Asei Ito (University of Tokyo; HYI Visiting Scholar, 2022-23), Jaehwan Lim (Aoyama Gakuin University; HYI Visiting Scholar, 2018-19), Haichun Yu (Hokkaido University), and Yuki Mikiya (Keio University; HYI ‘New Frontiers of Research on Institutions of China’ Training Program Visiting Fellow, 2025-26)
Abstract: This study examines the challenges faced by Japan-based China scholars, drawing on data from the “Survey on the Experiences of China Scholars in Japan” conducted in March 2025. The findings reveal that 11.3% of respondents reported being directly informed by Chinese authorities that their research was considered politically sensitive. Additionally, 27.1% encountered various research-related difficulties, including restricted access to specific materials and incidents where local contacts were approached by the authorities. Regarding academic dissemination, 21.8% experienced issues such as censorship or the need to obtain prior approval when presenting research or publishing in China. Furthermore, 32% stated that recent detentions and related incidents influenced their choice of research topics. Notably, 43.2% of academic advisors reported considering the sensitivity of research topics when supervising graduate students. These experiences varied significantly across academic disciplines. Overall, this survey offers a valuable snapshot of the diverse and evolving constraints encountered by China scholars based in Japan.
About the Working Paper Series:
The Harvard-Yenching Institute is pleased to make available working papers by HYI affiliated scholars on topics in the humanities and social sciences, with special attention to the study of Asian culture. The HYI Working Paper Series welcomes submissions from all HYI-affiliated faculty and fellowship grantees (including graduate students). Scholars are invited to post papers either in English or in an Asian language. To submit a paper, please email strogatz@fas.harvard.edu.
The views expressed in the HYI Working Paper Series are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Harvard-Yenching Institute. HYI Working Papers have not undergone formal review and approval. Such papers are included in this series to elicit feedback and to encourage discussion. Copyright belongs to the author(s). Papers may be downloaded for personal use only, and may not be cited without the author’s permission.