Asian Research Institute for International Social Work

24/12/2025

【Announcement】The 10th ARIISW–Shukutoku International Academic Forum

We are pleased to announce that the Asian Research Institute for International Social Work (ARIISW), Shukutoku University, will host the 10th International Academic Forum, entitled:

“Exploring the Global Potential of Buddhist Social Work:
Spirituality as a Bridge Between Theory and Practice.”

This international forum aims to open new horizons in care and social work by exploring how Buddhist perspectives and spirituality can function as a bridge between academic theory and lived practice. Scholars and practitioners from Japan and abroad will come together to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue on care, resilience, community engagement, and spirituality, particularly within Asian and global contexts.

Featured Speakers

Prof. Edward R. Canda
Professor Emeritus, University of Kansas
A globally recognized pioneer in social work and spirituality studies.

Prof. Susumu Shimazono
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
A leading scholar in spirituality studies and thanatology in Japan.

Ven. Dr. Karma Sangbo
Buddhist Monk, Principal of Shree Mangal Dvip Boarding School, Nepal
A key practitioner promoting Buddhist social work initiatives in Nepal.

Dr. Huong Nguyen
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Minnesota

Dr. Yosuke Imai
Director, Nagaoka Nishi Hospital Vihara Ward

Dr. Tatsuya Imamura
Director, Sasaeai Yorozu Clinic

Together, the speakers will discuss emerging possibilities for Buddhist Social Work, highlighting how spirituality can enrich professional practice, education, and community-based care across cultural and national boundaries.

We warmly welcome researchers, practitioners, students, religious professionals, and all those interested in social welfare, spirituality, and community care to join this forum.

■ Event Information

Date & Time: Saturday, January 31, 2026
10:00 – 16:30 (JST / UTC+09:00)

Venue:
Tokyo Campus, Shukutoku University
2nd Floor, Building 9
(Hybrid format: On-site & Online)

Address:
2-46-9 Maeno-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-0063, Japan

Admission: Free of charge

Languages: Japanese & English
(Simultaneous interpretation available)

Organizer:
Asian Research Institute for International Social Work (ARIISW),
Shukutoku University, Japan

▼ Event Details

https://www.shukutoku.ac.jp/news/nid00005671.html

▼ Registration Form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/133v_MHV-UspOKpLCi-eze__ESAQVDRStMA7gvjD96-Q/edit?pli=1&pli=1 =ACYDBNg5Mezwqb14d7gNZHDBKZPL0YQAimgDCXzPeXRA8V8L6pQ-t_q3jAJDG0NoqX4rybw

We sincerely hope you will participate in this forum and would greatly appreciate it if you could share this announcement with colleagues, students, and others who may be interested.

We look forward to welcoming you.

第10回国際学術フォーラム 「世界に拓かれる仏教ソーシャルワークの可能性―理論と実践をつなぐスピリチュアリティの視点」 ・日　時：2026年1月31日（土）10:00〜16:30（日本時間） ・会　場：淑徳大学東京キャンパス9号館2...

17/11/2025

【Announcement】10th International Academic Forum

We are pleased to announce that the Asian Research Institute for International Social Work (ARIISW), Shukutoku University, will host the 10th International Academic Forum entitled:�“Opening Horizons for Buddhist Social Work: Spirituality as a Bridge between Theory and Practice.”

This forum invites leading scholars and practitioners from Japan and abroad, including:
* Prof. Edward R. Canda (Emeritus Professor, University of Kansas) — an internationally recognized pioneer in social work and spirituality studies
* Prof. Susumu Shimazono (Emeritus Professor, The University of Tokyo) — A leading scholar in spirituality studies and thanatology in Japan
* Venerable Karma Sangbo (Honorary Doctor, Shukutoku University) — a key practitioner promoting Buddhist social work initiatives in Nepal

Together, we will engage in scholarly dialogue on the future development of Buddhist Social Work and the role of spirituality in caring, resilience, and community-based practice across Asia and beyond.

We warmly welcome researchers, practitioners, students, faith-based workers, and anyone interested in social welfare, spirituality, and community engagement.

