- Date
- February 4, 2023 | 13:00-15:00（JST）
- Venue
- Kyushu University
- Sponsor
- Kyushu University Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka City International Foundation
- Coordinator
- ONIMARU Takeshi(Professor Department of International Society and Culture, Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University)
A History of Exchange from the Perspective of Maritime History Research
Professor Hamashita Takeshi is one of the world's leading scholars of Asian maritime history. Under the three themes of "Transnational Perspectives and Asian Studies," "Natural Environments and Human Societies in Maritime Areas and Regions," and "Materials and History," he has analyzed the history of how people in Asia have interacted with each other in the maritime world.
Using a variety of materials, including maps showing ocean currents, maritime areas, and shipping routes, Professor Hamashita explained the relationship between Kyushu and Asia, as well as Europe and the world's view of Asia, from a number of different perspectives.
He mentioned that Asian seas are characterized by their links to each other, and referring to the fact that port cities of various countries have been developed in the spots where borders of these sea areas are drawn. He said, "The Sea is also a space that shows the connections between people." He also emphasized the importance of dealing with research materials, explaining that “It is essential to uncover, summarize and organizing materials in historical research" presenting the “Rekidai Hoan”, a 444-year record of exchange by the Ryukyu Kingdom, as well as Chinese maritime customs documents, which are invaluable sources for understanding the history of ports, shipping routes, lighthouses and other maritime infrastructure.
He concluded his presentation with five perspectives on Asia from a maritime viewpoint: "Asian Seas and Currents and Climate Circulation," "Islands Connected by the Kuroshio Current," "From Tributary to Maritime Management by China’s Maritime Customs," "Ryukyu and Okinawa from the Perspective of Current Circulation and Chained Maritime Area," and "Ocean Currents and Seas around Kyushu: Kyushu and Asia Pacific”.
During the Q&A session, Professor Hamashita gave sincere responses to some questions about the current geographical positioning of Asia and the future of history education, providing an opportunity for a deeper understanding of Asia based on his broad insight and to consider ways to connect the history of exchange to the future.