Katsutoshi Hashiguchi: "Broadcasting" Modern Economic History

2023/07/13

Since April 2022, I have been appearing on Tokai Radio's "Denshichi-tei 100-Year History" (from April 2023, "Shibusawa Eiichi Juku") and since July of the same year, on FM Mie's radio program "TOYOBO HISTORY." The purpose of both is to introduce the trajectory of modern industry to society at large, focusing on the involvement of modern figures such as Eiichi Shibusawa, Takeo Yamabe, and Denshichi Ito in the spinning industry.

This was my first challenge with a radio series. Communicating with people outside the field of economic history using only my "voice." No text, resumes, photos, or data can be used. I discuss Japan's industrial revolution while featuring several business leaders, including Eiichi Shibusawa. Although I prepare a script in advance, unlike my usual lectures, it doesn't proceed at my own pace. This was a first-time experience for me.

After a radio recording, I am happy when the station staff say things like "I learned a lot" or "That was interesting." It makes me feel like I was able to be of help. However, what stays deep in my heart are the words that point out challenges. "There was some hesitation in your talk today. You probably still have several answers within you, Professor." These words hit me hard. It was because they were spot on. On the Shinkansen back from Nagoya, I felt a bit down.

How should I convey modern history to listeners? I found the answer during the recording of a special program in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture. When visiting the monument honoring Denshichi Ito, the female program navigator asked, "Professor Hashiguchi, what is written on this inscription?" At that moment, I set aside the script I had prepared and stared intently at the words of the inscription. "Mie Spinning," "Merger," "Meiji Restoration," "Eiichi Shibusawa." As I read those words, the feelings of those modern people—their desire to "make the region prosperous"—came through to me. Before I knew it, I was talking passionately about the aspirations and the path toward modernization.

Looking back, I don't think I was sufficiently conscious of "what I wanted to broadcast" through this program until then. "What do I want to convey to society through my research on modern economic history?" That perspective was decisively lacking. I believe this realization has given new strength to my research.

The next recording. This time, too, I intend to speak about the "breath of modernity" with my own feelings behind it.