Last week, several CJS faculty, students, alumni, and staff attended the 32nd Annual Japan Studies Association Conference from Jan 7-9, 2026 in Honolulu. Professor Hanae Kramer and graduate student Hiroko Saito shared research presentations. CJS Director Mark Levin and Associate Director Joan Pan joined a panel as discussants with graduate student JD Paker and alumnus Dr. Brandon Marc Higa, contemplating the future of Japanese studies from a pragmatic and philosophical point of view.