Listened to an inspiring talk by Mr. Haruhiko Murata at our alumni gathering.
With COVID-19 restrictions finally eased, we are thrilled to be able to hold our alumni gatherings in person once again. It is truly a joy to reconnect face-to-face.
This year, on the autumn public holiday (November 23rd), members of the Western Japan Chapter of the Shinshu University Faculty of Humanities gathered near Osaka Station to rekindle old friendships.
The highlight of each meeting is a keynote lecture by one of our distinguished alumni.
This time, our speaker was Mr. Haruhiko Murata, who enrolled in the Faculty of Humanities in 1975, majoring in Japanese Language and Literature. Many of you likely know him for his sociable and warm personality. After a career as a high school teacher, he continued to share his expertise at Kyoto University of the Arts following his retirement.
Currently, he presides over “Hahakigikai,” a classroom dedicated to Japanese and Classical Literature for adults. His students range from their 40s to their 90s, spread across 13 locations—including 10 physical classrooms in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo, as well as 3 online sessions. Meeting twice a month at each location, he manages an incredibly busy and dedicated schedule.
We had been hoping to host him since before the pandemic, and we were delighted to finally realize this long-awaited, dynamic lecture.
Non-Academic Japanese and Classical Literature
Mr. Murata assured us beforehand that “no specialized expertise is required whatsoever.”
He masterfully drew the audience in, starting with a fun quiz on “commonly misused Japanese phrases.” He then brought down the house with a selection of “Silver Senryu” (humorous haiku-style poems about the trials and triumphs of aging).
Finally, he unfolded a perfectly crafted narrative that led us into the world of classical literature through an episode featuring Izumi Shikibu, a famous poet who also appears in the current NHK historical drama, “Hikaru Kimi e” (Dear Radiant Prince). It was a truly delightful hour.
While the lecture was billed as “non-academic,” Mr. Murata handled the audience’s sharp questions and witty remarks with such ease and depth that he proved himself to be a true scholar at heart.
For those in the Kansai region, he offers both in-person and online classes. If you are interested in exploring the beauty of the Japanese language and its classics, please consider joining one of his sessions. Feel free to reach out via the comment section of this blog for more information.
Lastly, a big thank you to Mr. Murata for such a wonderful time!
By Yasuro Nonaka (A Reunion Special)
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