Japanese History Research Articles

The Role of the Merchant Class in Japanese History: A Case Study of the Mitsui Family (1639-1895)

The birth of the Mitsui family was a necessity in the historical development of Japan in the context of changes in social classes, in particular, the role of the merchant class is increasingly recognized by the government through the contributions of merchants to the economic development of the country, onward, the unstable political situation and complicated financial and monetary confusion when there are two types of money, old and new, circulating at the same time. The Mitsui family which specialized in foreign trade and monetary finance, was born to promptly meet the changing and developing needs of Japan at that time. The main research methods are historical and logical. Using historical methods, we began to research the origins of the Mitsui family and the process of development and transformation of the business model from feudal society to capitalism. The logical method is used to determine the characteristics and nature of the relationship between economics and political values when analyzing the role of the Mitsui family according to a system. This study clarifies the formation conditions, ownership characteristics, form of management, and fields of activity of the Mitsui family as well as analyzes the role of this family in the development of Japan during the period of capitalism.

A Journey of Constitutional Rights in Japanese History

A Journey of Constitutional Rights in Japanese History

Playing with the Classics, Playing the Classics—The Cyborg Ninja Genji in the Video Game Overwatch

Tackling fundamental questions crucial for content creation in video game development, the article analyzes the cyborg ninja Genji character in an American video game Overwatch. It argues that Overwatch, while falling into global trends of Neomedievalism and techno-Orientalism, made Genji more famous and cooler (in the sense of the “Cool Japan” strategy) as a character and hero than ever before. It also emphasizes that since it is through Overwatch that most students currently access the term “Genji” online, the video game claimed the right to control the future of certain elements of premodern Japan’s cultural heritage.

Non-invasive identification of historical textiles and leather by means of external reflection FTIR spectroscopy

Identifying the fibres in historical textiles presents a complex challenge due to the wide variety of plant, animal and early synthetic materials that have been used. Traditionally, this identification process involves sampling followed by either microscopic examination or ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. However, there are instances when sampling is restricted due to the good condition or significant value of the object under analysis. Additionally, the presence of leather components alongside textiles can further complicate the identification. This paper proposes a novel non-invasive method for fibre identification based on External Reflection (ER) FTIR spectroscopy, which has been rarely applied to textiles or leather. The current research demonstrates that ER-FTIR spectrum is a viable tool for fibre identification on both recent and historical textiles. The non-invasiveness of the analytical approach enables a comprehensive investigation without compromising the number or position of samples. Respect to ATR-FTIR spectra, the ER-FTIR spectra frequently exhibit an amplification of certain diagnostic bands, facilitating the identification of the various fibres examined in this study (cotton, hemp, viscose, silk, wool, leather, polyamide, acrylic, polyester). The extended spectral range (7500–375 cm−1) which is provided by ER-FTIR spectrometry also contains extra bands in the near infrared region, which can provide key information for the discrimination due to the lack of distortion phenomena. The technique was applied to the characterisation of textile materials coming from a collection of 10 traditional Japanese samurai armours spanning from the 16th to the 20th century (Museo delle Culture, Lugano, Switzerland). For the first time, the results provided a comprehensive overview of the textiles utilized in Japanese armours across various historical periods. Overall, the appearance of materials in samurai armours reflects the evolution of armour-making techniques and the influence of socio-cultural factors throughout Japanese history. Synthetic and semi-synthetic materials were easily detected, revealing the occurrence of a past conservation treatment or the early adoption of modern man-made materials in the manufacturing of traditional armours. The approach outlined in this case study can be applied to textile collections of various kinds, offering a reliable mean to discern the yarn composition and detect non-original components. The method also appears as a valuable prescreening tool for designing a less intrusive yet more informative sampling strategy, should additional details about fibre type and dyeing be necessary.

