In modern society, certain elements of history often fade from collective memory, either deliberately erased or gradually forgotten. This phenomenon, known as "cultural amnesia," is central to the research of Professor Katsutaka Hojo from Sophia University. His work investigates the neglected chapters of Japan’s past, focusing on the economic role of foxes in fur farming and how this once-vital industry has been largely forgotten. Through his research, Hojo seeks to correct these historical gaps and provide a more inclusive view of Japan’s history. This article will delve into the concept of cultural amnesia, Hojo’s research on foxes, and what their erasure from history tells us about the selective nature of collective memory.
Understanding Cultural Amnesia
Cultural amnesia refers to the collective forgetting of certain aspects of history. This can occur when governments, media, or dominant societal forces intentionally suppress or neglect certain historical events, groups, or practices. As a result, these parts of the past are omitted from public consciousness, creating a skewed version of history that favours certain narratives while obscuring others.
Cultural amnesia is not just about forgetting; it is also about power—who gets to decide what is remembered and what is left out. Over time, the once-vital stories of certain people, industries, or cultural practices are pushed aside, often due to changes in social values, economic priorities, or political agendas. This phenomenon can lead to the erasure of significant contributions made by minorities, marginalised communities, or, in this case, even animals like foxes, which played an essential role in Japan's pre-war economy.
Katsutaka Hojo's Research: Forgotten Histories
Professor Katsutaka Hojo specialises in public history, a field that seeks to involve ordinary people in the process of historical research. Rather than history being controlled by a select group of experts, Hojo's approach emphasises the importance of including diverse voices to create a more accurate and just representation of the past. His recent work focuses on Japan’s forgotten fur industry, particularly the farming of foxes, which was once a key economic driver but has now largely disappeared from the historical record.
Hojo’s research explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, especially in the northern regions of Japan like Hokkaido and Sakhalin. His focus is on how fur farming developed in these regions and how foxes—specifically silver and black foxes—became central to this industry. The fur trade thrived in the early 20th century, contributing significantly to Japan’s economy by generating foreign currency. Yet, despite its importance, this history has been almost entirely erased from modern memory.
Fox Farming: A Forgotten Industry
In Japan’s industrial drive during the early 20th century, the fur of silver and black foxes became highly sought after. Initially, foxes were hunted for their valuable pelts, but by the early 1900s, fox farming emerged as a more sustainable alternative to hunting. Techniques from Canada and Alaska, where fox farming was already established, were introduced to Japan. Cold and dry climates, such as those found in Hokkaido and Sakhalin, were ideal for raising foxes, as they minimised the spread of parasites and diseases.
Despite its economic importance, the fox fur industry declined sharply after World War II. By the end of the war, with international trade severely restricted and the economy in shambles, fur farming became unsustainable. Today, there are very few records or archives that document this once-booming industry, and it has largely disappeared from the public’s historical awareness. The complete erasure of this industry from Japan’s collective memory is a clear example of cultural amnesia.
Foxes in Folklore and Their Commodification
Foxes have long held a significant place in Japanese folklore. Known as kitsune, they were often seen as magical creatures capable of shape-shifting and possessing supernatural powers. In Shinto tradition, they were messengers of the god Inari and were respected for their spiritual significance. However, as Japan modernised, this spiritual connection with foxes began to fade, replaced by an economic view that treated them as valuable resources for fur production.
This shift from reverence to commodification reflects a broader societal change. The transition from viewing foxes as sacred, folkloric figures to seeing them as economic assets mirrors Japan’s drive towards industrialisation and modernisation. In this context, foxes were commodified—their spiritual and cultural significance was set aside in favour of their economic value.
This transformation is emblematic of the selective nature of collective memory. While foxes were once central to both Japanese mythology and the fur industry, their importance in both realms has been diminished in contemporary culture. As the country sought to modernise, the reverence for foxes was displaced by more practical, profit-driven concerns, contributing to the cultural amnesia that surrounds the history of fox farming.
Oral History: Reconstructing the Past
One of the most innovative aspects of Hojo’s research is his use of oral history to recover the lost narratives of fox farming. Since there are few surviving records, he has turned to the memories of those whose parents or grandparents were involved in the fur industry. These interviews provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who worked in fox farming, offering valuable insights into a part of history that would otherwise be lost.
Through these oral histories, Hojo has been able to reconstruct a fuller picture of Japan’s fur farming industry, showing how it was intertwined with broader social and economic trends. His research helps to bridge the gap left by cultural amnesia, bringing back to light a forgotten chapter of Japan’s history.
Cultural Amnesia and Public History
Cultural amnesia around foxes and fur farming is just one example of how history can be distorted or forgotten. Hojo’s research highlights the importance of public history, where historical narratives are constructed in collaboration with the public. This method allows for the inclusion of previously overlooked voices, ensuring a more comprehensive and fair representation of the past.
In addition to fox farming, Hojo’s work touches on other neglected aspects of Japanese history, such as the experiences of women, sexual minorities, and indigenous groups like the Ainu people. By bringing these forgotten histories back into the public eye, he aims to correct the historical record and provide a more just version of history that acknowledges all contributions and experiences, even those that were previously suppressed or ignored.
Zao Fox Village: A Thread to the Past
In the 1990s, the former fur farm in Zao was converted into a sanctuary to protect and care for foxes, and it became known as the Zao Fox Village. Instead of being farmed for their fur, the foxes at the village were now being cared for, and the village became a tourist destination where visitors could observe and interact with these once-exploited animals.
The Zao Fox Village stands as an example of how Japan’s relationship with foxes has shifted over time. The village now celebrates foxes as important cultural symbols and offers a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of Japan’s economic and social history. The transformation from a fur farm to a sanctuary reflects Japan's broader movement away from animal exploitation towards wildlife conservation and cultural appreciation.
Summary
Professor Hojo’s exploration of fox farming in Japan serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of cultural amnesia. The history of foxes, once central to both folklore and the economy, has been largely erased from public memory, reflecting the selective nature of historical narratives. Through his research, Hojo seeks to reconstruct this lost history, emphasising the importance of public history in giving voice to those who have been forgotten.
Foxes, once sacred creatures in Japanese folklore, became commodities in the fur trade and then faded into obscurity as Japan modernised. This story is not just about foxes; it’s about how societies choose what to remember and what to forget. By revisiting these forgotten chapters of the past, we can work towards a more inclusive and just understanding of history—one that recognises the contributions of all, including the animals that once played a vital role in shaping the country’s economic and cultural landscape.
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