Islam in Japan and the Cultural Imperative with Dr. Naoki Yamamoto: Shajarat Al Nur - Feb 15, 2025

 YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/0vRcRnrpf7s?si=6SUtjG3NGgBJn8oM

Talk Objective: In this virtual talk, under the theme of Suḥba, we explore the historic connection between Islam and Japanese culture and tradition. Dr. Naoki Yamamoto highlights how the dimension of iḥsan within the Islamic tradition plays a pivotal role in reviving and renewing traditional Japanese cultural practices and ethics. He also touches on aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony and its profound cultural significance. 

Speaker Profile: Dr. Qayyim Naoki Yamamoto is currently an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Turkic Studies, Marmara University. He completed his PhD at the Graduate School of Asia and Africa Studies, Kyoto University, in 2018. Dr. Yamamoto specializes in Ottoman Tasawwuf and traditional Japanese culture. His publications include a Japanese translation of Sulami’s ‘Kitāb al- Futuwwa’ and ‘Introduction to Tasawwuf: A Comparison with Shonen Manga (Shueisha Web Essay Series).

’ The Theme – Suḥba: Companionship has been the cornerstone – the beating heart – of traditional Islamic communities. Whether through seeking the guidance of a murshid (guide) to gain esoteric knowledge, building zāwiyahs (communal centers) for spiritual cultivation and craft refinement, or exchanging ideas and cultural inspirations, these practices have paved the way for soteriological blossoming within the Islamic tradition. In this series of talks, we explore this topic – steeped in spiritual depth and historical context. About Us: Shajarat al-Nur is dedicated to reviving traditional cognitive frameworks embedded and influenced by the science of the heart – “iḥsan.” We draw inspiration from spiritual cultivation to respond to contemporary challenges while remaining grounded and connected through pursuing excellence and knowledge. 

Our mission at Shajarat al-Nur is to illuminate the path to the traditional sciences through engaging talks and live events led by renowned scholars and experts.