Peace Research and Reflexive Solutions (PRAXIS) is a research group based at Hiroshima University with members dedicated to academically rigorous and policy-relevant research on various aspects of peacebuilding.
Last Zemi Day for 2025 
Welcoming Semester 2 of 2025 
Seminar on Systemic Constellations with Prof. Heike Schroeder of the University of East Anglia (Oct 2025) 
Seminar with Dr Michael Magcamit of the University of Manchester on the Ethics of Fieldwork (Jul 2025) 
Seminar with Dr Somya Joshi of the Stockholm Environment Institute on the Ethical Use of AI for Research (Jul 2025) 
July 2025 Birthday Celebration 
Seminar with Dr. Arbenita Sopaj of the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Tokyo about studying and working in Japan (Jul 2025) 
NERPS Conference in Manila 2025 (with DLSU Vice President Anthony Chiu) 
Christmas Party 2024 
Seminar with Dr. Hassan Virji, NERPS Advisor, about research funding and career after academia (Nov 2024) 
Welcome Picnic at Kagamiyama Park (Oct 2024) 
Birthday Celebration (Jul 2024) 
With seminar guests, Dr Michael Magcamit of the University of Manchester and Yohan Kim of the University of Leicester (Jul 2024) 
Post mid-term presentation celebration at Science Park (May 2024) 
Spring 2024 Hanami at Kagamiyama Park 
Final seminar for AY2023 with guests, Dr Leticia dos Muchangos of Tokyo University and Dr Tobias Ide of Murdoch University (Feb 2024) 
Seminar with Dr Ali Kharrazi of IIASA about effective PowerPoint presentations (Dec 2023) 
Seminar on Fieldwork with Dr Joshua Fisher of Columbia University (Nov 2023) 
Seminar on Policy-relevant Research with guest lecturer, Mark Manantan of Pacific Forum (Nov 2023) 
Welcoming Autumn at Kagamiyama Park (Oct 2023) 
Seminar on Writing Habits with guest lecturer, Dr Katherine Alfredo of University of South Florida (Jun 2023)
I welcome expressions of interest from students who wish to pursue their PhD and Masters research at Hiroshima University on topics related to International Relations theories, post-conflict peacebuilding, and the peace/conflict-environment nexus. Expressions of interest should include your CV and one-page research proposal containing your research question, research relevance, and methodology.
For more information about the application procedure at the International Peace and Co-existence Program of the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, click here for the Master’s program and here for the PhD program. Visit the Hiroshima University International Admissions Assistant System for support in your applications. Please visit here for scholarship information provided by Hiroshima University.
Other references for scholarships for international students in Japan:
– Scholarships for international students (MEXT)
– Japan Grant Aid for Human Resource Development (JDS)
Current Students
Gayan Sanjaya Perera Kahandawalaarachchi (Sri Lanka)
PhD Student (Oct 2023-), International Peace and Co-existence Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research topic: Exploring pathways to reconciliation: a case study on Sri Lanka
Hobbies: golf; badminton; traveling; volunteering for CSR activities
Quote of peace: “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – The Lord Buddha
“Upon the completion of my undergraduate degree in Management and Technical Sciences, I joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as a Commissioned Officer. During my 24-year-long distinguished military career in the Sri Lanka Air Force, I have made significant contribution to developing the operational and administrative domains of the Sri Lanka Air Force and has published several service papers for the betterment of the organization. After my bachelor’s degree, I completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. In recognition of my academic and research excellence, I was appointed as a lecturer at the Defence Services Command and Staff College, affiliated with Kotelawala Defence University of Sri Lanka. My fascination towards reconciliation and sustainable peace was triggered by the exposure I gained through my military career in the Sri Lanka Air Force. The International Peace and Co-existence Program of the University of Hiroshima is one of the finest designed programs suited for researchers interested in peace and conflict studies. The exceptional dedication, professional know-how of the faculty members, and friendly, pristine learning atmosphere within the University facilitate an enjoyable learning experience for each student. At the end of the Ph.D. program, I’m looking forward to contributing to sustainable peace and inter-cultural harmony in divided societies through research and practice.”