Analysis of Japanese Cultural Patterns

Japan is a close neighbor of China. Since ancient times, China and Japan have had close cultural exchanges. The splendid Chinese culture has played an extremely important role in the course of Japanese history and the development of Japanese culture. The discussion of Japanese culture can enhance the understanding between the two peoples, and can also achieve the purpose of cross-cultural communication through the study of Japanese culture. Hosftede's cultural dimension theory and Minkov's cultural dimension theory used in this paper provide a strong theoretical basis and support for cultural analysis and interpretation in the context of the rapid development of globalization and cross-cultural communication. This paper makes a deep analysis of Japanese culture through seven cultural dimensions, from which it can be seen that Japan is a country with a relatively large power gap, a tendency to collectivism, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. At the same time, Japanese culture is a laissez-faire culture with strong flexibility and a tendency to universalism.

Who was entrusted with the development of the “Eastern Lands of the Ainu” in 1799 (According to the Diary Entries of Matsuda Denjuro)

In 1799, the military government Bakufu 幕府 transferred the Lands of the Ainu Ezochi 蝦夷地, which had previously been subordinate to the Matsumae Family 松前藩, under its direct control. These territories were divided into the Eastern Lands of the Ainu Higashi Ezochi 東蝦夷地 and the Western Lands of the Ainu Nishi Ezochi 西蝦夷地. The Japanese also included the southern islands of the Kuril ridge, Kunashir and Iturup, in the Eastern Lands; the border between the lands ran along the island of Hokkaido. It is known that by this time Japanese administration had been created only in the southern part of this island. It was extremely important for the bakufu to establish full control over these territories, as well as to prevent the penetration of Russian researchers and traders into the lands of the Ainu. Proxies of the military government were sent there to carry out this task. The diary entries of Matsuda Denju:ro:’s Tales of the Northern Barbarians provide a list of the leaders of the first sea crossing in Japanese history from Edo to Akkeshi in Hokkaido. An analysis of the titles and ranks of the listed leaders allows us to see the seriousness of the military government’s approach to preparing the expedition. This article is devoted to the translation and analysis of the list given in the Tales.

대한민국임시정부에 대한 일본 학계의 인식과 역사교과서의 서술 분석

In the first half of the twentieth century, during the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese general government in Korea and the Japanese central government did not recognize the Korean Provisional Government, dismissed it as an illegal organization(“shadow government”) and continuously suppressed its activities. As a result, the perception, description and evaluation of the Korean Provisional Government in some Japanese academic research and history textbooks remained very weak and scarce. In addition, many inaccurate and negative accounts have been found. Apart from the works of Sassa Mitsuaki(佐佐充昭), there are few contemporary works by Japanese scholars on the Provisional Government. Among Japanese history textbooks (on Japanese history and world history), those published by Shikkyo Publishing House stand out for giving a brief but relatively accurate account of the Provisional Government. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness of the Korean Provisional Government among Japanese scholars, promote comprehensive research and develop better ways to portray the Korean Provisional Government in Japanese textbook narratives. In this context, it is necessary to seek systematic solutions in the short, medium and long term. First, it will be necessary to strengthen and revitalize exchanges with international scholars and educators (especially Japanese scholars), including the promotion of more active joint research and joint publications. Second, it is necessary to promote research on the Provisional Government by Korean and foreign scholars and to internationalize, popularize and promote the results of such work. Third, more efforts should be made to improve the presentation of the activities of the Provisional Government in Japanese academic books, introductory books, humanities books and history textbooks. Fourth, Korean academic, educational and civil society organizations should promote more active and rigorous research and education on the subject. Fifthly, it is necessary to conduct free and honest research on the realities, achievements, successes and limitations of the Korean Provisional Government and the Korean Liberation Army. It will be important to promote discourse and storytelling and to create diverse content that can be consumed in everyday life. Finally, we must be careful not to ideologize under the influence of a particular political ideology or a teleological view of history in the way we perceive, evaluate and describe the Korean Provisional Government. In particular, it is necessary to reject ideologically biased perspectives from the Republic of Korea (South Korea), North Korea, Yanbian, China, Chinese and Japanese academia, Western academia and so on.

