Prof. Dr. TOLGA ÖZŞEN

Tolga Özşen is a Full Professor of Japanese Studies in the Department of Japanese Language Teaching at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (COMU), Türkiye, where he also serves as a Vice Director of the Center for Academic Integrity. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Sociology from Kumamoto University, Japan, and maintains an active international link with his alma mater as a Liaison Professor.

Dr. Özşen’s research is defined by two primary pillars: the complex dynamics of social change in postwar Japan and the evolution of Japanology education. Within his sociological studies, he explores various dimensions of Japanese society, including social structures, rural revitalization, the national education system, and the integration of foreign residents. In the field of Japanology education, he addresses critical challenges regarding academic integrity, specifically focusing on the ethical integration of technology and AI within Japanese language curricula in the digital era.

As a dedicated educator and researcher, Dr. Özşen is committed to fostering academic, social, and cultural bridges between Türkiye, the E-MENA region, and Japan. Through international collaboration and rigorous scholarship, he aims to deepen mutual understanding and promote ethical academic practices globally.

Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Özşen is a dedicated practitioner of Kendo. Having started his journey in 2004, he currently holds the rank of 3rd Dan. In 2011, he founded the Canakkale Kendo (Can-Ken) dojo, where he continues to lead and practice, marking 22 years of commitment to the discipline.