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