In the politics section of the VSJF, people with an interest in "things political" in Japan gather on an annual basis, usually during the annual conferences of VSJF. Participation in the section is neither limited to a certain academic status nor formalized. The section welcomes all kinds of interest in Japanese politics, be it articulated by researchers from the social sciences or from other disciplines. The common denominator is a shared interest in research questions that touch the political arena of Japan in one way or other.
Students are particularly welcome, because the section offers the opportunity to exchange views with those who have gained a broad and deep experience in their field of work over the years. This is why young scholars are regularly encouraged to present their work in progress. During the section meetings, open questions concerning methodology, theoretical approaches, and subject matters can be discussed in a workshop-like atmosphere and thus without the pressure of having to perform as a full-fledged expert in the field.
Between the annual conferences, the participants in the section keep in touch via email. The list serves as an open forum to exchange questions and answers to certain issues or problems.Relevant news can be sent to "
politics@vsjf.net", from where they will be forwarded to the whole section list or, if more appropriate, to selected individuals.