Kyoto University Library Network - [Main Library] Talk Event: "The Uninhibited Songs of the Ancients — Re-reading the Classic of Poetry (Shijing)" (Nov 5th)

[Main Library] Talk Event: "The Uninhibited Songs of the Ancients — Re-reading the Classic of Poetry (Shijing)" (Nov 5th)

On 2026-10-16 (150 reads)

The Shijing is the oldest collection of Chinese poetry, comprising 305 pieces. While it has been read through the ages as a canonical text for teaching Confucian morality, it also contains—perhaps surprisingly—a great many poems of pure, romantic love.
We are pleased to invite Professor Kozo Kawai, a leading authority on classical Chinese poetry, to join us:

"The Uninhibited Songs of the Ancients: Re-reading the Classic of Poetry (Shijing)"
* This event will be held in Japanese.
* This event is open to KU members only.

In the first part, Professor Kawai will discuss his own research.
In the second part, we will hold a reading session focusing on several poems from the Shijing.
The session will begin with an exposition by Professor Kawai, followed by a discussion among the participants as they explore and appreciate the poems.

Why not explore the true essence of the Shijing through a fresh, unconventional interpretation, unconstrained by tradition?

Registration is required for the second part. Please see the event overview below.

Event Overview

・Date & Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

・Venue: Learning Commons, 1st floor, Main Library

・Speakers:
　Kozo Kawai, Professor Emeritus [Profile]
　(Moderator) Bunri Usami, Specially Appointed Professor (Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability) [Profile]

・Eligibility: Open to university members only; priority given to students

・Event Details:
　[Part 1] Lecture (30 minutes) – 30 seats available (standing room also open). No registration required; please simply arrive at the venue.
　[Part 2] Book/Reading Discussion (1 hour) – Limited to 10 participants. Registration required; please sign up via the participation form:
　　Participation Form: https://forms.gle/VEmyB8XYDCJMW2DY7

　* Registration deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
　* Registered participants will receive the poem to be discussed, along with supplementary materials featuring commentary by Professor Kawai. Please review these in advance and prepare your own interpretation.
　* Those who have not registered are also welcome to attend as observers. We look forward to seeing you there.

・Organizer: Kyoto University Main Library

・Contact:
User Support Division, Kyoto University Main Library
E-mail: user-support-full660 [at] mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Main Library