Lecture 1999-09-20

Subject: George Samson and his Tokyo Friends, 1903-1947

Speaker: Professor Ian Nish

Through his involvement in diplomacy and through his writings, George Samson was an important bridge-builder between the Western world and Japan for over six decades. Professor Nish's lecture will examine Samson's coterie of friends in Tokyo. By the 1930s Samson had become the second most important person in the British Embassy in Tokyo. In addition to his other duties, Samson appeared to have had a cultural function at the Embassy, and he was host for many important British visitors to Japan. For example, George Bernard Shaw's explosive visit to Japan in 1933 owed much to Samson. Samson had many friends in both Western and Japanese academic circles, as well as a deep connection to the Asiatic Society of Japan.

Professor Ian Nish was educated at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, specializing in Japanese history. He is now a Professor Emeritus of International History at the University of London. His research has been in the area of Japan's foreign policy. He is currently one of the vice-chairmen of the Japan Society of London.

Edited from material submitted by Dr. Joshua Dale.