Michael Hayata

Michael Hayata is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of History at the University of Rochester, School of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on Japanese imperialism, race, indigeneity, and capitalist development, with a specialization in Ainu cultural production in Hokkaido during the early 20th century. He holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022) and has been supported by grants including the Fulbright Program and the Dana-Allen Dissertation Fellowship.

Education:

• PhD in Modern Japanese History, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022)
• MA in East Asian Studies, University of California, Los Angeles (2013)
• BA in East Asian Studies and International Relations, University of California, Davis (2009)

Research Interests: Hayata examines the intersection of imperialism, capitalism, and popular culture through Ainu communities in Hokkaido. His work highlights dialogical cultural production as a means of resistance and community development. Key themes include colonial policies, land redistribution, and anti-human trafficking movements.

Grants & Awards:

• Fulbright IIE Dissertation Research Fellowship (2017-2018)
• Dana-Allen Dissertation Fellowship (2020-2021)
• SSRC Dissertation Proposal Development Fellowship (2016)

Teaching & Service: Hayata teaches courses on modern Japanese history, the Japanese Empire, and global critiques of modernity. He served as a Graduate Student and Faculty Liaison Committee member at UW-Madison and has translated academic works, including an afterword for George L. Mosse's Nationalization of the Masses.