Katsutoshi Hashiguchi - Appointed in AY2020
Participant Profile
Katsutoshi Hashiguchi
Japanese Economic History, Japanese Business History1999: Graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Kyoto University 2001: Completed the master's program at the Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University 2005: Completed the Doctoral Programs at the Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University. Ph.D. After serving as a teaching assistant at Kyoto Tachibana Women's University and a professor in the Faculty of Policy Studies at Kansai University, he assumed his current position in 2020. *Profile and position are as of the time of the interview.
Katsutoshi Hashiguchi
Japanese Economic History, Japanese Business History1999: Graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Kyoto University 2001: Completed the master's program at the Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University 2005: Completed the Doctoral Programs at the Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University. Ph.D. After serving as a teaching assistant at Kyoto Tachibana Women's University and a professor in the Faculty of Policy Studies at Kansai University, he assumed his current position in 2020. *Profile and position are as of the time of the interview.
Breathing Life into Historical Materials—Toward Research in Japanese Economic History
My Research Theme and How I Discovered It
It started with a solo trip during my university days. I traveled from Kyoto Station to Shimonoseki using a Seishun 18 Ticket. Walking through the historical sites, I found many traces of the activities of figures like Shinsaku Takasugi and Kogoro Katsura. This led me to wonder why the small Choshu domain, located at the western tip of the Japanese archipelago, was able to bring about the Meiji Restoration. What was the driving force that supported the activities of these patriots? The desire to pursue these questions was my starting point. By that time, my desire to historically elucidate the vitality of the region had already solidified.
When I entered graduate school, a professor showed me a "cashbook" from a cotton wholesaler in the Chita region of Aichi Prefecture. As I entered the ledger into a computer, vivid scenes of cash flow, negotiations with business partners, and guidance to textile factories came to life. It was then that I settled on the theme of "regional merchants and industrialization."
The Appeal and Fascination of My Research Theme
It's about breathing life into historical materials that have been dormant in a region. I read the materials, input the data, and cross-reference them with other sources. By continuing this process, new discoveries in economic history are made. I feel that by publicizing the value of these materials to society, they gain a new life. This, I believe, is the true appeal of historical research.
A Message to Students
I want you to value the ability to take action. By going to the field yourself, you can resolve questions and discover new challenges. Listening to the local people allows you to embrace societal issues as your own. The community needs the energy of you, the younger generation. To all of you who are filled with the aspiration to "be of service to others!" Let's learn together in the field.
(Interview conducted in December 2020)