Third Thursday Lecture: Tokugawa Japan: Ideologies in Conflict. The Priest

Professor Richard Bowring

Emeritus Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Cambridge

 

ABOUT THE LECTURE

Japan in the Tokugawa period (1603–1868) was one of the most highly urbanised countries in the world, a situation that arose when the military rulers decided to isolate samurai from the land and corral them into castle towns. Despite the fact that this was in essence a militarised society, an artistic and literary culture emerged that has proved to be a source of fascination for many. Unpredictable censorship did not deter the growth of an intellectual environment in which economic, social and cultural concerns were debated with vigour and passion. In these lectures Professor Bowring explores a wide range of intellectual responses to this new world, from scholars who were wedded to Chinese Confucian ideas to those for whom China was the source of everything that was wrong with Japan, while not forgetting the continued presence of Shinto and Buddhist priests, who had their own particular concerns. 

 

Admission is free and all are welcome. Booking essential.

 

Please book a seat in advance by contacting the Institute at least two days before the lecture, stating your name, the number of seats required and a contact telephone number or e-mail address. Please note that if reserved seats are not claimed by 5.55pm they may be re-allocated. Please RSVP to sisjac@sainsbury-institute.org or contact the office on 01603 597507.

 

ENTRY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED AFTER 6.00PM. We regret that there is no parking available in The Close.