The Institute for Japanese Studies, Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, Department of Political Science, and the Mershon Center for International Security Studies present the 10th Annual Brad Richardson Memorial Lecture:
"Reflections on Professor Bradley M. Richardson and the Legacy of The Ohio State University"
Aiji Tanaka
Waseda University
Abstract: This presentation honors the late Professor Bradley M. Richardson, highlighting his academic contributions and personal influence on my development as a political scientist. I will reflect on my formative years at the Department of Political Science at The Ohio State University, where the mentorship of Brad and other faculty members profoundly shaped my scholarly path—both in Japan and within the International Political Science Association (IPSA). I will also share insights into the educational and cultural environment of Ohio State in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Beyond the classroom, experiences such as campus life and football games enriched my intercultural communication skills, which later proved invaluable in my leadership roles at IPSA and Waseda University. Finally, I will discuss current developments at Waseda University, where we are revisiting the founding ideals of Okuma Shigenobu: “independence of scholarship,” “application of scholarship,” and “fostering model citizens.” These principles continue to guide our institutional strategy and global engagement.
For more information and to register visit the East Asian Studies Center events page.