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Tense Relations: The Tradition Of Hoshi And Emergence Of Borantia In Japan, Nichole Georgeou

Nichole Georgeou

In this thesis I examine the transformations of volunteering in Japan from 'hōshi' (mutual obligation) to 'borantia' (borrowed from the English 'volunteer'). I argue changes in the forms of volunteering overtime point to important shifts in state-citizen and state-civil society relations in Japan. Hōshi emerged during a period of Japan's history when the state had an increasingly authoritarian approach to managing its subjects. It reflects this cultural context as it embodies a strong sense of obligation and is characterised by notions of service and sacrifice, particularly dedicated service to the greater good of the Emperor and state. In contrast the …