Achievements in Discovery and Expansion, Future Challenges for Connecting and Deepening: 2022-2023 Research Trends in Japanese Modern and Contemporary History

This article aims to review the research trends in the field of Japanese modern and contemporary history in Korea over the past two years, from 2022 to 2023.<br/> First, despite the resumption of travel and exchange with Japan after the end of COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the year 2023 marked the centennial of the Great Kanto Earthquake, there has not been much timely and relevant research. While there were decreased publications in political science and international affairs, there was a significant diversification of research subjects and themes aimed at more critically understanding Japanese society. Another notable change is the increase in researchers’ outreach to a more general audience. In the future, greater effort is needed to discover and introduce new and diverse topics, as well as to actively refer to the achievements not only of Japanese studies in Korea but also from other academic disciplines to mutually advance research. And, it is still necessary to consistently pay attention to and respond to current trends and societal demands.