John Howes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Forman Howes
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Prof. John Howes at the Conferment of Decoration by the Government of Japan in 2003
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| Born | June 19, 1924 |
| Died | February 4, 2017 (aged 92) Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
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| Occupation | Professor of Japanese Studies (University of British Columbia), Obirin University (Tokyo) |
John Forman Howes (June 19, 1924 – February 4, 2017) was a special professor who taught about Asian cultures and history. He worked at the University of British Columbia (UBC) for over 30 years. He was an expert on modern Japanese thinkers, especially those who believed in Christianity and peace.
Life and Education
John Howes started learning the Japanese language in 1944. He went to a special naval school for oriental languages. Later, he worked as a translator for the Allied forces in Japan after World War II.
After his time in Japan, he returned to the United States. He earned his first degree from Oberlin College. Then, he went to Columbia University for his master's and doctorate degrees.
His studies focused on important Japanese thinkers. He wrote about Uchimura Kanzō for his master's thesis. In 1965, he earned his Ph.D. for more work on Uchimura Kanzō.
Teaching Career
Even before finishing his doctorate, John Howes joined the Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia in 1961. He became a full professor there. After he retired from UBC, he continued teaching. He taught at Obirin University near Tokyo, Japan.
His Academic Work
Professor Howes was an expert in modern Japanese intellectual history. This means he studied the ideas and thoughts of people in Japan during modern times. He focused on Japanese thinkers who were Christian and believed in peace. Two of the most important people he studied were Uchimura Kanzō and Nitobe Inazō.
He wrote and edited several books during his career:
- Japan's Modern Prophet: Uchimura Kanzō, 1861-1930. This book is about Uchimura Kanzō, a famous Japanese thinker.
- Nitobe Inazô: Japan's Bridge Across the Pacific. He edited this book about Nitobe Inazō.
- Pacifism in Japan: The Christian and Socialist Tradition. He wrote this book with Nobuya Bamba. It explores ideas about peace in Japan.
- Tradition in Transition, The Modernization of Japan. This book looks at how Japan changed and became modern.
- Japanese Religion in the Meiji Era. This book is about religion in Japan during the Meiji period.
Community Contributions
John Howes did a lot to help connect Canada and Japan. In 2003, the Emperor of Japan honored him. He received the Order of the Rising Sun award. This award recognized his important work in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
