The Buraku Issue and Modern Japan : The Career of Matsumoto Jiichiro

This book casts new light on the struggle for Buraku liberation, the international peace movement and the left wing in Japan between 1945-1966. It focuses on the Burakumin activist, left-wing politician, family company manager and arguably the most important Buraku leader of the twentieth century: Matsumoto Jiichiro 1887-1966.

Based on primary material reflecting recent research, each chapter locates Matsumoto Jiichiro’s experience within the broader developments in Japan's social, political and economic history and illuminates dimensions of its social history during the twentieth century that are frequently left unconsidered.

As an examination of Buraku history this book will appeal to scholars and students of Japanese political and economic history, ethnic and racial studies, socialism, social thought and social movements.

*The book will be available at a special price of £64 on the day.

Author:
Professor Ian Neary is Director of the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies, a Fellow at St Antony's College and Professor in the Politics of Japan at the University of Oxford. He obtained his doctorate at Sussex University and his principal publications include: Political Protest and Social Control in Pre-war Japan: the origins of Buraku liberation (1989), Intervention and Technological Innovation: Government and the Pharmaceutical Industry in the UK and Japan (with J. Howells, 1995), Human Rights in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan (2002), The State and Politics in Japan (2002)

Chair:
Professor Janet Hunter is Saji Professor of Economic History, LSE. Her research interests lie in the economic development of Japan with particular reference to the late 19th and early 20th century. Her recent publications include: History of Anglo-Japanese Relations, 1600-2000: Economic Relations (with S. Sugiyama, 2001); Women and the Labour Market in Japan's Industrialising Economy: the Textile Market Before the Pacific War (2003; Japanese edition, 2008); Institutional and Technological Change in Japan's Economy: Past and Present (with C. Storz, 2006).