習志野俘虜収容所とポーンペイ (旧称ポナペ) 人捕虜の帰還

Abstract

The spirit of Nissology lies in “research conducted on islands which can benefit islanders”. In order to provide research results to islanders in a way that is useful to them, what kind of practice and research process is required? And in what circumstances could we say that we returned the results as best as possible? In order to “return the results”, as first steps, we need to share common perceptions of history, focus on trans-culturalism, have a process to establish equal relationships, and advocate for the people living in the island.The purpose of this document is to illustrate the potential of Oral History. It uncovers the history of interaction between the Japanese and Ponape captives and demonstrates the historical fact that they abided by the law of war, cultivated friendships through mutual understanding and cultural interaction, and handed down relations of trust to posterity from the viewpoint of Multicultural Education.Since the Micronesian islands traditionally do not have writing, it was difficult to uncover facts about their history. However, it was encouraging to both sides that Japanese served as a common language with the Ponape. We were able to share appreciation of our mutual history while we learned the culture surrounding the Japanese language as well as the traditional culture of Micronesia.