Japan's Pan-Asian Empire: Wartime Intellectuals and the Korea Question, 1931-1945

This book explores how Japanese social scientists developed theories and practices of a Pan-Asian empire during Japan's war,1931-1945,to maximize wartime collaboration and mobilization in China and the colonies. It demonstrates the violent nature of imperial knowledge production and explores questions around the (re)making of colonial Korea as part of Japan's regional empire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate tapestry of how the theories and actual practices of a Pan-Asian empire emerged during Japan's war, spanning from 1931 to 1945. As Japan embarked on its aggressive campaign, invading China and engaging in a full-scale war against the United States, a diverse array of Japanese intellectuals presented various visions of a Pan-Asian empire. These intellectuals sought to maximize wartime collaboration and mobilization in China and the colonies, thereby fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among Asian nations.

A broad group of social scientists, including Rōyama Masamichi, Kada Tetsuji, Ezawa Jōji, Takata Yasuma, and Shinmei Masamichi, played pivotal roles in shaping these visions. They presented highly politicized ideas of a new Asia, characterized by a newly shared Asian identity. These scholars critically examined how Japanese social scientists contrived the logic of a Japan-led East Asian community, shedding light on the violent nature of imperial knowledge production that underpinned colonial developmentalism.

In Part I of this book, the focus shifts to exploring the dynamics of imperial knowledge production. The author critically examines how Japanese social scientists constructed the framework for a Japan-led East Asian community, emphasizing the violent implications of such constructions. This part serves as a powerful reminder of the coercive nature of imperial power and the ways in which it shapes the narratives and realities of colonial societies.

Part II of the book delves into the complex realm of the (re)making of colonial Korea as part of Japan's regional empire. The author examines the theoretical and practical tensions between resistance and collaboration that emerged in this context. By exploring the experiences of Korean individuals and communities, the book sheds light on the complexities of colonial rule and the diverse ways in which people responded to it.

Japans Pan-Asian Empire offers original and thought-provoking theoretical perspectives on the construction of a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural empire. It appeals to students and scholars of modern Japanese history, colonial and postcolonial studies, as well as Korean studies. The book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of imperial power, the formation of regional alliances, and the struggles for identity and autonomy in the context of a rapidly changing world.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367679293