Rethinking Europe–Japan Relations, 1868–1913: An Interdisciplinary Unconference

Organized by the Europe-Japan Bilaterology Research Hub 

Date: 19–20 September (Saturday–Sunday) 2026

Venue: Székesfehérvár (near Budapest), Hungary

About EJBR 

The Europe–Japan Bilaterology Research Hub (EJBR) is a dedicated interdisciplinary initiative focused on investigating the complex dynamics of bilateral relations between European countries and Japan. The hub examines political, economic, social, cultural, sporting, scientific, interpersonal, microhistorical, transnational, and literary interactions. By drawing on diverse disciplines – including history, political science, economics, sociology, international relations, sports studies, history of science, psychology, microhistory, and literary studies – EJBR seeks to deepen understanding of both historical and contemporary Europe–Japan relations.

About the Unconference 

This unconference invites participants to collaboratively explore Europe–Japan relations between 1868 and 1913 – a transformative period spanning the Meiji era and the lead-up to the First World War. Rather than a traditional conference, this event emphasizes dialogue, exchange, and co-creation of ideas. We especially encourage contributions that challenge established narratives, introduce new perspectives, or explore underexamined bilateral connections across Europe and Japan.

Who Should Apply? 

We welcome a broad range of participants, including: 

Researchers, scholars, and students 

Citizen scientists and independent researchers 

Policy professionals, diplomats, and NGO representatives 

Cultural practitioners and interdisciplinary thinkers 

Participants from all European countries and Japan are encouraged to apply – including those whose states did not yet exist in their present form during the period studied.

Themes 

We invite contributions related (but not limited) to the following six thematic areas: 

History of Modernization 

History of Expeditions 

Diplomatic and Economic History 

History of Travel and Travel Literature 

Cultural, Literary, and Art History 

History of Ideas and Ideologies

Formats (Unconference Style) 

This is not a traditional paper conference. We welcome flexible and experimental formats, such as: 

Presentations of ongoing or early-stage research 

Research questions or conceptual explorations 

Methodological discussions 

Collaborative idea development sessions 

Thematic roundtables or provocations 

Discussion, feedback, and mutual exchange are central. If you have an idea in progress – or even just a question you want to explore – this is the right space.

Geographic Scope 

We welcome contributions addressing Europe–Japan relations involving (but not limited to): United Kingdom, Portugal, Switzerland, Norway, Malta, Italy, Belgium, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Denmark, Luxembourg, Ireland, Sweden, Spain, France, Poland, Finland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Greece, Kosovo, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Netherlands, Andorra, Estonia, Latvia, Germany, Serbia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Moldova, Lithuania, Cyprus, Albania, Belarus, Romania, Vatican City, Croatia.

Special Focus: Anniversary-Driven Contributions 

EJBR particularly welcomes contributions engaging with countries where significant bilateral anniversaries with Japan are being marked in the coming years. These anniversaries offer valuable opportunities to revisit, reassess, and reinterpret the historical trajectories of Europe–Japan relations. 

Anniversaries in 2026: Belgium (160th), Bosnia and Herzegovina (30th), Estonia (105th), Germany (165th), Iceland (70th), Italy (160th), Latvia (105th), Liechtenstein (30th), Monaco (20th), Montenegro (20th), San Marino (30th). 

Anniversaries in 2027: Albania (105th), Belarus (35th), Croatia (35th), Cyprus (65th), Denmark (160th), Ireland (70th), Lithuania (35th), Luxembourg (100th), Romania (105th), Serbia (145th), Slovenia (35th), Ukraine (35th), Vatican City (85th). 

We encourage submissions that engage critically with these milestones, whether through historical reassessment, comparative analysis, or exploration of memory, commemoration, and diplomacy. Contributions may also reflect on how anniversaries shape public history, cultural diplomacy, and bilateral narratives between Europe and Japan.

Keynote Speaker 

Gergely Toth 

Proposed keynote title: "Toward a More Inclusive, Interdisciplinary, and Transnational History of Europe–Japan Relations: A Responsible Applied History Approach"

Fees 

100 EUR: Students (BA/MA/PhD), academics, government and NGO professionals 

25 EUR: Citizen scientists and independent researchers (Eligibility subject to verification to ensure no active institutional affiliation)

Why Participate? 

Engage in interdisciplinary exchange across Europe–Japan studies 

Develop ideas collaboratively in a low-pressure setting 

Connect academic, policy, and independent research communities 

Contribute to shaping a growing field of bilaterology

Please submit a short proposal (max. 300 words) outlining your idea, question, or contribution format to: birodalmak_asztalanal@mail.com