Min-dai shisō kenkyū

Min-dai shisō kenkyū, or Studies in Ming Dynasty Thought, was published by Sōbunsha in 1972 as a significant contribution to the field of Sinology in Japan. Written by the esteemed scholar Kengo Araki, the work emerged during a period of rigorous academic inquiry into the intellectual history of China, specifically focusing on the philosophical currents that defined the Ming era. It represents the culmination of Araki's deep research into Neo-Confucianism and its socio-religious implications within the Chinese tradition.

The book is regarded as a quintessential example of mid-twentieth-century Japanese scholarly publishing, characterized by its dense, analytical approach and meticulous citation. Araki designed the text to synthesize complex ideological shifts, aiming to provide a coherent framework for understanding the transition and development of Ming thought. Upon its release, it was received as a foundational academic text, cementing its place in university libraries and specialized collections focused on East Asian philosophy.