The Department of Far Eastern Studies hosted the international symposium “Education in Japan and Its Adaptation in Kazakhstan”

On 22 November 2025, the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted the international symposium titled “Education in Japan and Its Adaptation in Kazakhstan.” The event brought together leading scholars from Japan and Kazakhstan, education specialists, and experts involved in transforming pedagogical practices.

The goal of the symposium was to thoroughly analyze the distinctive features of Japan’s education system, identify its strengths and limitations, and explore how successful Japanese practices can be effectively adapted to Kazakhstan’s educational context. The event aimed to promote academic exchange in Kazakh, Russian, and English.

Participants discussed key topics such as Japan’s model of upbringing, educational philosophy, pathways for pedagogical transformation, and the everyday working culture of Japanese schools. Each session concluded with Q&A and open discussion.

From the event program:

• Japan’s Education System: Myths and Reality. Why the Japanese model should not be idealized
Kuanysh Tastanbekova, PhD, Associate Professor, Institute of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba

• From Observation to Action: Japanese Pedagogy Through the Eyes of Kazakhstan’s Educational Reform Leaders
Almagul Kanagatova, Founder and CEO of Global Nomad Education, Doctor of Philosophy

• Integrating Upbringing and Education: Application of Japanese Experience in Kazakhstani Schools
Shynar Saudanbekova, Director of Mirai School – the Kazakh-Japanese School, PhD, Senior Lecturer at Al-Farabi KazNU

• Japan’s Education System: Harmony of Tradition and Modernity
Dinara Alpysbai, MA, Faculty of Oriental Studies, Al-Farabi KazNU

Organizers:

• Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of Oriental Studies
• Kazakhstan Association of Japan Studies