The 206th Asian Forum "The Logics between “Assimilation Policy” and “Kominka” ：A Case of Jibyo-Seiri during the Japanese colonial era (1930s) in Taiwan"

The Institute of Asian Cultural Studies will hold the 206th Asian Forum  "The Logics between “Assimilation Policy” and “Kominka” ：A Case of Jibyo-Seiri during the Japanese colonial era (1930s) in Taiwan", as follows.

Lecturer:  Yuto Harada (Kokugakuin University, Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics Researcher )

Date: 9 July 2025 (Wed) 16:00-17:30 (Japan time)

Language: Japanese

Venue: Room 101, Main Building, International Christian University

Summary of lecture:

In the 1930s, Taiwan was faced with the need to spread the spirit of Keishin(reverence for the gods) and Sonno (reverence for the Emperor) due to events such
as the Manchurian Incident (1931) and the Sino-Japanese War (1937). As a result,Jibyo-Seiri was carried out in which Jibyo (temples) that were facilities of
Taiwan's native religions were consolidated or abolished. This signifies a shift from the policy of "conserving" and "noninterference" of Taiwan's native religions
since the occupation of Taiwan to a policy of "improving" and "organizing" them.
At the same time, the increased attention being paid to shrines and Shinto in order to spread the spirit of Keishin and Sonno presented new issues for shrines and
Shinto. In this presentation, I would like to capture the meaning of "Assimilation Policy" and "Kominka" in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era by examining the
logics on Jibyo-Seiri that took place in the 1930s within the Government General's Office and those who were actually responsible for Jibyo-Seiri.

Application: Please register in advance via the link below. The deadline for applications is 15:00 on 8 July 2025 (Tuesday).

https://forms.gle/xoqenJLMc2UP6zYQ7

We look forward to your participation.