The Impact of Domestic Japanese Politics on the English East India Company in Japan, 1613–1623

Abstract The English East India Company’s (EIC) enterprise in Japan (1613–1623) is widely recognized as a failure. Scholars of the English-speaking world have emphasized the lack of vendible commodities, the EIC traders’ mismanagement, and Japanese hostility towards Christianity. Nevertheless, these narratives often overlook the political and strategic interests of Japan, in the era of political uncertainty after the long warring-states period. This paper re-examines the EIC traders’ records against recent studies on Japanese politics. The careful observations of political movements surrounding the Siege of Osaka (1614–1615) reveal how the EIC traders were involved in the dynamics of Japanese history. Within the framework of mercantile connections supported by “mutual benefits,” the present study demonstrates how the EIC gradually faced difficulties as the Japanese interests shifted, thus arguing that not only European overseas activity but also the active endeavor of the Asian counterparts significantly influenced global interactions of the early seventeenth century.

The sakoku period and the current state of English learning in Japan

ABSTRACT The so-called sakoku period in Japan spans the mid-seventeenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries and has acquired a legendary status, even among people who might otherwise be unfamiliar with Japanese history. The word sakoku is often translated as national isolation, and this period was traditionally seen as a time when Japan was totally cut off from the outside world, aside from a solitary trading post in Nagasaki. Some scholars have argued that a form of isolationism, stemming from a distrust of foreign influences, has persisted in Japan ever since, as evidenced by the extremely strict border controls enforced during the Covid pandemic, and which can also help to explain Japan’s relatively poor performance in terms of English proficiency. However, there is compelling evidence that the sakoku phenomenon has been exaggerated historically, particularly in the West, and that such arguments can therefore be ascribed to a form of Eurocentrism.

On the Educational Significance of Historical Textbooks for Adolescents' Ideological Consciousness, and Their Impact on Sino-Japanese Relations — Taking the Changes in Narrations on the War of Resistance against Japan in Chinese and Japanese History Textbooks as an Example

Significant disparities exist in the narratives of the Sino-Japanese War (1931-1945) as presented in Chinese and Japanese history textbooks. Both countries, influenced by their unique political, economic, and cultural stances, have made diverse revisions to their history textbooks at different times. This paper compares narrative changes in the history textbooks of both countries, contending that textbook revisions aim to shape adolescents' ideological consciousness and historical perspectives, influencing their political socialization tendencies and behaviors. As Japan refashions its historical textbooks, it impedes the young generation's ability to glean insights from history, potentially cultivating a cohort characterized by unwarranted arrogance yet lacking a sense of responsibility. The ongoing discourse surrounding historical textbooks consistently rekindles poignant memories among the Chinese populace, instilling fears of Japan repeating the errors of militarism and consequently, fortifying the younger generation's recollection of a humiliating past. China and Japan, not only wielding significant influence on regional security in East Asia but also playing pivotal roles in global peace and stability, should embrace equitable and amicable exchanges. Such exchanges can foster increased mutual trust and reciprocal benefits, representing the appropriate path for China and Japan, nations separated by a narrow body of water with a longstanding history of friendship.

Gender Noncomforming Practices and Identities in Japanese History and the Emergence of New Transgender Identities in the 21st Century

Gender Noncomforming Practices and Identities in Japanese History and the Emergence of New Transgender Identities in the 21st Century

从中国文化视角看日本文学经典《源氏物语》

“Genji Monogatari” is a famous literary work in Japanese history. It is known as the “peak of Japanese literature” and is generally recognized by academic circles as the world's first full-length novel. But at the same time, because the author Murasaki Shikibu has a profound knowledge of Chinese culture, the shadow of Chinese elements can be seen everywhere in the work. This book is very similar to the legends and Bianwen of the Tang Dynasty in my country, but the article is correct and elegant, and the prose is full of charm. In addition, he quotes a large number of historical facts from Han Dynasty poetry and Chinese classical books, and the author cleverly hides them in moving storylines, giving this book a strong flavor of Chinese classical literature. This article aims to analyze the Chinese elements reflected in “Genji Monogatari” and compare its spiritual connotation with the spiritual connotation of Chinese culture. Using “Genji Monogatari” as a literary representative reflected in Japanese culture, it explores the differences between Chinese culture and Japanese culture and the outstanding manifestations of cultural exchanges between China and Japan. It has deepened our understanding of cultural exchanges between China and Japan, and jointly promoted cultural development and literary creation through mutual learning, learning from each other's strengths, and our own innovation.

