Gifu Women’s University
Center for South Asian Studies
Gifu Women’s University

Activities

The Center conducts various activities including research meetings, lectures, publications, and exchanges with researchers in Japan and abroad.

Activities of CSAS Members

Posted on May 25, 2026

1. FUKUNAGA Masaaki (Visiting Professor)

Prof. FUKUNAGA Masaaki published an article on Indian society and politics.

“Facing the ‘Great Power India’ Narrative Directly: Breaking with Illusions and Learning from Reality”
Alter Plaza E-mail Magazine, May 2026 issue (May 20, 2026)
Column: Focus on India and South Asia (41)
[File]

2. Nayanima Basu (Visiting Researcher)

Ms. Nayanima Basu published an exclusive interview article with former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

20 MAY 2026, Gateway House
'Interview with Sheikh Hasina'
An exclusive interaction with ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. Kindly read and share your feedback. Regards, Nayanima [Link]

3. Dr. HASHIMOTO Kazunori (Research Fellow)

Dr. HASHIMOTO Kazunori published an article on Indo-Pacific diplomatic strategy.

“India Holds the Key to Rimland Hegemony:
The Rising Importance of the Indian Ocean”
Shinseikai Ōrai, June 2026 issue
[File]

Posted on April 24, 2026

We introduce publications, media contributions, and other activities by members of the Center.

1. FUKUNAGA Masaaki (Assistant Director / Visiting Professor)

Prof. FUKUNAGA Masaaki has published an article in Japanese analyzing recent political developments in Nepal.

“Transformation of Nepal’s 2026 General Election and Political Structure — The Collapse of Baghbandha Politics, the Rise of the Younger Generation, and Implications for Japan —” (provisional English title)[Link]
Column: Focus on India and South Asia (No. 40)
Email Magazine “Alter Plaza,” April 2026 Issue (April 20, 2026)

2. Nayanima Basu (Visiting Researcher)

Ms. Nayanima Basu has published several articles on international politics related to South Asia and its surrounding regions.

“Nuclear Weapons Have No Place in Iran’s Military Doctrine”[Link]
ABP News, April 23, 2026

“India’s Two-Track Myanmar Policy Reflects Crucial Interests: Ex-Amb Rajiv Bhatia”[Link]
StratNews Global, April 20, 2026

“Bangladesh’s Bumpy Road Ahead”[Link]
Gateway House, April 15, 2026

The CSAS 2nd Research Meeting for FY2026 (Sunday, May 17) was held.

Posted on May 19, 2026

(1) Date and Time: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 13:30–15:30

(2) Format: In person and online (Zoom) Language: English

(3) Venue: Arcadia Ichigaya Shigaku Kaikan, Asuka (East)

(4) Presentation and Summary:
Mr. Sabyasachi Dutta
Executive Director, Asian Confluence
Asian Confluence [Link]
(a think tank based in Shillong, Meghalaya, India)
Prof. SATO Tsutomu, Visiting Professor of the Center, serves as an international advisor to Asian Confluence.
Title: “New Perspectives from Northeast India: Looking Toward Delhi and Tokyo”
The speaker shared new insights into Japan–India relations from the perspective of Northeast India and discussed key issues related to the bilateral partnership. We also heard local views on the results of the West Bengal state assembly election counted on May 4.

(5) Q&A Session

CSAS 2nd Research Meeting photo 1 CSAS 2nd Research Meeting photo 2 CSAS 2nd Research Meeting photo 3 CSAS 2nd Research Meeting photo 4

The signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on journal publication was held and concluded

Posted on May 19, 2026

Partner: ASIAN CONFLUENCE, Shillong, India

Signatories:
• Mr. Sabyasachi Dutta
  Executive Director, Asian Confluence
• Center for South Asian Studies, Gifu Women’s University
  Director Emeritus Professor PEMA Gyalpo

ASIAN CONFLUENCE [Link]

MoU signing ceremony photo 1 MoU signing ceremony photo 2

2026

April 6, 2026
The 2026 Appointment Ceremony and First Research Meeting were held (International House of Japan / online).

April 6, 2026
A Memorandum of Understanding on journal publication was concluded with Material Recycling Association of India.

March 2, 2026
Research meeting on the general election in Bangladesh.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vVsr-CxtgU

2022

December 1, 2022
The annual meeting and public symposium of JCAS were held.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz8m9SNb_gM