The conference will take place in the city of Hikone, in Shiga Prefecture in Japan, between October 23 (Tue) and 26 (Fr), 2018, followed by post-conference tour to the western regions of Japan. Hikone is known as typical “castle city” (joka-machi) formulated in the course of the 16th and the 17th centuries with the construction of a castle in the centre. This castle, designed for Lord Ii, is among the five castles in Japan designated as national treasure. The defensive system is elaborated by double moat system as well as steep stone walls around the compound. In parallel with the castle tower (tenshukaku) above the hill, sophisticated residences and pavilions are situated on the lower land with subtle and profound artistic flavour.