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

2022 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 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Prewar Japan village / 1930s village situation / Early Showa Era farming / Attic Museum / Shibusawa Keizo

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

The English translation of Yoshida Saburo's 1938 book (which was originally published in Japanese) was completed and submitted to several academic book publishers in the United States. All but one of the dozens of original photographs were acquired, including the rights to use some which were in the possession of the Institute for the Study of Japanese Folk Culture (Attic Museum) at Kanagawa University's Yokohama campus. The usage fees were paid using the research grant money. An editor at one of the publishing houses (a university press that will remain unnamed for the time being) was very pleased with the manuscript and accepted it for consideration. It was subsequently submitted to two anonymous researchers for a peer review. While under peer review, the manuscript was submitted to the Donald Keene Center at Columbia University (New York) for its annual Lindsley and Masao Miyoshi Translation Prize, for which it was one of three winners. The peer review responses were positive, although one was somewhat critical. Revisions were made, and then the manuscript was re-submitted to the critical referee. The critical referee was pleased with the revisions, and now the manuscript is facing the decision of the press' board of directors. A final decision on the fate of the manuscript is expected in May of 2023. It is hoped that the English version of Yoshida Saburo's 1938 book will be published in 2024.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

Considering the size and complexity of the project, it is moving along well at this point (although there have been many delays since the project started).

Strategy for Future Research Activity

If the publisher gives the green light for publication of the book, with its photographs and other illustrations, then I will work with he editor to complete the project. More funding will be needed. I am planning to apply for more funding with the assistance of the publisher. Looking beyond, I plan to begin work on a biographical book about the author, Yoshida Saburo.

Causes of Carryover

Some additional expenses are expected.