About the Presenters:
Dr. Kaoru IOKIBE
Professor, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics at Tokyo University
Kaoru Iokibe, University of Tokyo, received a PhD in Law from the University of Tokyo. His research comprises the political and diplomatic history of modern Japan. In 2003, he published his first book about the formation of the opposition party in Japan. His second book, published in 2010, is about Meiji Japan’s restoration of sovereignty through the revision of “unequal trea-ties.” Recently, his interest stretches to several other fields including the history of political lies and the challenges to them in the form of rhetoric and literature, although his affection for anime and manga sometimes serves as a distraction.
Dr. Mark JONES
Associate Professor of History at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU)
Mark A. Jones received his M.A. (1995) and Ph.D. (2001) in East Asian Languages and Cultures from Columbia University. In 2001-02, he held a post-doctoral fellowship from the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at Harvard University. Jones joined the CCSU faculty in 2001. Since 2003, he has served as Assistant Chair of the History Department and between 2004 and 2009, Jones also served as the Coordinator of the East Asian Studies Program. His teaching interests include the survey of modern world history, as well as upper-level courses on Japan. His past research has focused on the emergence of modern childhood in early 20th century Japan and his current research examines the history of love and marriage in early 20th century Japan.
Facing History and Ourselves is a global educational organization that reaches millions of students worldwide every year. Using the lessons of history — and history in the making — Facing History equips teachers to provide students with the skills to think critically and wrestle with difficult issues. Their rigorous curriculum sparks their desire to look beyond themselves and participate in the broader world. They are creating future generations of engaged, informed, and responsible decision makers who when faced with injustice, misinformation, and bigotry, will stand up for justice, truth, and equality. Facing History transforms required lessons in history into inspired lessons in humanity, and empowers youth who will change the world for the better.