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Introduction

I study the social structures of 19th- and 20th-century Japan through the analysis of historical sources, seeking to uncover the roots of issues that continue into contemporary society. Through historical research, I aim to understand the unjust forms of oppression that persist today and to find pathways toward overcoming them.

Achievements

■Research on Poverty, Labor, and Family in Modern Japan
I examine how the turmoil of Japan's transition from early modern to modern times gave rise to poverty, how individuals sought to escape poverty through various forms of labor, and how corresponding family structures developed. Conversely, I also explore how labor and family structures influenced the forms of poverty. This research is conducted with reference to both the structure of local administrative systems as an expression of social organizing principles (Theme 2) and perspectives from gender history.

"Female Employees and Officials of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in Japan : The Cases of the Savings Department from 1900 to 19188," Bulletin of the National Museum of Japanese History 235 (2022)

"How were the poor in 19th century Japan rescued by the poor law (jukkyu kisoku)? : the case of Gunma prefecture" Mita journal of economics 113-3 (2020)

■Research on the Social History of Rural Villages during Japan’s Transition to Modernity
Initially focusing on rural areas of the Kanto region, I have investigated the nature of political power during the formation of modern Japanese society. Subsequently, I have explored how various social relationships among individuals were inherited—or not inherited—from early modern "villages" to modern "hamlets."

The Origins of the Meiji Local Autonomy System (University of Tokyo Press, 2009)

The Origins of Modern Japanese Villages (Iwanami Shoten, 2022)

■Research on Historiographical Methodology and the History of Historical Studies
I study the formation of historical studies in modern Japan by investigating the Meiji government's historical compilation projects and the development of record management (archives). Building on such historiographical research, I also examine the methodology of historical studies from the perspective of "what it means to write history."

How Historians Think (Chikuma Shinsho, 2024)

Areas of Research

・History of Modern Japanese Historiography
・History of Early Modern and Modern Japanese Village Society
・Japanese history

Social Contributions

・Promoting gender equality by uncovering historical gender disparities in employment and promotion practices, contributing to a deeper understanding of women's labor history.
・Enhancing the understanding of social welfare systems' evolution by comparing historical approaches to poor relief, which informs current and future policy-making.
・Contributing to the foundation of a rational society by examining the use of language in historical studies.
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