Modern and Contemporary Japanese Hegemonic Strategy

Author: Xiong Peibiao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The hegemonic strategy of modern Japan has always been a major issue of concern in the international academic community. Scholars both domestically and abroad have conducted extensive research on this topic, publishing numerous works. In my opinion, the hegemonic strategy of modern Japan is a regional one, specifically directed towards East Asia. This strategy is closely related to the evolution of the East Asian international system, and thus my work focuses on this as the main thread for systematic research. Due to the difference in perspective, some new insights are inevitably presented. The hegemonic strategy of modern Japan involves numerous aspects such as diplomacy, military, economy, ideology, and international relations, and both Chinese and Japanese academia have conducted extensive research on these specific areas. Within the framework of the hegemonic strategy of modern Japan, my work explores these specific issues, offering new perspectives and approaches. I began researching the history of modern China-Japan relations during my master's studies. During this period, I read many discussions on Japan's hegemonic policies and developed an interest in this topic. During my doctoral studies, under the guidance and support of my supervisor, Professor Yu Xinyin, I chose the topic of the hegemonic strategy of modern Japan as my doctoral dissertation. Due to the sister university relationship between Nankai University and Waseda University in Japan, I was fortunate enough to be selected for the joint training program of the two institutions. During my time at Waseda University, Professor Daito Shigeru and Professor Yoda gave me much guidance and assistance. During the research and writing process, I had several disagreements with my three supervisors on certain viewpoints. Whenever this happened, the supervisors did not impose their own opinions but instead showed understanding and supported my efforts to delve deeper into the issues. Under such high-level guidance and a superior, relaxed environment, I finally completed my doctoral dissertation. Here, I express my sincere gratitude. During my time at Waseda University, I collected a large number of valuable primary archival materials from institutions such as the Japanese Diplomatic Archives, the Japan Defense Agency Archives, the National Diet Library, and the Waseda University Library. Many of these materials have not been systematically used in relevant research by Chinese or Japanese academia. These materials are mostly handwritten in classical Japanese by historical figures and are entirely in classical Japanese. To interpret these materials, Professor Yoda specially set up a classical Chinese interpretation course for me, lasting one year. Without this year of study, I would have been unable to accurately interpret these historical documents. While collecting related primary archival materials, Professor Hu Buji of the Japan Defense University came all the way from Yokosuka to Tokyo to warmly introduce me to the research and management personnel of the Defense Agency Archives. After completing my doctoral dissertation, Professor Hu Dekun of Wuhan University and Professor Tang Chongnan of the Institute of World History at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences showed great concern and provided valuable feedback. I am grateful to them for this as well. After returning to China, I first taught at Nankai University. At the time, I felt that further in-depth research and expansion on this topic were necessary. At this stage, with the support of the China-Japan History Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the topic was approved for further research. In the years following graduation, I have made extensive additions and revisions to the topic and have separately written more than 20 sub-topics as thematic papers, submitting them to influential domestic and international journals. Finally, I polished the entire book and submitted it for publication. It can be said that the complete formation and publication of this book are inseparable from the support of the China-Japan History Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. On the occasion of its publication, I express my deep gratitude. It should also be mentioned that during the writing process, I tried to make the book full of novelty, briefly covering topics that have already been extensively studied and omitting well-known events and battles altogether. Additionally, due to the difficulty I faced in collecting and reading English primary archival materials, this work does not cover the period after the outbreak of World War II, leaving it for future researchers. Finally, during the editing and publishing process, Mr. Zhang Shaowu of the China Social Sciences Press served as the chief editor. I am particularly grateful to him on this occasion. Xiong Peibiao September 28, 2004, at Yiyuan Village, Hunan University