Enryo Inoue, the founder of Toyo University, is widely known for establishing the academic field of "Yokai Studies" (the study of supernatural apparitions) and popularizing the term "Yokai" throughout society. But why was this philosopher also dubbed "Dr. Yokai"? This lecture introduces the connection between philosophy and Yokai studies in Enryo's work, and explores his philosophy on how to dispel illusions and live a life of peace and reassurance.
ScheduledWhy Was the Philosopher Enryo Inoue Also Known as "Dr. Yokai"? – Exploring His Study of Yokai (Apparitions)
Lecturer
Takuya Hasegawa/ Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Law
Graduated from the Faculty of Letters, Otani University. Completed coursework without degree for the doctoral program in Religious Studies at the Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University. Served as a term-appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Otani University, Researcher at the Shinran Buddhist Center, and Research Assistant at the Inoue Enryo Center for Philosophy, before assuming the current position. Currently serves as Deputy Director of the Inoue Enryo Center for Philosophy and Vice President of the International Association for Inoue Enryo Research, actively engaging in research and educational initiatives related to Inoue Enryo.
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Course outline
Lecture nameWhy Was the Philosopher Enryo Inoue Also Known as "Dr. Yokai"? – Exploring His Study of Yokai (Apparitions)
Date and timeDecember 06, 2026 (Sunday) , 03:00 PM (JST) 〜 December 06, 2026 (Sunday) , 04:30 PM (JST)
Lecturer
Takuya Hasegawa
Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Law
Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Law
TargetJapanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or above
* Participation from abroad is highly welcomed.
* All courses will be conducted in Japanese only.
* Participation from abroad is highly welcomed.
* All courses will be conducted in Japanese only.
Capacity1,000 participants per lecture (first-come-first-served basis)
Streaming service
Zoom
FeeFree
Application periodNovember 02, 2026 (Monday) , 12:00 AM (JST) ~ December 05, 2026 (Saturday) , 11:59 PM (JST)
Precautions
- All courses will be conducted in Japanese only.
- You can freely choose if you wish to attend one or multiple lectures.
- Those who complete the post-attendance questionnaire will have access to the materials used in the class.
- The lecture videos will be provided if you apply for the course even if you cannot attend the lecture of the day.