My Seminar

The Japanese modern history seminar

I’m a member of the Japanese modern history seminar. In this seminar, we learn a lot of things related to Japanese history from the Edo-period to the Syowa-period. For example, one of my seniors in the seminar studies the influence of imperialism on Japanese politics. We used a book which is in this picture to discuss imperialism.

1. Why I decided to join this seminar

To be frank, I like to study world history more than Japanese history! So, I wanted to join a world history seminar. Surprisingly, there is not the world history seminar in our university!  But, in the Japanese modern history seminar, I could learn about not only Japan but also foreign countries, because the interaction between Japan and other countries has flourished. In fact, when we discussed ideas of Japanese democrats, we had to know their ideas were based on the philosopher Rousseau’s.

2. The topics I want to study in the seminar

The topic which I want to study is a relationship between Japan and Taiwan during the war. As you know, Japan colonized Taiwan for 50 years. But, some Taiwanese argue that Japanese rule promoted modernization. So, I’d like to learn how Japan governed Taiwan. I’m looking forward to reading and analyzing many historical materials!

If you are interested in Japanese modern history, I recommend you check this site. 

URL: http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/timelines/japan_modern_timeline.htm

(Kaori)