VOLUME 3       ISSUE 1      JUNE 2026

It is with great pleasure that we present Volume 3, Issue 1 of Taiyō: Journal of Japanese Studies, continuing our commitment to fostering high-quality interdisciplinary research on Japan and its interactions with the wider world. As a multilingual, peer-reviewed, open-access journal, Taiyō provides a platform for scholarly dialogue across history, culture, literature, archaeology, education, and international relations.

The present issue brings together four insightful contributions that reflect the breadth and diversity of contemporary Japanese Studies. Aneesah Nishaat offers a comparative study of the educational philosophies and practices of Rabindranath Tagore and Daisaku Ikeda, highlighting their shared humanistic vision. Dr. Chiranjib Sinha explores Tagore's perceptions of China and Japan within the broader framework of Asian civilization, providing fresh perspectives on pan-Asian intellectual exchanges. Dr. Naresh Subba examines Japan's evolving approach towards India in the changing geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the strategic significance of bilateral relations. Finally, Tara Hazra presents an archaeological investigation of the ritual significance of dogū in Jōmon domestic spaces, drawing on evidence from the Sannai Maruyama site and enriching our understanding of prehistoric Japanese society.

Collectively, these articles demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of Japanese Studies and underscore the importance of historical, cultural, and geopolitical perspectives in understanding Japan's evolving place in Asia and the world. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, and members of the editorial board for their invaluable contributions. We also thank our readers for their continued support and hope that this issue inspires further research and meaningful academic dialogue.

​Taiyō Editorial Board