Hiroshima & Tokyo Debate Seminars

Building on the success of the recent Spring Seminar2008, and with the generous support of the Australia-Japan Foundation, Free Debate sent coach Rob Koh to Hiroshima and Tokyo.

Rob assisted delivering a one-day introductory seminar to local and exchange school students in Hiroshima, debating the very serious topic That This House Would Abolish the Death Penalty.

Following attendance at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on 6 August, Rob attended the Tokyo International Academic Conference on Argumentation and then the Takadate Cup, a freshman university tournament hosted by Keio University, where Rob was a last minute entrant in the competition!

Finally, Rob conducted a 3-day Intensive Debate Camp (IDC) for university level debaters (pictured above), teachers and the Japanes National Schools Team, covering topics including economics, politics and cross-cultural communication. The camp was a great success and also allowed Rob to do some shopping in the famous Shimokita district!

Please contact us if you were a participant of IDC9 and would like a soft copy of the materials.

Free Debate would like to thank the generous support of Masako Suzuki for organising this itinerary and looking after Rob during his stay!

Call for Application for 2008 Hiroshima-Tokyo Debate Seminars Trainer

Free Debate Inc, is seeking an Australian debating coach to attend the 2008 Hiroshima-Tokyo Debate Seminars, from 4-14 August 2008.

Free Debate Incorporated, in cooperation with our Japanese partners, will send an Australian debating coach to Hiroshima and Tokyo in August 2008 to deliver a number of debating and communication skills seminars. The Seminars are supported by the Australian Commonwealth Government through the Australian-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The programme will focus on high school and university students who have limited debating opportunities.

This exciting new project involves coaching both high school students and university debaters, as well as presenting and attending at a prestigious academic conference sponsored by the Japan Debate Association with the convention theme “Argumentation, the Law & Justice.” The coach selected will also have the opportunity to attend significant cultural events in Japan, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony as part of the project.

Main Elements of the Program:

• 5-7 August 2008 - Hiroshima - Attend Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony (6 August) and deliver introductory debating seminar to high school students


• 8-10 August 2008 - Tokyo - Attend and present at the Tokyo International Academic Conference on Argumentation


• 11-14 August 2008 - Tokyo - Deliver advanced debating, adjudication and critical thinking course to university level debaters

For information about applying for this project, email freedebate1@gmail.com. Applications are due Friday 6th June 2008.