Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Feb. 25 to Mar. 3

HOPE! Speaking Competition 2026

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Amherst’s annual speaking competition will be held in Johnson Chapel from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 10 student speakers across all class years will present their persuasive speeches based on the theme “HOPE.” Join the college in listening to what matters to each of the inspirational speakers! Speaking prizes will be awarded at the end of the event. 

“Cool Japan” — Concrete Policy or Illusion?

On Thursday, Feb. 26, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Fayerweather Hall room 113, Professor of Economics at Doshisha University Nobuko Kawashima will discuss how the Japanese government has aimed to profit from the rise of Japanese popular culture since the 2000s, particularly by adopting the ‘policy’ Cool Japan. In this lecture, Professor Kawashima will examine the background and emergence of the policy, its stated aims, implemented programs, and gradual transformation since the early 2000s. Her research focuses on cultural policy, cultural economics, and the creative industries. She has extensive experience in policy-making and evaluation for the government and its agencies at the local and national levels, including chairing the Japanese government’s Council for Cultural Policy Making. 

Restorative Practices: How Do I Strengthen My Team?

On Tuesday, Mar. 3, the Center for Restorative Practices and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be hosting a virtual event from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will be a Restorative Community Building Circle that aims to help foster trust, connection, and conflict reduction. Open to students, staff, faculty, alumni, and off-campus participants, the circle will promote empathy-building storytelling that strengthens team bonds and addresses tensions constructively.