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The Role of Japan in Liang Qichao's Introduction of Modern Western Civilization to China. Edited by JOSHUA A. FOGEL. China Research Monograph, no. 57. Berkeley: Institute of East Asian Studies, Center for Chinese Studies, University of California, 2004. ix, 324 pp. $20.00 (paper).
While in Japan, Liang Qichao (1873-1929) investigated a vast range of the political and philosophical thought of modern Western civilization and through prolific journalism introduced that "Western learning" to China. Despite debate as to the depth of his originality, Liang was unquestionably a foremost contributor of his day. The question that this volume engages is what role Japan played in this process-as intellectual locale, intermediary language, and national example. After enjoying the eleven fine essays of this volume, I am compelled to agree with Joshua Fogel's introduction: "For those reluctant to concede a significant Japanese influence on Liang, there is no longer any room for debate" (p. 12).
This volume grew from a four-year research seminar by Professor Hazama Naoki at Kyoto University, followed by an international symposium including scholars from Japan, Taiwan, the People's Republic of China, Australia, France, and the United States. This resulting volume is suggested as a companion to the published papers from Hazama's seminar: Kyoto kenkyu: Ryo Keicho, Seiyo kindai shiso juyo to Meiji Nihon (Tokyo: Misuzu shobo, 1999).
The first section concerns political issues and includes essays by Mori Tokihiko, Peter Zarrow, and Don Price. Mori sets the tone by analyzing in meticulous detail how new concepts in political and economic thought were rooted in a vocabulary difficult to translate directly into Chinese. Tracing Liang's vocabulary choices during and after his...