午夜剧场

In recent years, university academia has been facing a crisis. The primary cause is likely that the profession of university researcher has become less attractive to young people (due to the long time it takes to secure a stable position and becoming much busier than in the past). On the other hand, with the development of the internet, independent research is making significant progress. The activities of people who work regular jobs while pursuing scholarship as a hobby have become increasingly prominent. Unfortunately, however, in modern Japan, these two groups are divided, and it is extremely difficult for university researchers (professionals) and independent amateurs to collaborate as equals in the same space. Even so, when and how did this situation arise?

Having long studied the naturalist Minakata Kumagusu, I have been concerned about this issue for a long time. Kumagusu began his research life in London while studying abroad and worked at places like the British Museum, but he did so strictly as an amateur. Despite this, he was recognized as a full-fledged researcher. However, upon returning to Japan in 1900, Kumagusu suffered from the gap. In Meiji Japan, there was the University of Tokyo as a government-run institution, and it was clearly separated from the private sector.

Actually, one of the clues to solving this mystery lies here. Since the University of Tokyo was a school created by the government, it was naturally on the side of the state. In contrast, Oxford University and Cambridge University in the UK are institutions that originated in the private sector and are not national universities. Therefore, their aspect as government-service organizations is also weak.

Even in Japan, there are examples where professionals and amateurs collaborated successfully. While serving as a lecturer at the University of Tokyo, Tomitaro Makino was able to compile botanical information from all over Japan into illustrated books by connecting with plant enthusiasts in various regions. Kunio Yanagita, who was a high-ranking government official, mobilized people interested in folklore to collect customs and folktales. Kumagusu was involved with both Makino and Yanagita.

The relationship between professionals and amateurs differs between the two countries, characterized by a horizontal model in the UK and a vertical model in Japan. The positioning of scholarship in society reveals much about that country.

I hope this book provides hints for an academic space where many people, regardless of whether they are in universities or the private sector, can enjoy scholarship and contribute to the development of science.

Masaki Shimura

Chuko Shinsho

288 pages, 1,056 yen (tax included)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.