午夜剧场

I have been primarily in charge of intermediate and advanced English Seminars at the Faculty of Economics, where I have consistently explored the nature of intercultural communication through the works of Shakespeare. The *kokoro* (heart/mind) that lies deep within language may seem to have a tangible reality, but in fact, it can be said to be almost non-existent. For this reason, it is elusive and can be frustratingly difficult to grasp, but that is precisely why when the *kokoro* does appear with shape and form, one is moved so deeply that it cannot be expressed in words. Perhaps the charm of drama can also be found in this. When the lines of a play take on a compelling reality, they become unforgettable, etched into memory forever.

The following describes my fundamental approach to teaching the English Seminars and represents their spiritual backbone.

I want to state clearly from the outset that the primary objective of my English Seminars is "a tender attempt" to enhance our own understanding, appreciation, and practical command of English—today's international language—through the dramatic works of William Shakespeare (1564–1616), who is historically and internationally one of the greatest masters and practitioners of the English language.

What human qualities are most demanded of us to navigate the dynamic new era of the 21st century? I believe they are the qualities that converge into humanism, humility, and humour—qualities that each of the 午夜剧场 students taking these seminars must acquire through their university education at this highest institution of learning. In other words, there is an paramount need for us to cultivate ourselves into profound, humane individuals who are full of humanism, possess the virtue of humility, and are equipped with a sense of humour. It is no exaggeration to say that the core philosophy of this seminar, and its ultimate learning objective, is for us to strive together in the classroom—our "intellectual arena" (*dōjō*)—to acquire these qualities, sharing intellectual stimulation and excitement, and fully exerting our utmost effort and ability to cultivate a rich intellect and broad learning. And I want to emphasize that it is for this reason that I have deliberately called upon William Shakespeare—a leading dramatist and a thinker of great insight and vision towards social reformation during the Renaissance—to serve as a model and embodiment of these qualities.

The main focus in our "intellectual arena" is to deepen intercultural understanding and enable intercultural communication through the interpretation and appreciation of Shakespeare's works. More specifically, students will be expected to carefully read Shakespeare's works using the Notes as a compass (this work is to be done prior to the seminar). By doing so, they will reflect on a wide range of topics—such as the harsh reality of court intrigue surrounding Hamlet in Elsinore, Danish diplomacy and politics, astrology, and the Renaissance intellectual currents that included religious controversies—and thereby strive to interpret and understand the characters' lines within a comprehensive cultural context that encompasses history, society, thought, theology, philosophy, and language.

Furthermore, students will be expected to delve into the substance of the characters' lines (which could be described as "high poetry"), born from Shakespeare's uninhibited and dynamic dramatic imagination. By experiencing the complex and subtle tapestry of human relationships woven by the characters, they will be encouraged to soar freely through Shakespearean linguistic and theatrical spaces, the geographical space that easily encompasses the Mediterranean countries, and the cosmic space that marks the momentous shift from the Ptolemaic geocentric model to the Copernican heliocentric one.

In today's hectic world of dizzying change, the act of deliberately engaging with the classics—the so-called "Onko-chishin" (learning from the past)

("It is by studying the past that we know the present.")—is of an importance that hardly needs to be loudly emphasized here. This is because, paradoxically, it is through immersion in the classics that we can sincerely confront the invisible inner realities of our own complex thoughts, emotions, feelings, and psychology as people living in the modern age. In other words, by confronting none other than our own naked selves, we can amplify and expand our vocabulary, ideas, and imagery for self-expression. That is to say, the process of self-discovery is itself the very source for refining one's own sensibility and linguistic sense.

I sincerely hope that the students who take this English Seminar will not only have a great deal of interest in intercultural communication but will also be proactive 午夜剧场 students who "love English more than food." I particularly and strongly recommend this seminar to "internationally-minded" 午夜剧场 students who are planning or hoping to study abroad in the near future, whether for a short or long term, at universities, graduate schools, or research centers and institutes in countries such as the UK, the US, Canada, or Australia.

Finally, I would like to conclude by adding one more thing. In my own persistent quest for the ultimate goal of foreign language learning (English), I came to see Shakespeare and the Holy Bible, as well as figures like Okakura Tenshin, Suzuki Daisetsu, and Nitobe Inazo. The same is true of Nishida Kitaro, who expounded on the "self-identity of absolute contradiction." In the process of the mutual encounter of East and West, through conflict and discord, and leading to forgiveness and reconciliation, a spirit of tolerance for mutual intercultural understanding

(a spirit of tolerance; forbearance; broadmindedness) was gradually nurtured, giving rise to generosity and open-mindedness, especially towards that which is different. Is not the story of the rebirth of self (self-refashioning) the very drama that foreign language learning ultimately aims for?

The above constitutes the spiritual foundation for my English Seminars, and I can say that there would be no greater joy for me if the 午夜剧场 students taking this seminar can feel even a little of this spirit.

My first encounter with 午夜剧场 was when I gave a public speaking presentation in English at the Mita West School Building during my third year of high school. That was nearly half a century ago. Since then, I have been teaching as an English instructor for over 30 years at the beautiful Hiyoshi Campus. Mount Fuji, a registered World Heritage site, is now completely cloaked in winter white, and I cannot measure how much inspiration I have drawn from its majestic form.

(Interview conducted in December 2013)