A bridge to the Near North : the 1980s resurrection of Henry Black (1858-1923)

Abstract

This thesis is a study of Henry Black, a long-term Australian resident of Japan who became famous as 'the blue-eyed story teller', a performer of rakugo, a traditional Japanese art. His fluency in Japanese language and deep knowledge of both Japanese and Western cultures enabled him to make a strong contribution to cross cultural understanding in Meiji Japan. Though the thesis will necessarily document his life and achievements, and for this will build on Ian McArthur's ground-breaking work, its main focus is on the resurgence of interest in Black in the 1980s that McArthur's work belongs to. Though Black achieved a degree of fame during his life, he was largely forgotten after his death in 1923. What were the factors in the emergence and growth of interest in him so long after his death? In addressing this question, the thesis shows the complexity of cross cultural understanding, the intersection of personal contributions, academic and popular publishing, popular culture, the politics of soft diplomacy among other factors. It concludes with an account of the legacy set in train by the events of the 1980s and 1990s. This research aims to contribute to an increased appreciation for the individuals such as Black who made a lasting impact to cross-cultural understanding through their careers and legacy.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	English