Diana Chebet Rotich (Kenya)
Master’s Student (Apr 2024-), International Peace and Co-existence Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research topic: Kenya’s role in regional intergovernmental organisation and peace & stability
Hobbies: enthusiast of athletics and architectural design
Quote of peace: “It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.” – Aristotle
“For my undergraduate, I did a bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the United States International University – Nairobi. During this time I realised that I needed to further my studies to hone my skills in research and also find my niche in this vast world of international relations. I chose to do the peace and international co-existence program at Hiroshima because it gave me exactly what I was looking for: a well-respected institution, brilliant lecturers with relevant research in my area of interest, as well as easily accessible information from the libraries that I have access to on campus and online. After gaining my master’s degree from Hiroshima University, I would like to apply my newly acquired knowledge by engaging relevant players in international relations in my country, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I can also use my research skills by working with non-governmental institutions that focus on regional Integration.”
Julia Nishio (Brazil)
PhD Student (Apr 2024-), International Peace and Co-existence Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research topic: Contributions of Brazil and Japan in multilateral forums in crafting security policies
Hobbies: swimming; cinema; podcast; photography
Quote of peace: “A human being has the right to live with dignity, equality and safety. There can be no security without true peace, and peace must be built on the firm foundation of human rights. The maintenance of peace and security is inextricably linked to the equality of rights between men and women.” – Sergio Vieira de Mello
“The opportunity to pursue my Ph.D. at Hiroshima University resonates deeply with both my personal aspirations and professional goals. My academic journey commenced with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, followed by a master’s degree in International Security and Defense from the Brazilian War College. This educational path, which included enriching exchanges in Peru and Mexico, underscores my unwavering dedication to comprehending and addressing contemporary global challenges.
Currently, as a scholarship holder for Japanese descendants, I am dedicated to exploring new pathways for peacebuilding while seeking to reconnect with my own cultural identity. The prospect of residing and studying in Hiroshima carries profound significance for me, offering a unique possibility to explore the historical significance of this place as a symbol of reconciliation and peace promotion. After completing my Ph.D., I aspire to collaborate with organizations or agencies dedicated to addressing emerging threats and fostering peace.”
Riyaz Karki (Nepal)
PhD Student (Oct 2024-), International Peace and Co-existence Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research topic: Gender-responsive disaster risk reduction in Nepal: towards environmental peacebuilding
Hobbies: football; guitar; research; beer
Quote of peace:
“After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, I pursued graduate studies in the same field, with a focus on Community Development, at Bangalore University, India. With several years of experience working in the development sector in Nepal, particularly with children and women, I discovered a growing passion for research. This led to my role as Lead Field Researcher for Peace Perspectives, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with NERPS at Hiroshima University, further solidifying my interest in academic research.
During my time as a research student at Hiroshima University, I had the opportunity to refine and deepen my research interests and abilities. This experience strengthened my decision to pursue a PhD in the International Peace and Co-existence Program, as it strongly aligns with my academic goals. The program offers the perfect environment for exploring interdisciplinary topics with the guidance of excellent supervisor, further enhancing my ability to contribute to meaningful research in peace and sustainability.
As the MEXT scholarship recipient, I am aware of the close ties that exist between Japan and Nepal and aim to incorporate best practices from Japan’s disaster management system into Nepal’s setting. I also intend to teach and conduct academic research to further our understanding of disaster contexts.”
Mohan KC (Nepal)
Master’s Student (Oct 2024-), International Peace and Co-existence Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research topic: Nepal Army’s contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping Operation: Lessons from Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Hobbies: traveling; watching movies; listening to music
Quote of peace: “We can never obtain Peace in the outer world until we make Peace with ourselves.” – The Lord Buddha
“After the completion of my master’s degree in Management, I joined civil service as a section officer. During my 8 years of career I had served at the district administration office, immigration office, and land and revenue office. Currently, I am serving at the Ministry of Defense where I learned more about Nepal Army’s contribution to peacekeeping missions. My academic goal of learning more about this topic aligns with the International Peace and Coexistence Program of Hiroshima University. Given that Nepal ranks first in troop contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations, it is important to draw lessons from their experiences to enhance their role in preventing war and violence.”
Akash Pandey (Nepal)
Master’s Student (Apr 2025-), International Peace and Co-existence Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research topic: Indigenous Approaches to Environmental Peacebuilding: The Case of Parma in Nepal
Hobbies: research; travelling (on my motorbike); hiking; trekking; volunteering; sports
Quote of peace: “It seems always impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela
“Upon completing my first master’s degree in Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, I spent some time reflecting on whether to continue my studies or pursue a professional career. This period of reflection helped me realize that I was much more interested in academia and wanted to further my academic engagement in the peace and conflict discipline. Therefore, I explored relevant courses offered in Japan and other countries and identified Hiroshima University as an ideal institution to pursue my research interests. As a MEXT scholarship recipient at Hiroshima, I am currently researching the nexus between Nepal’s indigenous practices and Environmental Peacebuilding. Environmental Peacebuilding, especially in Global South countries like Nepal, has received minimal scholarly attention, and the local turn in EP scholarship remains underexplored. By undertaking this study, I aim to inform peacebuilding scholarships by advancing localized dimensions of Environmental Peacebuilding. Aside from this, I am also interested in post-conflict peacebuilding, ex-combatants, transitional justice, critical anthropology, and labor migration, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches. I use qualitative methods to amplify the marginalized voices and inform policy and practice.”
