Thesis Defense

Defending a Thesis in Japanese

The thesis defense (口頭試問) is one of the most challenging formal situations in Japanese academic life. It requires mastery of concessive structures and the ability to defend your position while showing respect.

～にもかかわらず (Despite / Notwithstanding)

This advanced concessive connector acknowledges a counter-fact while maintaining your argument:

• データの限界にもかかわらず、この結論は妥当である — "Despite the data limitations, this conclusion is valid"

～を踏まえて (Based on / Taking into account)

Shows that your argument considers prior evidence:

• 先行研究を踏まえて、新たな仮説を提案する — "Based on prior research, I propose a new hypothesis"

Defending vs Conceding

A skilled debater knows when to concede gracefully:

• ご指摘の点は確かに重要です。しかしながら... — "The point you raise is certainly important. However..."
• その批判はもっともですが、一方で... — "That criticism is valid, but on the other hand..."

Balance between defending your position (主張を守る) and acknowledging limitations (限界を認める) is the hallmark of C1 academic discourse.