Asian/Middle Eastern History/Expert Profile

Expertise

Feel free to ask any general or specific questions you may have about Japanese culture, language or history. My particular expertise lies in Japanese modern history (from Meiji Era to present), especially in areas of military and naval affairs, educational policy, nationalism and the creation of national identity and popular culture. I am also a professional translator, and can answer your specific questions about Japanese language usage (no free translation requests, though, please!).

Experience in the area

I have been living, working and studying in Japan since 1987. I am at present an Associate Professor of Informatics at Shizuoka University, a campus of the Japanese national university system.

Organizations

Japan Association of College English Teachers

Tokko Memorial Society

Association of Former West Point Cadets

Publications

"Blossoms In The Wind: Human Legacies of the Kamikaze", NAL Caliber (Penguin), 2005 (author)

"Zoku Tokko no Shinjitsu (The Kamikaze: What Really Happened, pt.2)", Hara Kobo, Michiyoshi Fukabori, editor (contributing author)

Numerous articles and editorials in academic journals and popular publications

Education/Credentials

United States Military Academy (West Point), 1980-1982
B.A., Fordham University, 1985
M.A., California State University, 1994
M.A., University of Birmingham (UK), 1999