Spina Rani Pk (Bangladesh)
Master’s Student (Oct 2025-), Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society
Research topic: Promoting Sustainable Peace by Enhancing the Services for Women and Children of Victim Support Centre (VSC) through Tech-Driven Integrated Management System: VSC, Chattogram Perspective
Hobbies: exploring cultures and communities through travel; writing
Quote of peace: Peace begins in the heart, spreads to the world.
“After completing my undergraduate and master’s degrees in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, I joined the Bangladesh Civil Service as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). During my training, I completed a second master’s in Police Science. In my career with the Bangladesh Police, I have served in diverse roles— from operational field duties and forensic laboratory work to policy formulation and direct engagement at the Victim Support Centre (VSC). These experiences have made me aware of the urgent need for technology-driven solutions to enhance service delivery for women and children who are victims of violence. My proposed research seeks to bridge this gap by developing a digital, integrated platform that strengthens case tracking, inter-agency coordination, and survivor support within VSCs. As a JDS Scholarship recipient at Hiroshima University, I aspire to contribute to sustainable peace by preventing crime and improving the criminal justice system through innovation and data-driven approaches.”
Tran Ngoc Vu Anh (Vietnam)
PhD Student (Oct 2025-), International Peace and Co-existence Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research topic: Between national and ecological security in the Anthropocene: A multi-level perspective on Vietnam’s energy transition under the Japan-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Hobbies: reading theories; listening to scholars’ podcasts; e-sports (DOTA and CS); drinking; discussing life with friends
Quote of peace: “Peace is preferable to war. But it is not an absolute value, and so we always ask, “What kind of peace?” – Noam Chomsky
“After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Studies, I spent a year working in the tourism and event management industry before joining the Vietnam People’s Army to fulfil my two-year military service. My time in service deepened my interest in political dynamics and causes of conflicts and motivated me to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations at the International University of Japan as an ADB-JSP scholar. Upon returning to Vietnam and working as a research assistant for the Radical Resilience project in Ho Chi Minh City’s climate transformation processes, I realized my passion for research and teaching, as well as my belief in the untapped potential of International Relations for integrative, cross-disciplinary inquiry. The International Peace and Co-existence Program at Hiroshima University, with its strong emphasis on bridging disciplinary boundaries to promote peace and sustainability, offers the ideal environment to pursue these aspirations and continue my academic journey. As an HU-SPRING scholar, I aim to study the dynamics of co-innovation and international cooperation to overcome socio-technical-economic barriers and accelerate towards sustainable transitions, as well as effectively addressing the urgency of the ecological crisis.”
Liliana Cabrera Meza (Mexico)
Special research student (Nov 2025), International Peace and Co-existence Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research topic: Water as a strategic resource in the 21st century: The case of the Guarani Aquifer
Hobbies: going for a walk, swimming, reading books with my children
Quote of peace: “An ignorant people is a blind instrument of its own destruction; educating it is ensuring peace.” – Simón Bolívar
“I am currently studying for a Master’s degree in International Relations at the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco campus, and I came to Hiroshima University to enrich a chapter of my research that reflects on the possibility of a conflict over the control of water from the Guarani Aquifer, since this natural resource has reinforced its strategic character in this century, as the world faces a time of water stress that keeps the international community on alert.
I want to understand the chaotic, ever-changing, and complex international reality we live in. I also want to understand how the process of achieving peaceful conflict resolution and peacebuilding is conceived from a different perspective from the Latin American one. Therefore, I believe that Hiroshima University, characterized by its high-caliber academics and professors and by an environment with profound historical and moral significance, will allow me to connect conflict and peace theory with a living, tangible reality that inspires ethical reflection and social commitment.
Upon returning to Mexico, I will apply the knowledge and analytical tools acquired in the conclusion of my thesis, and I will pursue a PhD to deepen my understanding of the political, social, and economic problems in Latin America and in my country, but this time trying to go further and propose and build solutions for the well-being of society.”
Dahlia Simangan 