International Research Institute of Controversial Histories (iRICH) is an incorporated institute that aims mainly to study history, announce the study results and disseminate the correct understanding of Japan domestically and abroad.
To achieve the goals, it shall set up a research center and conduct the following works.
(1) activities at the United Nations in the capacity of an NGO (non-governmental organization),
(2) study and research on histories of Japan and the neighboring countries,
(3) dissemination of the study results within and outside Japan,
(4) organization of academic meetings, lectures and discussions,
(5) interaction with scholars overseas,
(6) participation in international academic conferences and presentation of our study results,
(7) Other works to fulfill this Corporation’s goals.
These activities align with Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are also committed to promoting gender equality (Goal 5). For example, the director of the institute is a woman, and female researchers and guest fellows are actively appointed, ensuring equal opportunities for external communication regardless of gender. Additionally, we frequently hold seminars where women present on topics such as women's rights, history, and social participation.
The outcomes of our research are made available to ensure that people around the world can have access to inclusive education. We also present NGO statements at various United Nations treaty body meetings, fostering constructive dialogue and discussion.
For example, in November 2017, we conducted a field survey on Hashima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan. Hashima known as a coal mining island was associated with physically demanding labor due to the nature of the work. However, we also investigated aspects such as how residents enjoyed a standard of living comparable to mainland Japan, despite the island’s remote location. Senior researchers Shunichi Fujiki and Kunitoshi Matsuki shared the findings of this survey at a side event held at the United Nations in Geneva, alongside Dr. Lee Woo-yeon from the Naksungdae Institute of Economic Research in the Republic of Korea (ROK).
We actively organize lectures and workshops. In 2022, Japanese and Korean researchers gathered in Tokyo, followed by a meeting in Seoul, ROK, in 2023. Furthermore, in 2024, we hosted a symposium in Tokyo featuring prominent researchers from Japan, the United States, and ROK.
