Publications
The Sado Gold Mine and Japan's ‘History War’ Versus the Memory of Korean Forced Laborers
Japan's nomination of the Sado Island Gold Mines for UNESCO World Heritage status has exacerbated tensions with South Korea, as it overlooks the site's history of forced Korean labor under Mitsubishi during wartime. Research, including victim testimonies and historical sources, reveals that Korean laborers endured deadly conditions, racial discrimination, and abuse on Sado Island. This study highlights how Japan's refusal to acknowledge this dark chapter in its industrial history reflects a broader 'history war' against Korea, undermining reconciliation efforts. The analysis combines local and Korean research to expose the systemic exploitation at the site, contrasting it with Japan's selective historical narratives.
Introduction of the Archimedean Screw Pump to East Asia during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries
A key insight from this study is the early adoption of the Archimedean screw pump for gold mining on Sado Island, Japan, as early as 1637, predating its widespread use elsewhere in East Asia. The research reveals that this technology was introduced through Jesuit efforts, notably by Sabatino de Ursis and Xu Guangqi, who published Hydraulic Methods of the Far West (1612), China's first book on Western water-lifting devices. While limited in impact in China and Korea, the screw pump became crucial for draining mines in Sado Island, a fact only recognized in the West in the late 1800s via hand-colored scrolls detailing Japanese mining practices. The study reconstructs this historical transmission by analyzing these scrolls against the manufacturing instructions from the 1612 text.
Sado Island: Student cultural activities—The drum performance
Sado Island's Oni-Daiko drum performances, a traditional cultural practice involving students and villagers, foster personal growth and community engagement. Conducted annually since 2009 in Toyooka village, the festival begins at a shrine and involves parading through homes before returning to the shrine. Performances occur from early morning to evening, with students showcasing their skills after a week-long lesson. While the practice faces challenges due to population decline, it remains a vital cultural activity aiming for continued preservation. This study highlights the educational and social significance of traditional arts in maintaining cultural heritage amidst demographic changes.
Chapter Ten: Picture scrolls as a historical source on Japanese mining
Picture scrolls, renowned for their literary and visual significance in Japan, offer valuable historical insights into mining practices. This study evaluates the reliability of Sado scrolls as historical sources by analyzing their illustrations in relation to Japan's mining history, particularly gold and silver mines on Sado Island. The research establishes that these scrolls provide a culturally rich and factually grounded account of early modern Japanese mining, bridging visual art with historical documentation. By contextualizing the scrolls within broader cultural frameworks, the study underscores their potential as both artistic and scholarly resources.
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