Faculty Introduction
KUROSAKA, Ai professor
Specialized fields
Sociology of Discrimination
Subjects Taught
Contemporary Social Issues, Human Rights Policy, Policy Design Practice
About Department of Policy Design
"Each and every one of us can become a change-maker." — Putting into words the questions and anxieties that arise in everyday life, sharing them with those around us, and working together to find solutions. I'm sure that during your four years in Department of Policy Design, you will be able to cultivate the ability to forge these new relationships.
Introduction to specialized fields
I have conducted social research through fieldwork on the themes of leprosy and discrimination against Burakumin (a historically marginalized group in Japan). My specialty is sociology. In recent years, I have visited 13 national leprosy sanatoriums across Japan, as well as sanatoriums in South Korea and Taiwan. I am currently interviewing people who still live in the sanatoriums, those who have left and are living in society, and families of people who have recovered from leprosy, to hear their life experiences. There is much we can learn from the narratives of minority groups themselves.
Introduction to Exercises I and II
Topic: Discrimination Issues in Japan
- We will consider the issue of discrimination, which is often invisible to the public, including discrimination against people with infectious diseases, discrimination against people with disabilities, discrimination against Burakumin (a historically marginalized group in Japan), and issues surrounding sexual diversity.
- By visiting the sites of discrimination issues and conducting interviews with those directly affected, students will get closer to the reality of these problems. Advanced students will learn interview techniques and conduct interviews on their own chosen topics.
- This program helps students develop the ability to envision "coexistence" with others from different social and cultural backgrounds.
Message to high school students
Department of Policy Design values the philosophy of "realizing a society where everyone can live comfortably (an inclusive society)." If you are interested in this philosophy, we encourage you to consider joining our department.