De Liefde Club ⁄ Detail of the event
Lecture by Prof. Tzvetana Kristeva
| Date | Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:00-13:00 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Residence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Others | Event for DLC & JNS members only Theme: ‘Light and Shadows in The Tale of Genji -a masterpiece of Classical Japanese Literature from the beginning of the 11th C.-’ |
We held the lecture ‘Light and Shadows in the Tale of Genji’ by ICU Emerita Prof. Tzvetana
Kristeva on January 30th, having 45 participants including H.E. Marieta Arabadjieva,
Ambassador of Bulgaria to Japan. Mme. Louise Beschoor Plug-Wesseling, in her opening
remarks, introduced the history of the Netherlands ambassador’s residence (built in 1928)
where the event was held. In this venue, filled with the tranquility and brightness reminiscent of Dutch paintings, the professor explained the subtle shades of human emotions depicted in ‘The Tale of Genji’ (early 11th century), based on the structure of the exchanged waka poems. She emphasized that ‘the intermediate space’ of the Japanese language both highlights and obscures the coexistence of conflicting emotions, serving as a mechanism that can later leave behind beauty. At the reception, attendees were able to ask further questions and have their books signed, deepening their interaction with the professor.
Kristeva on January 30th, having 45 participants including H.E. Marieta Arabadjieva,
Ambassador of Bulgaria to Japan. Mme. Louise Beschoor Plug-Wesseling, in her opening
remarks, introduced the history of the Netherlands ambassador’s residence (built in 1928)
where the event was held. In this venue, filled with the tranquility and brightness reminiscent of Dutch paintings, the professor explained the subtle shades of human emotions depicted in ‘The Tale of Genji’ (early 11th century), based on the structure of the exchanged waka poems. She emphasized that ‘the intermediate space’ of the Japanese language both highlights and obscures the coexistence of conflicting emotions, serving as a mechanism that can later leave behind beauty. At the reception, attendees were able to ask further questions and have their books signed, deepening their interaction with the professor.
