directly connected to Tokyo Station underground) on October 24 (Fri) - 25 (Sat) (scheduled for streaming from late November) and online sessions starting sequentially from October 27 (Mon) - 31 (Fri). On-demand viewing is available until January 15, 2026 (Thu). Participation and viewing are free.
 

■ "Asahi Global Conference 2025" Official Website: https://t.asahi.com/wpdq

Subthemes include "Sustainability," "Innovation," "International Relations & Peace," and "Diversity." From over 20 sessions in total, we introduce key sessions for each theme taking place October 24-25 at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Conference (4th Floor Main Venue). (Titles omitted)

【October 24 (Fri) 15:45–16:45】(Innovation)
The Future of J-POP and Anime: The Content Industry at a Crossroads, Headed for the World
Yusuke Nakagawa (President, Asobi System), Mitsuko Okamoto (Professor, Graduate School of Tokyo University of the Arts), Coordinator: Shiki Iwasawa (Economic Affairs Reporter, Asahi Shimbun)
In 2025, J-POP's global expansion is drawing attention. We explore pathways for Japan's content industry—including anime like "One Piece" and "Demon Slayer" that symbolize Japan's image overseas—to shine even brighter worldwide.

[Friday, October 24, 17:00-18:00] (Sustainability)
Prescriptions for an "80% Society": Opening the Future Through "Connecting" and "Sharing"
Shigeki Uno (Professor, University of Tokyo), Anju Ishiyama (Representative Director, Sharing Economy Association), Terumi Tanaka (Associate Professor, Shimane Prefectural University), Coordinator: Tsune Ishimatsu (Deputy Chief, Asahi Shimbun Network News Division)
By 2040, Japan will face an "80% Society" where the core working generation shrinks by 20% from current levels. We explore prescriptions to navigate this challenging future through ideas that connect people and regions, and share limited labor and services.
*Workshop to follow in the 5th Floor Event Space

【Friday, October 24, 19:00-20:00】(Diversity)
The World and Japan as Seen by Kohei Saito: Right-Wing Trends, Populism, and Degrowth
Kohei Saito (Associate Professor, Graduate University of Tokyo), Coordinator: Hiroki Manabe (Editor-in-Chief, Asahi Shimbun Forum)
Right-wing tendencies and anti-immigrant populism spreading across nations. Wars with no end in sight. Philosopher Kohei Saito, recently returned from Germany, speaks freely. What is the world he saw through his life in Europe, and what is the true state of Japan?

【October 25 (Sat) 14:00-15:00】(Sustainability)
Stopping the Climate Crisis: You Can Be a Protagonist - How to Initiate System Change
Masataka Emori (Professor, University of Tokyo), Yuko Mitani (Branch Manager, Climate Reality Project Japan), Mayumi Fujikawa (Chairperson, Ueda Citizens' Energy), Coordinator: Keisuke Katori (Editorial Writer, Asahi Shimbun)
Global warming shows no signs of stopping. International surveys show that 4 out of 5 people believe "governments should take stronger climate action." We explore how to translate this will into action and achieve a decarbonized society. *Workshop in the 5th floor event space after the session

【October 25 (Sat) 15:15~17:25】(International Relations & Peace)
The End of the West: Shifting Power and Values
Lecture: Emmanuel Todd (French Anthropologist and Historian)
Panel Discussion: Emmanuel Todd, Seiko Mimaki (Professor, Doshisha University Graduate School), Coordinator: Jun Takaku (Reporter, Asahi Shimbun GLOBE Editorial Department)
The Western power structures, societal models, and values that dominated after the Cold War are undergoing fundamental transformation. What path lies ahead for the world, and for Japan, in this new era? This event features a lecture and panel discussion with simultaneous interpretation.

【October 25 (Sat) 17:40~19:00】 (International Relations/Peace)
The Phantom of Empire: The Return of the Age of Power
Ryo Sahashi (Professor, University of Tokyo), Aiko Nishikida (Professor, Keio University), Hiroshi Mochizuki (Deputy Chief, International News Department, Asahi Shimbun), Moderator: Tomoko Nagano (Anchor)
The postwar world order is undergoing significant upheaval. As major powers pursue their interests through force, evoking echoes of past "empires," how should Japan respond to this resurgence? We will discuss this, incorporating perspectives from Asia and the Middle East.

For details on other programs and registration, please visit the official website.

〈Organizer〉 Asahi Shimbun
〈Co-host〉 TV Asahi
〈Special Sponsors〉 Asahi Glass Foundation, Suntory Holdings, Meiji Holdings
〈Collaborators〉 Global Compact Network Japan, Asahi Student Newspaper, CNET Japan, HuffPost Japan, Forest Culture Association, Climate Reality Project Japan Promotion Foundation
〈Special Co-organizer〉 Japan Foundation
〈Support〉Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (planned), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of the Environment, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, The Physical Society of Japan

■Contact: Asahi Earth Conference 2025 Secretariat (Freestyle Ltd.)
E-mail: awf2025@freestyle2004.com