Conversion and Revitalization of Buddhist Otera in Japan: A Religiosity-Historicity Study

This research examines the conversion of function which is also known as the revitalization of Buddhist Otera in Japan through religiosity-historicity studies. It is important to use the religiosity-historicity study to examine two important aspects, namely the religiosity aspect because this is related to the traditional functions of the religious practices of Buddhists in Japan, and the historicity aspect because this event has developed far and even concerns tourism issues in Japan. The aims of this research were formulated 1) to describe the concept of Otera life from the aspect of Buddhism as part of a religious phenomenon in Japanese history, and 2) to find the conceptual reasons for the transition from Otera Buddhism to accommodation with a religious nuance for tourism purposes. The research method applied is qualitative descriptive research, while the source of data is library research and review by utilizing documents related to the research topic using exploratory theory. The research results show that the conversion of Otera Buddha to Hera-Taka accommodation with the Omotenashi concept does not leave the essence of Otera for the community to maintain the religious values they adhere to. The transition from Otera Buddha to accommodation with the Omotenashi concept offers three different service spaces, namely public space, private space and sacred space. Public space omotenashi is a hospitality service in the form of a room that can be used by visiting guests. Omotenashi in private spaces takes the form of room service by looking at the layout, decoration of facilities and infrastructure in the room. Omotenashi in sacred spaces is a service provided when guests visit Otera with various rules that must be followed in order to respect the space because it is related to elements of belief.

Analysis of the Differences and Causes of Chinese and Japanese History Textbooks

The publication of Japanese middle school history textbooks caused great controversy between China and Japan, as well as between Japan and East Asian countries. This paper compares the differences in title, cause, content, illustration, and other aspects of Chinese and Japanese history textbooks in describing specific historical events, and finds through the analysis of differences that China is more objective in recording historical facts, while Japan has behaviors such as downplaying, distorting and denying historical facts. On this basis, the study believes that the reason for the difference between Chinese and Japanese history books is that China and Japan have different identities, traditional cultures, and goal pursuits. At the same time, only by proposing measures to narrow the existing differences between China and Japan by urging Japan to face up to and acknowledge relevant history, establish a common historical research organization, and promote cultural exchanges between the two countries can the relations between China and Japan develop healthily and in the long term.

Japan for Example – National Character as the Driving Force of National Progress in Thai Conservative Writings about Japan

Abstract Japan has been considered a role-model for the successful pursuit of ‘progress’ or national development in Siam/Thailand since the late 19th century. As this article shows, the Japanese exemplar played a significant role in Siamese/Thai political discourse, with three of the kingdom’s most important conservative thinkers – King Vajiravudh, Luang Wichit Wathakan, and Mom Ratchawong Kukrit Pramoj – writing in detail about Japanese history and interpreting Japanese battlefield and economic successes as the outcome of the national character of the Japanese. In contrast, the role of political institutions and institutional change in shaping human decisions and actions has been largely ignored by them. The message of these works is that to pursue national ‘progress’, the Siamese/Thai need to be more like the stereotypical Japanese, and become more disciplined, and patriotic, as well as cooperating for the national good rather than pursuing particular interests.

Exploring the Paradox of Hope and Ambivalence in Short-lived Japanese Colonialism in Indonesia

Unlike the European colonial powers that sought long-term political control and resource exploitation, Japan's colonial ambitions in Southeast Asia primarily emerged during the period of World War II driven by its imperial expansionist goals. The unique nature of Japan's colonial history in Southeast Asia deserves further in-depth research and analysis. This paper explores Japan's colonial policies, highlighting the exploitative nature of its colonial economy and its imperialistic character. While Japan portrayed itself as a liberator and unifier of Asia, opposing Western imperialism, its colonial rule in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, often involved varying degrees of exploitation, coercion, and brutal repression. Furthermore, this paper argues for an understanding of the complex role that this colonial process played in shaping Indonesia's development trajectory. The analysis explores the impact of Japanese colonialism on Indonesia from various angles, including national consciousness, economy, and cultural dissemination. Additionally, it examines the intricate interactions between Japanese colonial authorities and the Indonesian government, people, and democratic activists, which eventually fueled the independence movement in Indonesia.

