（日本語のウェブサイトはこちらから）
Profile
I am Masahiro Katoh, a Professor at the Faculty of Human Studies, Meijo University, Japan. I hold a Ph.D. and an MA in Contemporary Scottish History from Ritsumeikan University, Japan. I also have an MSc in Media Research from the University of Stirling, Scotland. My work bridges History and Media Studies, with recent interests in Cultural Studies.
Understanding that Japanese names may be complex for those from other countries, I welcome being addressed as ‘Masa’.
Academic Focus
My academic focus spans cultural studies and contemporary Scottish history, particularly investigating the relationship between representations and discourses of Scottish national identity, immigration, and diaspora.
My journey into Scottish Studies began during my undergraduate studies, fueled by a passion for Scottish films, music, and sports. (Robert Carlyle was my hero!) Throughout my postgraduate years, especially during my time living in Scotland, I’m fascinated by both the wonderful power of national identity to connect people and its frightening violence to exclude others.
Living in Scotland, even briefly as an “immigrant,” I often feel a sense of Scottish identity, yet sometimes experience the fear of exclusion. In Japan, as a “Japanese,” I find myself on the opposite side, sometimes participating in the oppression or exclusion of minorities.
I live in the tension between majority and minority. These experiences in Scotland and Japan have shaped my current research. Through critical studies of national identity, I explore how more open and inclusive communities might be possible.
Funding
- JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C), Grant Number 25K04405 (2025-2029), “Diaspora and Nationalism in Modern Scotland: Representations of Migrant Experiences in Popular and Digital Culture”, Principal Investigator
- JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B), Grant Number 25K00490 (2025-2028), Co-Investigator
Membership
- Japan Association for Scottish Studies
- Association for Cultural Typhoon (Cultural Studies)
- Japan Association for Media, Journalism and Communication Studies
- Japanese Society of Western History
- NPO Japan-Scotland Society
Publications and Research Topics
- My current research topics and past publications are available in both Japanese (original) and English (via Google Translate).
If you need copies of any publications, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Most of my work has been published in Japanese, reflecting the traditional role of Japanese ‘Western history’ scholars in introducing the latest overseas research to domestic audiences. However, as the field evolves, I am now eager to contribute to international scholarly conversations through English publications. (Or perhaps generative AI will make language barriers a thing of the past?😄)
Academic Experience
At Meijo University, I am dedicated to teaching undergraduates and conducting extensive research. My research focuses on Scottish Studies, exploring themes of nationalism, multiculturalism and racial equality, emphasising the influence of popular culture and alternative media.
In 2025, I have the opportunity to return to Stirling as an Academic Visitor at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, coordinated by Professor Richard Haynes.
- Professor at Meijo University, 2025-present
- Academic Visitor at the University of Stirling, 2025
- Visiting Researcher at Ritsumeikan University, 2015-present
- Associate Professor at Meijo University, 2019-2024
- Assistant Professor at Meijo University, 2015-2019
- Assistant Professor at Ritsumeikan University (Courses: Basic Reading, Graduation Thesis Seminar, et al), 2013-2016
- Part-time Lecturer at Ritsumeikan University (Courses: Digital Media Production Practice, Information Literacy, et al), 2011-2012
- Part-time Lecturer at Ryukoku University (Course: Mass Media Theory, 2010-2011
- Visiting Researcher at University of Stirling, 2009
- Part-time Lecturer at Kogakkan University (Course: World History), 2009-2012
Personal Insights
I consider myself to have three hometowns. I was born in Nagoya, Japan’s third-largest city, which is located between Tokyo and Osaka. I then spent two decades in Kyoto, Japan, and a year in Stirling, Scotland, both of which shaped my academic perspective.
In particular, my time in Scotland opened my eyes to issues of migration and diaspora, leading me to focus my research on minority communities and cultural identities.
Interests Outside Academia
Beyond academia, I am an avid cyclist, maintaining five bikes for various purposes. I also enjoy running, driving, and following professional cycling and Formula 1. Music is another passion of mine; I play various instruments and enjoy listening to a wide range of genres, though my favorite is electronic dance music!
During my stay in Scotland, I was exposed to the burgeoning podcast scene and have been actively involved in podcasting since 2008, producing several shows across various topics and formats.
Contact
Feel free to send an email to katoh.meijo＠gmail.com, or see Japanese Page