A Deep Talk with Professor Chu Xiaobo
——Japanese Study in China: Past, Present and Future
[Author]CHU Xiaobo
Academic Member of iGCU
Professor of School of International Studies, Peking University
[Summary]
01 Japanese Study in China from different historical stages
As for the historical development of Japanese study in China, Professor Chu Xiaobo basically agrees with Professor Wu Anlong from Nakai University and Professor Xiong Dayun from Yamanashi Gakuin University in Japan that there are four stages: The beginning of research upsurge on Japanese study in China dates back to around 1522-1620. The second stage is from Meiji Restoration to Reform Movement of 1898 in Qing dynasty. The third stage is around the foundation of ROC to the victory of the Anti-Japanese War. And then it comes to researches after the foundation of PRC. Specifically, there are 3 phase: 1949-1966, 1966-1978 and after 1978.
02 Japanese Study in Contemporary China
Currently, Japanese study in China belongs to regional studies. But we need to carefully think about the ranges and methods of regional studies, as well as its relationship with political studies, economic studies, history studies and social studies. And Japanese study in China has been through arguments on whether to emphasize methods or historical materials. And the quality of Japanese studies in contemporary China still needs to be improved, such as to build research structure and systems rather than as discrete experiences. Another point is that China should have an objective attitude towards Japan when doing researches.
03 Future prospect of Japanese studies in China
First of all, it is important to arrange and research the thread of Japanese studies, and to summarize advantages and characteristics in Japanese studies in China. Secondly, the younger generation researchers in China are able to make bigger progress on interpreting classics and applying methods, thanks to technological advance and more advanced language and theory training. Thirdly, with the development on globalization, Japanese studies in China also faces the problem of internationalization. To have a good understanding of Japan, it is helpful to be rooted in Japan but also observe Japan in the perspective of East Asia and even worldwide. Overall, it is the responsibility of all Japanese Studies scholars in China to inherit the good tradition and to comprehensively and objectively investigate and analyze Japan in an ever-changing globalization era.
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