This conference was organized to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. It aimed to analyze the historical experiences and diasporic lives of  Zainichi Koreans  through the lens of Korean Studies, while exploring new possibilities for academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The event was jointly hosted by the Graduate School of Public Policy at Hokkaido University, the Research Center for Korean Studies at Kyushu University, and the Kyushu Korean Studies Scholars Forum, with support from the Academy of Korean Studies.

The first session, titled “Solidarity between Zainichi Koreans in Hokkaido and Local Communities,” featured in-depth discussions. Yoshihiko Tonohira, Representative Director of the East Asia Civic Network, presented efforts toward reconciliation and peace-building between Korean and Japanese civil societies through a workshop on the excavation of remains of victims of forced mobilization. Hideaki Iijima, Executive Committee Member of the Citizens’ Council for Ainu Policy Review, introduced grassroots-based initiatives that foster a more tangible, citizen-centered Korea–Japan relationship.

The second session, “The Multilayered Nature of Identity: Generations and Culture,” revisited the historical practices of Zainichi Koreans in postwar Japan and their positioning during the normalization of diplomatic relations.

In the final session, titled “New Horizons in Korean Studies,” participants discussed the achievements of K-Academics Diffusion Research Center at Inha University  and explored strategies for the regional expansion of Korean Studies, including comparative discussions on the identity of Korean communities in Taiwan.