Online Lecture by Dr. Hassan Kamal Harb at Lebanese University
2026/2/16
On February 10, 2026, the Embassy of Japan in Lebanon co-hosted a lecturer dispatch program with Lebanese University. Visiting Research Scholar Dr. Hassan Kamal Harb from the International Research Center for Japanese Studies delivered an online lecture titled “The Establishment of the Modern Japanese State: Focusing on Politics and Education.”
The event was attended by many stakeholders, including Mr. YOKOTA Kenji, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon, Professor Bassam Badran, President of Lebanese University, deans, doctoral candidates, and undergraduate students. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yokota emphasized that the event provided a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the cultural and academic ties between Japan and Lebanon, and to demonstrate a shared commitment to promoting intellectual dialogue despite any challenges. He also highlighted that many of the young individuals involved in the founding of modern Japan were in their late 20s and 30s, and offered encouraging words to the students:
"You are the future of this country. I look forward to meeting you all in the future as a bridge between Japan and Lebanon."
During the lecture, Dr. Harb provided a detailed explanation of the development of politics and education in modern Japan, which prompted numerous questions from the participants. He responded thoughtfully to each question, fostering a fruitful exchange of ideas. Participants gave positive feedback such as, “It was a very fruitful lecture,” and “I would like to learn more about the relationship between Japanese education and society.”
Lastly, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Habib Badawi for his generous cooperation in organizing this event.
We will continue to promote initiatives to deepen cultural and academic exchange between our two countries.
The event was attended by many stakeholders, including Mr. YOKOTA Kenji, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon, Professor Bassam Badran, President of Lebanese University, deans, doctoral candidates, and undergraduate students. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yokota emphasized that the event provided a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the cultural and academic ties between Japan and Lebanon, and to demonstrate a shared commitment to promoting intellectual dialogue despite any challenges. He also highlighted that many of the young individuals involved in the founding of modern Japan were in their late 20s and 30s, and offered encouraging words to the students:
"You are the future of this country. I look forward to meeting you all in the future as a bridge between Japan and Lebanon."
During the lecture, Dr. Harb provided a detailed explanation of the development of politics and education in modern Japan, which prompted numerous questions from the participants. He responded thoughtfully to each question, fostering a fruitful exchange of ideas. Participants gave positive feedback such as, “It was a very fruitful lecture,” and “I would like to learn more about the relationship between Japanese education and society.”
Lastly, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Habib Badawi for his generous cooperation in organizing this event.
We will continue to promote initiatives to deepen cultural and academic exchange between our two countries.
