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Research on Regional History and Culture in “Japan” in the 19th and 20th Centuries

I am currently researching the historical significance of cultural practices, such as the commemoration of notable figures and haikai poetry, in various regions of “Japan” from the 19th century onward. Specifically, I am examining: ① the ways in which Kinpara Meizen (1832–1923), an entrepreneur from Anma Village, Nagami District, Totomi Province (present-day Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture) was commemorated as a “great man” through various media during his lifetime, as well as the social impact of this process; ② the nature of the “Old School” haikai tradition, led by Matsushima Jikko (1849–1926), who was also from Totomi Province; and (3) the relationship between these regional cultural practices and imperial ideology. In recent years, in addition to the three themes mentioned above, I have also ④ conducted research on the modern and contemporary history of the Kasanohara district in Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Okinoerabu Island in Oshima District.

A shrine dedicated to Kinpara Meizen.

A haiku monument erected by the “Old School” of Haikai.

Principal areas of interest

• The thoughts and actions of Kinpara Meizen, as well as the nature of his posthumous recognition as a “great man” and its social impact
• The haikai practices and networks of the “Old School” haikai tradition
• The relationship between regional cultural practices and imperial ideology
• Modern and contemporary regional history of Kagoshima