Academic Bar

On May 25, I visited the academic bar “Kisi Kyoto” in Ichijoji, Kyoto.

This academic bar is a place brimming with intellectually stimulating conversations that take place with graduate students, researchers, and specialists who work as daily-rotating bartenders, with a drink (including non-alcoholic ones) to enjoy in hand.

A First-Timer Welcome, An Inviting Atmosphere

Academic Discussions Unfolding

Now then, what is today’s theme, “The Cocktail of Business and Academia” exactly?

This theme’s contents say that learning (academia) is a non-profit activity and that the primary focus is on the pursuit of knowledge. Business, on the contrary, is a for-profit activity that centers on the idea of how to make money. These two are clearly contradictory, but do they ever intersect?

This was the agenda for the discussion unravelling.

There was no conclusive landing, but I did get to know the two bartenders’ and the high school students’ honest opinions and ideas about academics and business.

I gained a lot of knowledge that I did not have before due to the specialized dialogue, but the discussion was so enthusiastic and heated that I, as an international student, had to do my best just to understand it as it became increasingly intense and fast-paced.

Nevertheless, so long as the discussion was professional and interesting, even if the conversation expanded or turned into something that didn’t exactly align with the theme it seemed good to me, so I would definitely like to return and actively participate in the next discussion.

One of the Few Places Where Students Can Debate

Perhaps the most famous thing about French café culture is that the “chatter” never stops. There, philosophers, artists, social activists, and citizens from all walks of life gather to discuss life, society, politics, among other topics over coffee and engage in discussions and dialogues that are said to be the driving force behind society.

Recently in Japan, stores similar to French cafés, such as “philosophy cafes” and “dialogue cafes,” have been established, but even still it is difficult to find a place where students can easily go. I think this would be a good opportunity for international students to learn more about these “revolution starter” Japanese students.

The academic bar “Kisi Kyoto” hosts a variety of themes each time. How about visiting and finding a day with a discussions that is exactly what you’re looking for?

For the monthly schedule, please visit their website!