滿洲國 高級小學校 『國史敎科書』의 편찬 배경과 체계

This paper aims to shed light on the characteristics of history education in Manchukuo by analyzing the textbook Advanced Elementary School History Textbook(『高級小學校·國史敎科書』)published by the Ministry of Education of Manchukuo in 1935. Specifically, it examines how Japanese colonial ideology was applied to Manchukuo’s history education through an analysis of the textbook’s compilation background and structure. Chapter I investigates the compilation process and subject involved in the creation of textbooks by the Ministry of Education of Manchukuo, utilizing materials related to textbook compilation. Chapter II analyzes the motives and purposes behind the textbook’s compilation based on the political and ideological discourses of Japanese colonialists who participated in the establishment of Manchukuo at the time, as well as the research conducted by Japanese historians in the early 20th century. Finally, Chapter III examines the structure and characteristics of the table of contents of Advanced Elementary School History Textbook(『高級小學校·國史敎科書』), comparing and contrasting it with the content of Chapter II.

역사왜곡 대응방안에 관한 예비적 고찰

This paper aims to develop a strategy of countermeasures against pro-Japanese history distortions on the Korean history. Korean history has long been distorted by Japanese historians and their Korean students under the influence of the Japanese imperial power in 20th century. And the intensity of this distortions, become deeper and wider in recent years, has threaten the stability of the national identity and people’s mental health.
 This article is composed of 3 chapters and introductory remarks. In the first chapter, the past salient instances of distortions made by pro-Japanese groups were over-viewed focusing on the era of the second half of the 20th century. Those instances included are War-indemnity, History-textbooks for the middle and high school students, Dok-do Island, Sex slaves in Japan imperialism, Etc.
 Second chapter introduces the countermeasures against those pro-Japanese distortions, practiced by Korean people and government. It includes government’s official letter of protest, people’s social movement organization formation and it’s protest gathering and marches. Reviewing this responses, this paper is inspected on the perspective of social movement theory.
 Third part shows the strategy of the newly constructed counter-measures against history distortions. This new counter-measure is constructed as a conceptual system, composed of 4 elements including subjects, aims, resources, and object of social movement. These elements construct a social movement action system on the base of the concerted inter-relationship of those 4 elements, named the counter-measure system against history distortions. This new countermeasure system can improve the ratio of success and achievement in the counter-measure social movements against history distortions.

전후 일본 역사 학습지도요령의 변천과 특징

전후 일본 역사 학습지도요령의 변천과 특징

Why Russia has botched diplomacy with Japan: comparisons of 2013–23 and the late 1980s

The prevailing narrative from the Brezhnev era to the present holds that Moscow’s relations with Tokyo failed to achieve a breakthrough due to a territorial dispute lingering from 1956. Japan had demanded the return of all four islands seized by the Soviet Union after Japan had announced its surrender, but Moscow had insisted on no islands or hinted at two. A different argument is made here: The primary culprit in the two periods when diplomacy took off was Moscow’s skewed thinking about Japan. Rejecting arguments for complementarity, historical parallelism, and balance of power, Russian writings in the late 1980s and 2013–2023 saw little value in Japan. Regardless of Gorbachev’s ‘New Thinking’ and Putin’s ‘Turn to the East’, the intellectual groundwork for rapprochement never materialized. This was a harbinger of other negativity about Japanese history, the Japan-U.S. alliance, and Japan’s ‘disrespect’. Failure to assess Tokyo accurately, including its many reasons for pursuing Moscow, testifies to a warped understanding of geopolitics as well as geo-economics owing to a distorted national identity. Misjudging Japan in each period paved the way to greater hostility to the West that followed.