"Fukuzawa Yukichi's Asian Strategy"

Naoaki Hiraishi, Emeritus Professor of Japanese Political History, Tokyo University, Japan

Professor Naoaki HIRAISHI, CJS distinguished visiting scholar will be in residence for a month from September 20 through October 19.  Currently emeritus professor of Japanese political thought at the Institute of Social Science (University of Tokyo), Professor Hiraishi is an eminent and wide-ranging scholar, whose books include studies of the Confucian philosopher Ogyû Sorai, a survey history of Tokugawa political thought, and an essay on the notion of  “Heaven” (ten) in Japanese thought.  In his many articles, Professor Hiraishi has taken up topics in Meiji and postwar thought, focusing particularly on the figures of Fukuzawa Yukichi and Maruyama Masao. 

The seminar will focus on Fukuzawa’s famous 1885 text, “Datsu-A ron” (Leaving Asia Behind).   Faculty and students in all areas of Japanese studies are warmly welcome to attend.  This will be a great opportunity to discuss a major issue in Fukuzawa’s thought (and in Japan’s modern history) with one of its major interpreters. 

This presentation will be given in Japanese.  Please contact CJS if you are interested in participating in the seminar.   Paper will be available after September 24th.