| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 政治學研究所 === 96 === For the non-Chinese observers and researchers, “How to understand China” has always been a major epistemological subject. Among them, the Japanese observers have shown the most dynamic and distinctive results from their choice of chronology, perception and method of analysis. The eagerness and passion of Japan’s understanding of China not only show the geographical and cultural intimacy of the two nations, but also how Japan’s research have differ from other countries in its course of research on China’s distinction, along with Japan’s own identity.
Japan’s understanding of China differs from the West in that not only is modernity is used as a method of understanding, but also a romanticist approach. The views of China as a strategic partner and socialist approach have all entwined and contributed to Japan’s understanding of China. These approaches have often been influenced by the observers’ own interpretation of Japan as a state, their understanding of the international relations and the government policy of Japan then and there. Major events and issues may also alter these viewpoints of these Japanese observers of China.
Having lived through the period of Meiji Restoration and the World War II, Tokutomi Soho is a defining China observer in modern Japan. Tokutomi has long been involved in politics and journalism, and is known for his dynamic and varied political thoughts and observation. Along with his keen aspiration for Japan’s development, it makes Tokutomi Soho one of the most difficult persons to understand in modern Japan. Tokutomi was a long time observer of China and has also interacted with the Chinese politicians and thinkers during his two visits to China. Tokutomi’s understanding of China is thus of importance and relevance.
This paper will use Tokutomi Soho’s published writings for original textual analysis. Complemented by Tokutomi’s life experience as well as the domestic and international events in the particular historical points that shaped Japan and himself, this paper will compare and analyze Tokutomi’s understanding of China with other contemporary thinkers and observers. It will also show the consistency of his political thoughts and actions, and thus reinterpret Japan’s path of development and Tokutomi Soho’s Political philosophy.
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