Kyoto Lectures

Kyoto still preserves its ancient cultural tradition as one of Japan's major academic centers and a meeting place for scholars from around the world. Organized in collaboration with the École Française d’Extrême-Orient and the Institute for Research in Humanities at Kyoto University, the Kyoto Lectures offer specialists in East Asian cultures and societies the opportunity to present their ongoing research results in Kyoto.
Globalization of Wine Culture (17-18th centuries)

Kyoto Lectures

Globalization of Wine Culture (17-18th centuries)

The Dutch East India Company and the Court Journey to Edo

Joji Nozawa

October 10th, 2025 18:00

The history of wine consumption throughout the world remains largely unexplored and unwritten. Drawing on a range of sources, including the archives of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and several contemporary travel accounts from the 17th and 18th centuries, this lecture focuses on two key aspects: firstly, the consumption of wine by European expatriates in maritime Asia, and secondly, the emergence of a local market, primarily in Japan, during the Edo period. Wine is a product that allows us to connect diverse cultures and societies that existed in early modern times.

Joji Nozawa is a professor at Waseda University. He holds a Ph.D. in early modern history from the University of Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) and teaches history of East-West relations and French language at the Faculty of Education. His research interests include the European East India Companies, the globalization of material culture and French cultural diplomacy.

This hybrid lecture will be held on site (registration required in advance from here) and via Zoom.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82947530025

Meeting ID: 829 4753 0025