Emotion and Reason in Takeuchi Minoru’s Reflections on Chinese Literature and Mao Zedong: Focusing on the Cultural Revolution

Title

Emotion and Reason in Takeuchi Minoru’s Reflections on Chinese Literature and Mao Zedong: Focusing on the Cultural Revolution

Author

Chi-Hang CHO

Page

215-264

DOI

10.6163/TJEAS.202512_22(2).0006

Abstract

Takeuchi Minoru (1923-2013) was a renowned post-war Japanese scholar of Chinese studies, primarily focusing on modern Chinese literature and producing various works related to Mao Zedong (1893-1976). During the Cultural Revolution, Japanese scholars of China held distinct positions of affirmation or negation towards China, the Cultural Revolution, and Maoist ideology. There were those who fervently supported the three, often referred to as the “Cultural Revolution enthusiasts,” as well as right-wing scholars who vehemently denied their value. In contrast, Takeuchi was born and raised in China, which fostered a deep attachment to Chinese and literature. He had also met Mao, which instilled in him a sense of reverence. However, he strongly opposed the Cultural Revolution. His complex sentiments of affection towards China and Mao, coupled with his rejection of the Cultural Revolution, exemplified the intricate mindset of a Japanese intellectual towards China. This complexity is reflected in Takeuchi’s scholarly pursuits. Primarily studying and translating modern Chinese literature, his scholarship not only demonstrated his insights into literature but also revealed his concerns about China’s fluctuating development. Centering on the period surrounding the Cultural Revolution, this paper examines Takeuchi’s reflections on Chinese literature and his perceptions of Mao. Beyond uncovering the scholarly value of his work, it also explores the dynamics of emotional currents, shedding light on the tension between emotion and reason in his engagement with modern China and Mao. The case of Takeuchi illustrates how post-war Japanese intellectuals, when confronted with China, carved out alternative paths beyond the binary choices of simple affirmation or negation, thereby opening up new avenues for understanding China.

Keyword

Takeuchi Minoru, Mao Zedong, the Cultural Revolution, modern Chinese literature, Sino-Japanese relations

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