260921_Studio Tasr_Sasa_Susumu Nagayo

From Tokyo to Bratislava: A 45-Year Journey into Slovak Studies

What sparked a 45-year dedication to understanding Slovakia? Professor Susumu Nagayo shares his fascinating journey, beginning with his arrival in 1979 through a student exchange program. Discover how his initial Russian studies led him to the captivating world of Slovak language and culture, a field sparsely explored in Japan at the time.

His first encounter with Europe was through Slovakia, a profoundly impactful experience that shaped his academic and personal life. Professor Nagayo delves into what surprised him most about Slovak history, particularly the nation's relatively recent emergence onto the world stage and the formation of its national identity.

Explore the complexities of interpreting history, especially contrasting the modern Japanese and Slovak historical narratives. He reveals how seemingly different historical periods, like post-war Czechoslovakia within the Eastern Bloc and Japan's expansionist phase, offer unique insights into national development and the ongoing dialogue surrounding historical truth.

Witness the compelling evolution of Slovak studies through the eyes of a dedicated scholar. This conversation highlights the intricate nature of understanding a nation's past and the continuous discovery that fuels academic passion.

#SlovakStudies #SlovakHistory #JapanSlovakia #EuropeanHistory