La Maison Universitaire France-Japon, en collaboration avec The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), a le plaisir de vous convier à la conférence du:

Prof. Björn-Ole KAMM
Kyoto University, Professeur invité à l’Unistra

Sur le thème :
« Playing for Change in Japan: Neurodiversity Advocacy Through Performance Ethnography» 

INSCRIPTION OBLIGATOIRE: mujapon@unistra.fr
Conférence tout public, en anglais

Jeudi 26 mars 2026 à 17h30
À la Maison Universitaire France-Japon
42a, Avenue de la Forêt Noire à Strasbourg

Résumé:
This talk examines the precarious position of neuro-minorities within the Japanese social fabric and proposes a radical tool for advocacy: edu-larp (educational live-action role-playing). By integrating performance ethnography with transcultural and transformative learning, our research highlights the development of Sirius—11F84—Colours of Light. Created alongside neurodivergent collaborators, this immersive experience utilizes metaphorical gameplay to simulate the daily realities of sensory overload, social friction, chronic fatigue, and meeting the expectations of neurotypicals.
The project moves beyond simple “role-play” by employing a rigorous pedagogical framework—incorporating preparatory workshops and deep-dive debriefings—to offer participants a visceral, first-person look at the systemic barriers neuro-minorities face. Drawing on comparative feedback from participants in both Japan and Germany, I will discuss how this medium effectively disrupts ingrained biases and fosters a more nuanced understanding of neurodiversity.
By grounding the narrative in the social model of disability, the talk demonstrates how inclusive design isn’t just a benefit for a minority, but a pathway to a more cooperative and sustainable society. Ultimately, this session positions edu-larp as more than a game; it is a transformative tool for anthropological practice and a catalyst for actionable empathy in education and beyond.