Shōgorō Tsuboi and the beginning of Japanese anthropology

Abstract

Shōgorō Tsuboi is considered the main founder of Japanese anthropology, designing its initial scope, promoting and guiding the creation of an anthropological scientific community. Thus, in this article, Tsuboi’s trajectory is analyzed, seeking to understand the beginning of anthropology in Japan. Tsuboi’s work also reflects the social and political context of the time, building a career in the midst of the much sought after dialogue with the Western academy and the resurgence of the nationalist agenda of the Japanese state.

Keywords:
Japanese anthropology; Japanese studies; history of anthropology; anthropology of science