The KAS Japan team received some disaster prevention training at the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center on 14 October 2022. The team got to experience pushing open the door when it’s been blocked by flood waters, how to escape from a fire when there is smoke around, experience the actual earthquakes that happened in Japan, and how to extinguish a fire using the fire extinguisher. A big thank you to our instructor, Machida san, for letting us be more aware of what we can do to survive these situations.
Government officials and representatives of organisations (including KAS Japan) involved in defence-related issues from both Japan and Germany were invited to watch the Japanese and German air forces conduct their first joint exercise in the country on 28 September 2022. Berlin has already sent a navy frigate to Japan in November as the first German military vessel to make a port call in Japan in nearly 20 years, and at a time of rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the leaders of the Japanese and German air forces pledged to further enhance their cooperation with each other.
More information about this exercise here.
KAS Japan Country Representative Rabea Brauer moderated a session during the Defense and Security Technology Forum 2.0 which took place this year.
KAS Japan organised a dialogue meeting for Members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) in Tokyo on 19 September 2022. The international group of senior lawmakers had the opportunity to exchange views and information with high-level Japanese policymakers and experts on important security and defence issues. Particular attention was given to discussing Russia’s war of aggression against the Ukraine and the necessary steps for an enhanced military cooperation of like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific. Akihisa Nagashima, Member of House of Representatives and Secretary General of Diet Members Council for Comprehensive Security (DMCCS), moderated the meeting while Kevan Jones, MP from the United Kingdom, who was also Head of the Delegation of the NATO PA gave the thank you speech.
KAS Japan Country Representative Rabea Brauer paid a visit to Taro Kono, Member of the House of Representatives (Liberal Demoractic Party) on 5 August 2022. They discussed security issues, especially the current situation concerning Taiwan and the importance of the G7 members showing a united front towards both Russia and China.
With MP Taro Kono
Our Senior Programme Manager for Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS), Cris Perez, was recently asked to present for the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) Southeast Asia-South Asia-Taiwan (SEASAT) Youth Camp on 3 August 2022. The topic was on educational reforms for the future of work. She discussed the megatrends shaping the future of work, the potential skills that would be useful in increasing returns to income and employment in the future, and what must be done to encourage the cultivation of such skills and attitudes, among others.
TAEF is a policy think tank in Taiwan which focuses on Southeast Asian and South Asian affairs and has been a partner with KAS Japan on the Future of Work for the Asian Youth series. You can check out one of our publications with them here.
We have moved to Sanno Park Tower in Nagatacho as of 27 June 2022! The new office includes a large conference room where we can hold events, and is located within a short walking distance to the National Diet, the Parliamentary building, and even the Prime Minister’s Residence/Office!
Entrance of the office
Lounge Area
We will say goodbye to our current location at OAG Haus and move to Sanno Park Tower in late June. We will miss our colleagues at OAG Haus but we hope to continue providing educational and informative events that contribute to fostering better relations and understanding between Germany, Japan and the world!
Employees at KAS Japan folded origami (paper) cranes in the Ukranian flag colours over the past few weeks to show solidairity with Ukraine. For some, it was their very first time folding origami cranes, while for others, it was the first time in years or even decades to do so. In Japanese culture, origami cranes are see as symbols of peace and hope, and we sincerely hope for peace to return to Ukraine soon.
Your Internship at KAS Japan
Who should apply
You like Japan because of Anime, Manga and J-Pop? You are intrigued by its food and enduring love for tech gadgets? You always wanted to experience Tokyo’s nightlife and ride the Shinkansen? You want to feel lost in translation? Well, in that case, you might not have collected the most convincing reasons for your internship at KAS. But if you are concerned with international politics, Asia’s regional security, trade and multilateralism, gender equality and future technologies, and if you are interested in Japan’s economic and political potential, then you have found the right institution.
Requirements
Our internships offer professional training to graduate students and PhD candidates. The internship does not replace a regular job, but serves the acquisition of professional knowledge, skills and abilities. At the end of the internship, a certificate will be handed out. Commitment, team orientation and the endorsement of Christian-Democratic values as they are supported by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung are essential prerequisites for internships. In the selection process, preference will be given to interns studying economics, political and social sciences as well as law with a strong regional focus on Asia and Japan. Political and/or economic knowledge of the region are essential. The commitment to participate in evening or weekend events of KAS and its partners is required. In addition to polite manners (which are crucial to succeed in Japan), a well-groomed appearance is expected and correct clothing on official occasions.
Preparations
Familiarize yourself with our projects and publications before you apply. General information about the work of KAS as a political foundation is essential and can be found on this website and www.kas.de/japan.
Language Abilities
A good command of the Japanese language, both spoken and written, is an advantage but not required. Contrary, we expect our interns to have a very good expression in German and English.
Duration
A duration of three month is encouraged and expected. Exceptions can be agreed with the director of the office.
Tasks
The tasks of the interns are determined individually at the beginning of the internship. Depending on the level of knowledge, the interns support the team with research, short studies on selected topics and in the organization of events.
Working Time
Interns are expected to work 38 hrs per week. The core working hours are set from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., including 1 hr lunch break and excluding commuting time. Home-office regulations are in place. Devices will be provided.
Vacation
There is no entitlement to leave days. Exceptions can be made in relation to the duration of the internship.
Costs and Living Allowance
The general costs for living, commuting and especially accommodation in Tokyo are significantly higher compared to the region. Hence, a thorough calculation is required. KAS does not grant financial compensation or subsidies for internships.
Application
Please send your application documents (curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, relevant certificates) in English to KAS-Tokyo@kas.de, addressed to the director of the office. The documents must indicate the current areas of study and interest, the desired time and duration of the internship as well as the level of language skills. It is advised to apply one year in advance for the desired internship period. We strongly encourage applications of Japanese nationals.
