Presentation at Forum of Brazilian Researchers and Brazilian Community in Japan

On September 21st, 2025, Suzy Sakano, a current 2nd-year student at SIPS, participated in the Third Forum of Brazilian Researchers and the Brazilian Community in Japan, organized by the Associação de Pesquisadores Brasileiros no Japão (ABrJ). Held both online and in person at Keio University, the forum celebrated 130 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Japan, highlighting the role of science, collaboration, and community in fostering stronger international ties.

At the event, Suzy presented her Master’s research, titled “AI as a Cultural Mirror: Representation of Race and Gender in AI-Generated Images.” Her research seeks to advance peace studies in the online environment, hypothesizing that technology mirrors societies’ embedded beliefs, such as racism and sexism. By analyzing outputs from Google’s Gemini AI, her research identifies visual signs and cultural references that reveal potential biases within AI responses. These findings contribute to peace studies in online environments, demonstrating how technology can perpetuate societal prejudices while also offering opportunities to recognize and challenge them.

The forum also showcased the vibrant Brazilian research community in Japan, highlighting researchers’ dedication to both academic advancement and community engagement. Many presentations emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration that strengthens cultural ties while supporting equitable and socially responsible practices. Suzy felt that it was really inspiring to feel as a part of the community and see how much people are seeking their beliefs to create a better society, and also are supporting each other’s research.

Suzy expressed gratitude for the guidance of their academic adviser, Dr. Lydia Ayame Hiraide, and the encouragement of her seminar colleagues. Their support has been invaluable to her in pursuing research that bridges technology, culture, and peace.