A ‘Black Hero’ for young Japanese: Recounting the life of Toussaint Louverture in Meiji Japan
Channel: SOAS University of London
Date: 2023-11-09

'A ‘Black Hero’ for young Japanese: Recounting the life of Toussaint Louverture in Meiji Japan' by Dr Ruselle Meade was a seminar held at the Japan Research Centre, SOAS University of London on 1st November 2023.
 
Chair: Dr Fabio Gygi (SOAS University of London)
 
The Haitian revolutionary hero Toussaint Louverture (1743-1803) was introduced to a Japanese reading public in 1890 through the pages of the juvenile magazine Shōnen’en (Youth’s Garden).

This biography of Louverture, entitled ‘A Black Hero’, was intended to challenge ideas of racial hierarchy prevalent in late-nineteenth century Japan. In this talk, Dr Meade charts the transnational journey of Louverture’s biography, showing how Louverture was presented as a triumphant figure of overcoming to promote aspiration among Japanese youth.

Dr Meade also explores how the relationship between New World slavery and empire building was portrayed in the context of growing expansionist ambitions in Meiji Japan. 
 
Further details: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/black-hero-young-japanese-recounting-life-toussaint-louverture-meiji-japan