Early Modern Jesuits in the Far East

This group of scholars at the School of International Studies explores the history of early modern East-West encounters taking place through the missionary efforts of the Jesuits in Japan and China. Matteo Ricci famously initiated a transfer of scientific knowledge as well as a fruitful intercultural dialogue with Chinese intellectuals and Confucian schools. What were the motives and objectives of the Jesuits as they entered the Far East? And what kind of responses did their presence generate among Asian societies?

We are particularly interested in the different expectations and strategies of Europeans approaching the civilizations of China and Japan. And we hope to explore themes that allow us to reinterpret these encounters by stressing the role played by spirituality, friendship, and inculturation.

The project will bring together experts from both UNNC and the international academic community. Activities include the organization of conferences and symposiums. Members of this group welcome emails from interested colleagues from around the world who would like to discuss potential future collaborations.