Report on "The Influence of Christianity on Blind Culture in Japan"

On March 4, 2024 within the framework of the regular seminar of the Centre for Sociocultural Research of the National Research University Higher School of Economics "Culture Matters" Anna Dmitrievna Bertova, Candidate of Philosophy, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Theory of Social Development of Asian and African Countries of the Faculty of Oriental Studies of SPbSU made a report on "The Influence of Christianity on the Culture of the Blind in Japan"

Within the framework of the report it was told that the blind in Japan from early times created their own specific culture and already in XIV century: formed their own guild, which monopolised a number of traditional health-improving and entertaining practices. As a result of the Meiji reforms, however, the guild was dissolved and the blind were left in a precarious position. At this time, private benefactors and Christian organisations took over the care and education of the blind. It was at the latter that the first schools for the blind were organised. Many blind people accepted Christianity, after which they themselves actively participated in charity and educational work, forming their own culture.