The life and work of Yoshida Saburo in relation to the Showa-era farming situation in Akita

2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K01164
• Research Institution: Akita University
• Principal Investigator: Donald・C Wood 秋田大学, 医学系研究科, 准教授 (80375237)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 吉田三郎 / 昭和時代 / 戦前の農村 / 文化人類学 / 民俗学

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Significant progress was made during the past year. Most importantly, the annotated and edited translation of Yoshida Saburo's monumental 1938 book - the primary goal of this project - was completed. Missing photographs were acquired (using a portion of the grant money) and the entire manuscript was completed. IT amounts to approximately 180,000 words and contains over 120 photographs and more than 50 other illustrations (all captions and labeling of these have been converted to English). Moreover, an interested editor at a major academic publisher in the United States was found in early January, and the completed manuscript was submitted to that editor at the end of April. Currently, it is officially under review. In addition, the preface I wrote for the English version will serve as the template for a biographical book about Yoshida, which will be completed at a later date. The groundwork for further ethnographic study of the community has also been laid.

Current Status of Research Progress

1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.

Reason

The complete translation of Yoshida Saburo's monumental 1938 book (Diary of a Farmer at the Foothills of Mt. Kanpu in Oga - 男鹿寒風山麓農民日録), published by Keizo Shibusawa's Attic Museum, and written at the request of Shibusawa Keizo himself, is now finished and in the hands of an editor at a major academic publisher in the United States.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Plans now exist to write a biographical book about Yoshida Saburo, and perhaps also about his community as it has changed over time. The book may incorporate translations of parts of his various books and other publications. However, it will be a complex undertaking, thus requiring considerable time and effort. It will not be completed during the final (extended) year of this grant, but the grant's effects will continue beyond its termination in this way.

Causes of Carryover

The remaining balance will be put to good use. For one thing, the researcher may need to hire an assistant for some more translation and typesetting work. The researcher might also need to hire a professional illustrator to make some maps and diagrams, or purchase software that will allow the researcher to do that himself. Furthermore, since the book will be large and complex, the publication cost will be rather high. It is hoped that the researcher will be allowed to use some of the remaining balance to help the publisher pay for publishing the book in its current form (without having to omit illustrations, for example).