A Study on Humanism in Meiji Period, -the Case of Koizumi Yakumo-

1994 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary

• Project/Area Number: 06610330
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for General Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Japanese history
• Research Institution: The Institute of Buraku Problem
• Principal Investigator: NARUSAWA Eiju The Institute of Buraku Problem, Research worker, 研究員 (00072702)
• Project Period (FY): 1994
• Keywords: Buraku problem / Daikokumai / Performing arts of the Japanese / cross-cultural understanding / prejudice

Research Abstract

Koizumi Yakumo's (Lafcadio Hearn) "Shimane Tsushin" (newspaper "Japan Weekly Mail") and the introduction of "Mittsu-no Zokuyo" (carried in "Kokoro") are ones of the most prominent writings on the Buraku problem in the middle of the Meiji era. Comparing the original and the author's translation of the former with the original and the author's translation of the latter, historical descriptions of these writings are on a high level in light of studies of those days, while there are some mistakes of facts. Folklore writings can be said to be most outstanding among other writings of the time. This is because these writings are based on his own observations immediately after his arrival in Japan, with himself having no prejudice yet. Also, the influence of Sentaro Nishida shouldn't be overlooked. The both writings are mainly on the life of the people called "Yama-no Mono, " who were the lowest rank in the former status system, and their performances "Daikokumai, " which they passed down from generation to generation. In these writings Yakumo correctly regards "Yama-no Mono"and their music and dance as the Japanese and its performing arts. In particular, the introduction of "Mittsu-no Zokuyo" was published when the Buraku problem was becoming an object of public concern, and this fact shows his keen awareness of the issue.
Yakumo's literal sympathy for "Yama-no Mono" is shown in his "Kadotsuke, " (carried in "Kado") which is based on his experience during his time in Kobe. His admiration of "shamisen" play by "goze" is the same kind as his praise of "Daikokumai, "playd by "Yama-noMono." Yakumo deals with the Buraku problem in his work "Shakai-soshiki, " (carried in "Shinkoku Nippon") which was compiled in his last years, that is better known than "Shimane Tsushin" and the introduction of "Mittsu-no Zokuyo." But the content of "Shakai-soshiki" is greatly backward than that of "Shimane Tsushin" and the introduction of "Mittsu-no Zokuyo, " with "Shakai-soshiki" indicating strong influences of biased tellers and materials. when examining changes in the descriptions of the Buraku problem through "Kadotsuke, " which tells about "goze, " another despised people , it becomes clear that his real sympathy was towards the women engaged in "Zokuyo" and performing arts. It is understood that his concerns over the weak in society is deeply related to his own background and experience. To closely inquire this question is essential to understand the humanitarianism of Yakumo.