30/03/2026
We regret to inform you of the sudden passing of our colleague, Silva contributor, and above all a dear friend, Dr. Agata Fijałkowska, at the age of only 41.
Agata received two MA degrees, in Japanese and Chinese studies, both from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. She pursued her PhD at National Chengchi University, where in 2022 she defended her thesis entitled “The Dynamics of Policy-Making Process in Kantei: The Case of the Accommodation Industry in 2018 Immigration Law Reform.”
Her research interests reflected her personal beliefs—she was deeply engaged with issues of social injustice, actively supporting marginalized groups and voicing criticism of policies that diminish the dignity of human beings.
She authored the paper “The Political Economy of ISA’s Decision-Making: The Case of the Residence Card Checker Application,” published in Silva Iaponicarum Fasc. 66, in which she critically assessed Japanese immigration policies. The text demonstrated both her academic and personal commitment to issues related to multicultural coexistence in Japan—the country where Agata spent the last decade.
Over the last two years, we spoke on several occasions about her next contribution to Silva, still in early draft form and awaiting completion at some point in the future. It is still hard to believe that it will never come to pass.
Agata’s vast knowledge and critical, always well-argued views left a lasting impression on her interlocutors, but even more so did her humility and exceptional kindness. Incredibly caring, forgiving, and generous toward others, she always held herself to the highest standards.
A tour guide in Japan, co-author of guidebooks, enthusiastic aikido practitioner, academic, advocate for social justice and animal rights, Agata showed her energy and commitment across many fields. Yet no matter how many projects she was involved in or how much she had going on, she was always someone who would show up when others needed help.
She is, and wil be, deeply missed.
