Ryūsaku Tsunoda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ryūsaku Tsunoda
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角田 柳作 | |
![]() Ryūsaku Tsunoda in his Columbia University classroom
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Born | Gunma prefecture, Japan
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September 8, 1877
Died | November 29, 1964 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
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(aged 87)
Occupation | Japanese studies |
Ryūsaku Tsunoda (born September 8, 1877, died November 29, 1964) was an important Japanese scholar. He was known as a Japanologist, which means he was an expert in the study of Japan. He is often called the "father of Japanese studies" at Columbia University in the United States. This means he helped start and grow the study of Japan's language, history, and culture there.
Ryūsaku Tsunoda: A Pioneer of Japanese Studies
Ryūsaku Tsunoda was a key figure in bringing the study of Japan to America. He helped many students learn about Japanese culture and language.
His Work at Columbia University
Tsunoda played a big role in building Columbia University's collection of Japanese books. He helped gather many important works about Japanese language and literature for the university's library. This made it possible for more students to learn about Japan.
He spent his time teaching and sharing his knowledge with students. He believed in communicating directly and enthusiastically. He wanted his students to truly understand and appreciate Japanese culture.
One of his most famous students was Donald Keene. Keene became a very well-known scholar of Japanese literature himself. Donald Keene once said that Tsunoda's main goal was teaching, not writing books. He loved sharing what he knew with his students.
Sir George Sansom, another famous scholar, also recognized Tsunoda's importance. He called Tsunoda the "father of Japanese studies in America." This shows how much impact Tsunoda had on teaching about Japan in the United States.