The 34th “Lord Yōzan Symposium”
Sunday, August 31, 2025
C.H. Dallas and Early Meiji-era Yonezawa – The Introduction of English Studies and Connections Between Yonezawa, Okitama, and the West
This year marks 150 years since C.H. Dallas left Yonezawa. To commemorate this, the city has launched a special campaign titled “150th Anniversary of Yonezawa Beef.”
In October of Meiji 4 (1871), Dallas came to Yonezawa as a foreign advisor and took up a post at the newly established “Western Studies School” within Kōjōkan Academy. Why did Yonezawa seek his expertise, and what did he leave behind?
In the early Meiji period, Yonezawa and the Okitama region were already strongly connected to Europe—particularly through the export of silkworm eggs. Many talented individuals who studied English would later go on to play key roles in Japan’s modernization.
This year’s symposium will explore how Yonezawa sought a new path forward after the Boshin War during the early Meiji era.
■ Date and Time:
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Doors open at 1:00 PM
Program: 1:30 PM – 4:20 PM
Free admission / No advance registration required
■ Venue:
Denkoku no Mori – Okitama Culture Hall
■ Program Details:
Lecture 1:
“C.H. Dallas: The Man Behind Yonezawa Beef – His Life and Achievements, with Findings from Research in the UK and Belgium”
Speaker: Mr. Norio Narisawa
(President, Okitama Nippo / Yonezawa Dallas Association)
Lecture 2:
“Okitama Through the Eyes of Dallas and Other Foreign Visitors”
Speaker: Mr. Akihiro Aoki
(Specialist in Local History, Yonezawa City Library)
Dialogue with the Speakers:
A discussion session reflecting on early Meiji-era Yonezawa, including audience questions and comments.
Organizer / Inquiries:
Society for Honoring Lord Uesugi Yōzan and Local Pioneers
TEL: 090-2027-4572 (Mr. Takahashi)
