David Ambaras

David Ambaras is a Professor of History at North Carolina State University, where he has taught since 1998. His research focuses on modern Japan within global contexts, emphasizing spatial history, imperialism, and social marginalization. He has directed major collaborative projects like Bodies and Structures, a digital humanities initiative exploring East Asian spatial histories. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary issues, examining topics such as transnational mobilities, gender, and the legacies of empire.

Education:

• B.A. Religion, Columbia University (1984)
• License in Japanese Language and Literature, Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (1986)
• M.A. Area Studies, The University of Tokyo (1991)
• M.A. and Ph.D. History, Princeton University (1995–1999)

Research Interests

• Imperial and colonial histories of Japan
• Spatial and transnational mobilities
• Urban and social marginality

Awards:

• ICAS Book Prize shortlist (2019) for Japan’s Imperial Underworlds
• NEH and National Humanities Center Fellowships

Projects & Collaborations:

• Co-director of Bodies and Structures, a NEH-funded digital humanities project
• NCSU representative for the Triangle Center for Japanese Studies

Advising: Specializes in modern Japanese, East Asian, and world history, focusing on imperialism and colonialism. Office hours are Tues/Wed 11 a.m.–12 p.m.