Yasuko Takezawa

Yasuko Takezawa is a University Professor at Kansai Gaidai University and a Visiting Professor at the Institut d'Asie Orientale (IAO) in Lyon (February 2025–March 2025). She specializes in race, ethnicity, and transnational studies, with a focus on East and Southeast Asia. Her interdisciplinary research examines the construction of racial categories and their societal impacts, supported by three major Japanese government-funded programs (2005–2023).

Education

• Bachelor's in Anthropology (1981), University of Tsukuba
• Master's in Anthropology (1984), University of Washington
• Second Master's in International Affairs (1987), University of Tsukuba
• Ph.D. in Anthropology (1989), University of Washington

Research Focus: Yasuko Takezawa critiques racial and ethnic categorization across disciplines, emphasizing comparative studies of segregation (e.g., Japan’s burakumin vs. Korea’s paekchŏng). She promotes knowledge circulation via translation and collaboration, mentoring early-career scholars.

IAO Collaboration: Her visit includes lectures on East Asian racial ideologies and a workshop comparing Japanese and French approaches to racism studies. Key topics: terminological differences, transnational migration, and anti-racism strategies.

Grants & Mentorship: Led a 18-year research program on ethnic categories, producing global scholarly networks. Mentored numerous researchers through academic journeys.

Labs/Teams: Active in IAO’s thematic areas (Law, History, Arts) and collaborates with ENS de Lyon, EHESS, and international institutions.