Founded in 1991, the Société Française des Études Japonaises (SFEJ) brings together French-speaking scholars and educators specialising in Japanese language and culture. The 2025 edition of the SFEJ conference will be held for the first time in Bordeaux, at Université Bordeaux Montaigne, from 17 to 19 December, and will focus on the theme “The Singular”.

‍

The Singular

This theme invites reflection on the various forms of singularity associated with Japan, from the ways in which the country has been constructed as a distinct object of study in academic and cultural discourse, to internal forms of singularity observable within Japanese society itself, including linguistic practices, works of art, and cultural expressions. The conference aims to question both the epistemological biases of Japanese studies and the dynamics of distinction, marginalisation, and homogenisation at work in Japan’s cultural, linguistic, and social spheres.

‍

Calligraphy Demonstration and Roundtable Discussion

As part of this 16th SFEJ conference, a live calligraphy demonstration will be presented by artist Maaya Wakasugi, whose practice explores the relationship between gesture and material. The performance will be followed by a roundtable discussion with Maaya Wakasugi and visual artist Frédéric Weigel, examining the notion of “the singular” in calligraphic practice and contemporary visual art.

‍