[11/11]One day workshop on "Restorative Dialogue"for Living Together

What kind of dialogue can break the cycle of pain that transcends the roles of “victim” and “perpetrator”? And how can we face the difficulties inherent in such dialogue? This one-day event invites you to think and experience together with Duke, who has been facilitating dialogues in conflict zones around the world, and Manabu Nakajima, who has been supporting rehabilitation through dialogue practices in prisons. (With Japanese–English interpretation)
【Venue】Hiroshima University Higashi-Senda Campus, General Building L, 5th Floor, SENDA LAB Multipurpose Space  
【Date】Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Part 1: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Symposium 
Part 2: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Experience a Restorative Dialogue Circle! 
Part 3: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Panel Discussion (Participation in individual parts is possible)

【Organizer/Co-organizer】 
Hiroshima University Graduate School of Human and Social Sciences, International Peace and Coexistence Program( as organizer of Parts 1 & 2, Co-organizer of Part 3) 
Restorative Dialogue Workshop  (as organizer of Part 3, co-organizer of Parts 1 & 2)

【Speakers】  
Duke Duchscherer 
Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) since 2000; former Board Member of the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Facilitates “dialogue spaces” based on Nonviolent Communication and Restorative Dialogue across four continents—Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe—to help war-affected children, local peace activists, and professionals working in government and the UN overcome conflict.

Manabu Nakajima (Panelist for Parts 1 & 3) 
Professor, Faculty of Human Culture, Fukuyama University. Specializes in correctional treatment theory, criminology, and criminal policy. Served as a Ministry of Justice official in legal and correctional administration, working as a legal instructor and correctional officer at juvenile classification centers, juvenile training schools, and prisons. He began his research as a facility executive, questioning the proper operation and purpose of such institutions, and earned a Doctor of Juridical Science degree. His research focuses on the “resocialization” of correctional facilities and rehabilitation support through dialogue practices, grounded in the real challenges and dilemmas faced on the front lines. He also studies the history of prison management in Japan since the Meiji era and self-identifies as a “Prison Doctor.”  

◉ Part 1: Symposium: “The Transformative Power of Dialogue”

In the keynote address, Mr. Duke Duchscherer, who has practiced dialogue in conflict zones worldwide, will discuss the transformative power of dialogue. In the panel discussion, Professor Nakajima, who has practiced dialogue “behind bars,” and Mr. Duke will speak about the importance and challenges of dialogue based on their field experiences, answering questions from multinational students and attendees.

【Participation Fee】Free

【Program】 
9:30-9:35 Opening Remarks 
9:35-10:20 Keynote Speaker: Duke Duchscherer 
10:30-11:15 Panel Discussion: Duke Duchscherer & Manabu Nakajima
11:15-12:00 Q&A  

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◉ Part 2: Circle Experience - Experience ‘Restorative Dialogue (Restorative Dialogue Circle)’

The afternoon session provides an opportunity to experience a Restorative Circle firsthand. Participants will personally experience the transformative power of dialogue discussed in the morning session, deepening their understanding not just intellectually but through embodied awareness. While participation starting from Part 2 is possible, we cannot accommodate entering or leaving mid-session. Please be seated by the start time.

【Participation Fee】 Students & Hiroshima University Faculty/Staff: Free 
General Public: Participants from Chugoku/Shikoku regions: ¥5,000 - ¥15,000 sliding scale 
Participants from other prefectures: ¥8,000 - ¥15,000 sliding scale 
*What is a sliding scale?* This system allows you to determine your contribution amount for this workshop based on your personal financial situation. Please choose an amount that does not compromise your livelihood.  

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◉ Part 3: Panel Discussion “What Does ‘Restorative’ Mean?”
[Overview] Duke, who has facilitated dialogue in conflict zones worldwide, and Nakajima, who has practiced dialogue “behind walls” – though their fields differ, both are rooted in the “restorative” philosophy and worldview.
What does “restorative” truly mean? How does it relate to us, who neither live in conflict zones nor within moats? Kyoko Yamamoto, who has engaged in restorative dialogue “before the moat,” will draw out insights from both speakers based on their field experiences. We'll explore these questions together over a shared meal.

【Participation Fee】
Students: Free (Only the cost of the vegetarian bento box will be charged)
General: Sliding scale from ¥5,000 to ¥7,000 (includes vegetarian bento box)
 

Contact

International Peace and Co-existence Program
Assosiate Prof. Tomoko KAKEE (tkakee[at]hiroshima-u.ac.jp)

*Please replace "[at]" with "@" when sending emails


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