History (Global History, Migration History)
Regional Focus: The Pacific Rim, including Okinawa, North America, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Taiwan.　I am interested in the processes through which the movement of people and goods across borders intertwines multiple regions and nation-states, leading to transformations in societies and racial/ethnic relations at the local level. Specifically, my research examines Japanese mobility in the Pacific Rim from both migration-history and colonial-history perspectives. In addition, I explore the circulation and transfer of knowledge and technology related to globally traded commodity crops—such as sugar and coffee—whose cultivation involved Japanese migrants.

Although my specialization is history, I believe that conducting research in the field is essential. Visiting the places we study allows us to access materials that cannot be obtained elsewhere, to experience the natural and cultural environment firsthand, and to glimpse the past through encounters with local people. I hope you will deepen your research from multiple perspectives by thoroughly engaging with prior scholarship to situate your work, by acquiring the ability to use multiple languages, and by developing research methods that extend beyond classroom learning.　At the same time, dedicating oneself to a single research topic can be a solitary and challenging journey. Even when the topic deeply interests you, there may be moments when you feel tempted to give up. In such times, I hope to support you in whatever way I can and offer guidance that will help strengthen and enrich your research.

2-911

m-iijima@sophia.ac.jp