[Event Status Report] Collaboration and Harmony Promotion Week (FY2026)

2026/10/13

The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion has been holding awareness-raising events as part of "Collaboration and Harmony Promotion Week" since Monday, October 5, 2026.

We are organizing projects that allow participants to experience the expansion of initiatives aimed at realizing a collaborative environment at Keio University, focusing on the themes of "Work-Life Balance," "Diversity," "Barrier-Free," and "Community Engagement," which are the core activities of the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

This awareness-raising event aims to deepen learning about the diversity of "sexuality" after first confirming the fundamental question of what sexuality is in the first place, and to strive for the realization of a society where people from various backgrounds respect each other's dignity.

"Koi-bana" (talking about romance) is something that often happens casually in daily life. However, while cisgender and heterosexual people can engage in it casually, queer romance talk requires various conditions to be met to maintain psychological safety, doesn't it?

In this event, we want to focus extensively on such "queer romance talk" and have everyone share various stories. We intend to keep the scope of "romance talk" broad, ranging from very personal stories to discussions about social systems related to romance.

Above all, since "the personal is political," talking about romance—which may seem personal—is sure to lead to new social discoveries.

Regarding the specific flow of the event, the first half will feature a cross-talk session among three speakers about "queer romance." In the second half, we plan to hold a workshop where participants can also join in to share and listen to "queer romance talk."

We want to make this a place where people can feel safe talking about things they usually find difficult to discuss. Of course, participation just to listen is also welcome. Please come and join us!

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[Date & Time] Friday, November 6, 2026, 18:00–19:30

[Format] In-person

[Location] Mita Campus, Information Plaza 2nd Floor, Kyosei Station arcoíris

https://www.community.keio.ac.jp/cplaza/index.html

[Eligibility] Keio students, faculty, and staff (Free of charge) (Capacity: 20 people)

[Speakers]

Kasumi Nakamura (Facilitator)

Aya Mizukami

Ginga Kondo

How to Apply: Please apply using the form below. Deadline: Thursday, November 5, 17:00

https://forms.gle/EQ8nBYBzxBSgB7aY6

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[Speaker Profiles]

Kasumi Nakamura (Facilitator)

Born in 1991. Part-time lecturer at the Graduate School of Human Relations, Keio University. Ph.D. in Sociology [Ph.D. (Sociology)]. In addition to researching Japanese popular culture, including maid cafes, from the perspective of gender and sexuality, she also works on messaging regarding "amatonormativity" as a lesbian and queer-romantic individual. Co-edited works include "Thinking About Idols While Struggling" (Seikyusha) and "Introduction to Yuri Studies" (Ohta Publishing).

Aya Mizukami

Born in 1992. A writer who writes literary criticism and essays. Author of "All Alone, in a Room of My Own" and "A Queer's Canadian Travelogue." Co-author of "Introduction to Yuri Studies" and "Anti-Trans Discrimination Booklet." Feature editor for "Etcetera" vol. 13, "Special Feature: Queer, Women, Community."

Ginga Kondo

Born in 1992. Artist and art historian. Pansexual. Wheelchair user. While primarily researching Western art that appears lesbian from a contemporary perspective, they also release works on the theme of sexuality using game engines and CG. Co-author of "Introduction to Yuri Studies" (Ohta Publishing, 2026) and author of "Feminists Are Playing Games" (Shobunsha, 2024).

Mr. Seiichiro Ichikawa, who graduated from Kaisei Junior and Senior High School and the University of Tokyo before starting tennis with no experience at age 25 and becoming a professional tennis player, spoke about the meaning of choosing one's own life and continuing to take on challenges, based on his experience of carving out an unprecedented path through many detours and failures.

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[Date & Time] Monday, October 5, 2026, 17:00–18:30

[Format] In-person

[Location] Hiyoshi Campus, Independence Wing Room D202

[Eligibility] Open to everyone

[Lecturer] Seiichiro Ichikawa (Professional Tennis Player)

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[Lecturer Biography]

Seiichiro Ichikawa (Professional Tennis Player)

Graduated from Kaisei Junior and Senior High School and the University of Tokyo.

Had no interest in music activities or job hunting while in school, and continued composing music while working part-time after graduation.

However, while struggling with how to live in the world of music, he made a further pivot at age 25 and started tennis as a complete beginner. He began his activities as a player aiming to go pro. His actions were understood by no one, and as he was hopelessly uncoordinated, there was no sign of his talent blooming at all. However, he remained in the final selection of a talent discovery tryout for the 2014 Tokyo Olympics and was featured in Nikkan Sports. After nearly 10 years of apprenticeship, he began professional activities in 2016, successfully raised 5 million yen through crowdfunding, and was featured in various regional media.

He moved his base of operations overseas in 2020.

He became known on the tournament tour as a clearly unique presence among elite players around age 20, further distinguished by an unconventional amount of practice—more than double that of other players. Despite this, he saw no results at all, but in 2023, he earned a world ranking in doubles, and media coverage increased.

Appearances include TV Asahi's "Gekirea-san o Tsuretekita," and features in Bunshun Online, Asahi Shimbun, Forbes, etc.

Gives lectures at elementary schools, companies, etc.

Won three times in British domestic tournaments in 2026.