David Leheny

David Leheny is a Professor at Sophia University's Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies. His work focuses on political narratives, national identity, and cultural politics in the Asia-Pacific region, with particular emphasis on Japan's historical memory and its contemporary political implications.

Research interests include:

• Analysis of national narratives through historical events like the Meiji Restoration
• Politics of Olympic opening ceremonies in East Asia
• Emotional dimensions of political decision-making
• Comparative studies of pandemic responses and their political ramifications

His publications examine intersections between cultural representations and political discourse, particularly in postwar and contemporary Japanese contexts.