معرفی
Thomas Conlan is a Professor of East Asian Studies and History at Princeton University. His research focuses on medieval Japanese military history, political strategies, and cross-cultural exchanges between Japan, Korea, and China. His most recent book, *Kings in All But Name: The Lost History of Ōuchi Rule in Japan, 1350-1569* (2024), redefines Japan’s medieval political landscape by highlighting the Ōuchi clan’s innovative governance, trade networks, and multi-ethnic identity. Conlan’s work challenges traditional narratives of Japan’s isolationism, emphasizing its interconnectedness with Asia through commerce and cultural exchanges.
His research interests include Samurai warfare, medieval governance, and the role of ritual in political allegiance. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Japan, including studies of historical sites like the Ōuchi-built pagoda in Yamaguchi. Conlan’s interdisciplinary approach combines textual analysis with archaeological data, as seen in his exploration of copper smelting innovations in 15th-century Japan.
His publications span topics from medieval military tactics to imperial politics, with a focus on Japan’s evolving relationship with neighboring regions. Despite no listed awards, his work has been widely recognized, including a feature in *The New York Times* for highlighting Yamaguchi as a cultural destination. Conlan’s ongoing projects aim to further uncover the deep historical ties between Japan, Korea, and China, challenging Eurocentric views of pre-modern Asia.
