Paper short abstract:

By focusing on the editorial process of Seichū Shinroku, a compilation of stories about the renowned loyalist Yuefei in the Song dynasty, this paper elucidates the strategies of the late Mito school to revive Chinese loyalism in Bakumatsu Japan.

Paper long abstract:

Previous studies on the late Mito school's connection with Chinese loyalism have focused on Seiki no Uta 正気の歌 (Song of Righteousness) written by Fujita Tōko. Due to the considerable influence Tōko's works had on the Sonnō Jōi movement, scholars of the late Mito school have usually been regarded as passionately engaged in radical political activities, rather than acting in a premeditated fashion.

This paper argues that, on the contrary, the late Mito school aimed to promote Chinese loyalism through a meticulous editorial process. Seichū Shinroku 精忠新録, a compilation of episodes from the life of Yuefei 岳飛, was organized by Toyoda Tenkō (1805-1864) with suggestions from Aoyama Nobumitsu and Fujita Tōko. Drawing upon the letters exchanged by these three figures, most of which are preserved in the Ibaraki Prefectural Archives and Museum, in this paper I will analyze two aspects of the editorial strategies of the late Mito school.

The first one is Toyoda's endeavors to examine the authenticity of historical sources. As it is often the case with renowned loyalists, Yuefei does not lack mysterious anecdotes. In order to present a convincing account to readers and advocate for loyalism, Toyoda is strategic about the materials to cite in Seichū Shinroku, selecting them mainly according to authenticity.

The second aspect is Fujita Tōko's suggestions of self-censorship. Yuefei is generally thought to have been executed at Emperor Gaozong's 高宗 false accusation. Toyoda fiercely criticizes Gaozong's mercilessness and poor judgment, but Fujita points out that such criticism may be perceived as a commentary on the lord of the Mito domain. Through close examination of Fujita's suggestions, this paper will demonstrate that Fujita is keenly aware of how different readers may react to Toyoda's commentaries.

Using the above materials and analyses, the aim of this paper is to reevaluate our comprehension of the scholars of the late Mito school. Although the promotion of Chinese loyalists did contribute to the Sonnō Jōi movement, which carried out notorious assassinations, these scholars insisted on strategic publishing activities in an unstable political atmosphere.