The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Diponegoro University, on March 27, 2021, held an online public lecture by presenting experts, namely professors from Japan
The public lecture, which took place recently, presented Prof. Hisanori Kato from Chuo University Japan as a resource person. He is a sociology and philosophy professor who has lived for a long time in the United States (US), Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
“In Indonesia, he has lived for more than ten years researching Islam in Indonesia,” said the Head of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, FIB UNDIP, Budi Mulyadi S.Pd., M.Hum.
In researching Islam in Indonesia, Prof. Hisonari had directly interviewed Gusdur and Kyai Haji Abu Bakar Bashir. The results of his research are contained in a book written and published by Kompas. Some of the titles of the books he wrote were Islam in the Eyes of the Japanese: Ulil, Gusdur to Basyir, Miss Indonesia, Religion and civilization.
According to him, for approximately two hours, Prof. Hisanori Kato explained the results of his research while in Indonesia on the condition of Islam in the life of Indonesian society.
“Prof. Hisonari also compared with the condition of religion in Japan. As a result, there is a very significant difference regarding the perspective of Indonesian society and Japanese society towards religion, “he explained.
At the end of the public lecture, Prof. Hisanori Kato concluded that Islam is not a religion of violence. On the contrary, there is diversity in Islam, Islam takes care of social problems, and Islam strengthens social capital.
This online public lecture program was attended by approximately 250 students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program and their lecturers
“This event went well. Many students asked Prof. Hisanori Kato regarding religious and community issues both in Indonesia and in Japan,” he explained.