FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS...

In 2022, following the success of the Eugenic Legacies in Japan discussion, and Eugenics in South Korean Biomedicine, Mark Bookman (pictured) had a vision for bringing together people from across East Asia and beyond, to look at the legacies of eugenics across the region, and the amazing efforts happening today to confront such legacies.

 

On December the 16th 2022, tragically Mark Bookman past away. You can read more about the wonderful life and legacy of Mark in his obituary at the following link.

 

In February 2025, thanks to the leadership of Aya Homei, and the support of Anna Vittinghoff, Jaehwan Hyun, Benedict Ipgrave and the generous hosting of Yoko Matsubara, Mark's vision was finally realised. Over 3 days, scholars and activists from across East Asia (Japan, South Korea and Taiwan), and from beyond, came to Ritsumeikan University in person, to share, to collaborate and to build community around confronting the legacies of eugenics in East Asia. The workshop focused on the Restoring of Hidden Voices in Anti-Eugenics work in East Asia, with particular focus on the role of archiving in this mission, and on language justice in anti-eugenics (with the gathering being interpreted in four languages). We are very grateful for all the participants and attendees who made this such a rich and generative experience, and look forward to sharing more on the many work and initiatives to come out of this community shared.

 

Programme of the three days below, with recordings and an upcoming pulication about gathering to follow.

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