Empowerment Program
Empowerment Program
The center promotes lifelong learning initiatives that utilize the results of university education and research as one of its social contribution projects, aiming to realize gender equality and a society where men and women can coexist.
Details regarding each program will be posted on the Events & News section of this website, so please check there for more information.
Public Lectures
We aim to contribute to the local community by offering gender-themed courses for working adults as part of Aoyama Gakuin University 's public lecture series, and by planning and holding public lectures organized by the center.
In the 2026 academic year, Aoyama Gakuin University Aoyama Campus will offer a public lecture series titled "Gender and Society II."
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??Aoyama Aoyama Gakuin University Public Lecture Series 2023
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Gender and Expression
Expression is the basis of human self-awareness throughout life. Expression and coming into contact with expressions have the power to empower our spirits. Our center will implement a program on the theme of "Gender and Expression" as an approach to thinking about gender issues and their social background through expression.
[Formative Expression] Weaving and Printmaking Workshop
Building upon the resources of art education provided at a women's junior college, Aoyama Academia offers courses that aim to cultivate each individual's sensibilities and lead a fulfilling life through expression. Art expression using "hands" is recognized as significant in today's world, where audiovisuals are heavily emphasized, as an experience that makes us aware of our sense of touch.
Anyone can participate, from working adults to students and children (some courses have participation requirements). Furthermore, works created in this course are planned to be exhibited at the "Weaving and Printmaking Workshop Exhibition" to be held at the gallery the following year.
Classes are held on Saturdays.
Time: 10:00-15:00
Instructors: [Weaving] Mitsuko Akutsu (Former Professor at a Women's Junior College/Weaving Artist) and Mayu Yamamoto (Weaving Artist)
[Printmaking] Shiko Shirai (Head of Shirai Printmaking Studio)
Participation fee (per session, excluding the continuous lecture series): 3,800 yen for working adults, 1,800 yen for university students and younger.
※For participation, Aoyama Academia course for working adults page Please apply from here.
[Artistic Expression] "Miniature Book Workshop"
We welcome Shiori Tanaka, a graduate of Aoyama Gakuin University and president of the Japan Miniature Book Association, as our instructor. In this workshop, we will create a miniature version of Walter Crane's picture book "Little Queen Anne," which was written in its entirety in the late 19th century. You will also learn about the structure of books that are easy to open and durable, as well as the layout of the text, materials, tools, and other knowledge necessary for making books by hand.
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: 10:00-15:00
Lecturer: Shiori Tanaka (President of the Japan Miniature Book Association)
Participation fee: Adults 3,800 yen, University students and younger 1,800 yen
[Physical Expression] Theater x Gender Improv Workshop "The Bechdel Test"
Based on ideas from the participants, we will improvise a story featuring "three women" as the main characters. Rather than stories of strong or extraordinary women, we will depict the stories of ordinary women living everyday lives, highlighting the richness and complexity of women's daily lives.
Instructor: Reiko Naoi (Theater Workshop Facilitator)
Participation fee: Free