27th annual conference (2026)

Society for Phenomenology and Media

 

In the 21st century, the late Don Ihde, the leader of post-phenomenology, wrote

 

"Bodies, bodies everywhere. Philosophy, feminist thought, cultural studies, science studies, all seem to have :rediscovered bodies. In part this may be because we have had to do some reflection upon being embodied in relation to the various new technologies that we are encountering in the twenty-first century."

 

In our present moment, Ihde's words resonate with unprecedented profundity, challenging our conventional thinking. As Merleau-Ponty eloquently articulated, the body functions as a medium through which we experience the world and this intrinsic mediality is now entering a transformative phase, propelled by remarkable scientific and technological breakthroughs. Today's world teems with diverse entities embodied in myriad forms, from humanoids that mirror our own physicality to artificial intelligences and robotic systems that diverge radically from human embodiment. Our coming Conference this year explores "Body as a Medium Revisited," and we eagerly anticipate thought-provoking contributions that forge connections between phenomenology, post-phenomenology, and various research frameworks, examining the expansive intersection of embodiment and mediation.

This conference is co-sponsored by Chukyo University and the Faculty of International Studies of Chukyo University.

 

 

SPM general focus:

 

We also welcome proposals on these and related questions within different theoretical paradigms, including phenomenology, post-phenomenology, queer phenomenology,  affect theory, critical theory, cultural studies, hermeneutics, Marxism, New Historicism, post-colonial theory, pragmatism, semiotics, speech-act theory, etc. We encourage participation from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, media studies, communication, psychology, history, political science, sociology, rhetoric, literary theory, cognitive science, cultural studies, and other fields. Individual papers and panels need not be limited to phenomenological approaches.

 

 

Registration

 

 

Call for papers

 

Submission Guidelines

 

All papers must be original and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference. Abstracts (150-250 words) for the following paper categories are welcome:

 

    Full papers

 

    Posters

 

    Proposals for 3-person panels are also accepted. These can be organized around specific media. For example: film, the Internet, mobile communication, dance, performance, print media (books, newspapers, and magazines), mixed reality experience (VR and/or AR), television, visual art, etc. Panel proposals should include three abstracts, including one by the panel organizer. All members of the panel need to be listed on the panel abstract, including email addresses. Individual abstract submissions will be assigned to a panel by the conference host.

 

    While individual papers and panels are not limited to phenomenological approaches, SPM encourages interdisciplinary approaches and theoretical and philosophical diversity in the discussion of media.

 

    Doctoral students are invited to submit proposals but should note that SPM limits the number of papers from students.

 

    Deadline for abstracts: December 1, 2025

 

    Acceptance rollout (occurring until the deadline of January 15, 2026)

 

    Deadline for conference registration (through PayPal): February 10, 2026

 

 

Venue and Schedule

 

Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan

 

All sessions of the conference will be held at the Chukyo University, Center building close to Exit 5 of Yagoto Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line.

 

https://www.chukyo-u.ac.jp/english/campus/f1.html

 

Center Building

 

Yamate Hall

CHUKYO Terrace

Room 0401

Room 0402

Room 0603

 

 

●23 March: Arrivals, Welcome Reception in the evening   CHUKYO Terrace

●24-26 March: Conference Sessions  Yamate Hall, Room 0401, Room 0402, Room 0603●25    March: Board meetings (18h)

●27-28 March: Phenomenological activities at Tokugawa Museum & Temples and Shrines in Nagoya

 

 

 

Organizing Committee

 

●Shoji Nagataki, Ph.D, 2026 Program Chair, 2020-2023 SPM Vice President

●Nicola Liberati, Ph.D., SPM President, 2022 Program Chair

●Luis Acebal, Ph.D., SPM Treasurer

 

 

Contact

 

Please refer to the SPM website for further information:

https://www.societyforphenomenologyandmedia.org

 

Any questions regarding the conference and submissions may be directed to:

shojinagataki@gmail.com

 

 

Accommodations

 

There are many hotels near Fushimi Station (Tsurumai Line and Higashiyama Line), providing convenient access to the venue.