■ Event Information
◆ Date & Time: Saturday, January 31, 2026 — 10:00 to 16:30 (JST)
�◆ Venue: Shukutoku University Tokyo Campus (Hybrid format / Onsite + Online; further details to be announced)�
◆ Admission: Free of charge�
◆ Languages: Japanese & English (simultaneous interpretation available)�
◆ Audience: Researchers, practitioners, religious community members, students, and general participants�
◆ Organizer: Asian Research Institute for International Social Work (ARIISW), Shukutoku University

◆ Speakers (Tentative)
* Keynote Lecture 1: Prof. Edward R. Canda (Emeritus Professor, University of Kansas)
* Keynote Lecture 2: Prof. Susumu Shimazono (Emeritus Professor, The University of Tokyo)
* Practice Report 1: Ven. Karma Sangbo (Nepalese Monk / Honorary Doctor, Shukutoku University)

▼ Event Details
https://www.shukutoku.ac.jp/news/nid00005671.html

▼ Registration Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/133v_MHV-UspOKpLCi-eze__ESAQVDRStMA7gvjD96-Q/viewform?pli=1

We look forward to your participation and sincerely hope you will share this announcement with colleagues or others who may be interested.

第10回国際学術フォーラム 「世界に拓かれる仏教ソーシャルワークの可能性―理論と実践をつなぐスピリチュアリティの視点」 ・日　時：2026年1月31日（土）10:00〜16:30（日本時間） ・会　場：淑徳大学東京キャンパス（詳.....

25/06/2025

Ms. Kana Matsuo, Senior Researcher, reported the special lecture by a Visiting Researcher alumnus, Dr. Wanwadee Poonpoksin, at Shukutoku University.

05/02/2025

10 days to go!! The ARIISW team had a meeting today to confirm the contents. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!😀

27/01/2025

The 9th ARIISW-Shukutoku University Academic Forum.

To register, please visit the following URL:

Asian Research Institute for International Social Work (ARIISW) Shukutoku University 淑徳大学アジア国際社会福祉研究所　第9回国際学術フォーラム「仏教ソーシャルワーク研究の旅、その先へ　 ～なぜ世界は仏教ソーシャルワークを無視できな...

27/01/2025

😄ARIISW updates the info😆

20/01/2025

Thank you all for supporting ARIISW activities. We will organize the 9th Internatioanl Academic Forum on February 15, 2025.

淑徳大学の公式サイトです。総合福祉学部、コミュニティ政策学部、看護栄養学部、教育学部、地域創生学部、経営学部、人文学部の7学部13学科からなる総合大学です。4年間の学びを通して、「人を思いやる気持ち」と、.....

25/11/2024

Hi, it is getting chilly in the morning and evening here in Chiba, Japan. Here is the updated information from ARIISW!

NEWLY RELEASED!!"International social work of all people in the whole world: a new construction 2nd edition"

JUNPO-Sha released "International Social Work of all people in the Whole World: a new construction 2nd Edition" in English on October 31, 2024. The second part aims to firmly support the development of a novel International Social Work theory envisioned by Dr. Akimoto. It offers a groundbreaking perspective on the global accumulation of international social work knowledge.

"Congratulations to Ms. Momoe Numata – the winner of the First Student Drawing & Designing Competition!"

We have received 13 entries for the inaugural Student Drawing & Designing Competition poster design. On October 14, ARIISW chose one Grand Prize recipient and two in the “excellent” category award winners. We extend our appreciation to all the participants in this first contest and thank those who motivated their students to participate in this event.

25/11/2024

😄ARIISW refreshed the URL link of the Katherine Kendall Award Memorial Lecture by Prof. Akimoto, Honorary Director.

淑徳大学の公式サイトです。総合福祉学部、コミュニティ政策学部、看護栄養学部、教育学部、地域創生学部、経営学部、人文学部の7学部13学科からなる総合大学です。4年間の学びを通して、「人を思いやる気持ち」と、.....

31/10/2024

Our Shukutoku University VRPhD graduates are making a significant impact across the globe! (kara no.63)

Hello all friends!
This has been our first post since June. Thank you for your support of ARIISW!
We support the work of Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Ven. Dr. Omalpe Somananda. He was awarded a PhD degree from Shukutoku University in 2023. Congratulations, Dr. Somananda, and thank you for the information on the upcoming conference.