Kawakami Hajime's Historical Materialism And China

The beginning of Marxist theory in China came from Japan. Kawakami Hajime was a professor of Kyoto University, the highest authority of Japanese study of Marxist theory at that time. He had the greatest impact on early transnission and study of Marxism in China among others in Japan.Kawakami Hajime made indelible contributions to the spread of Marxist theory in China. Moreover, he firstly introduced the concept of "historical materialism", which produced far-reaching effects in China. Many Chinese intellectuals and revolutionaries accepted Marxism because of the works of Kawakami Hajime. His works also motivated people to seriously study the concept of "historical materialism"to solve the practical problems of China. Along with these people's academic and revolutionary activities, Kawakami Hajime's Marxist historical materialism theory had a significant impact on the theory and practice of Chinese modern revolution.Due to the actual conditions at that time, the lack of rational analysis and thinking of Marxism, and the traditional oriental culture and Christian influences, Kawakami Hajime's theory of historical materialism had a certain historical limitations. Nevertheless, we should be fully affirmed of the historical status and achievements of Kawakami Hajime in spreading of Marxism in China.This paper tries to reveal the transformation process of Kawakami Hajime turning to a firm Marxist by thoroughly discussing Kawakami Hajime's life and his theory of historical materialism. Furthermore, this paper also elaborates his theory of Marxist historical materialism, analyzes the historical limitations of Kawakami Hajime's historical materialist as well as the impact of his theory on the Chinese revolution. This paper is a supplement to the study of Kawakami Hajime. In addition, the review of Kawakami Hajime and his theory of historical materialism has important historical significance and practical significance. This not only provides a basis for the study of Chinese origin of Marxist theory, but also lays the foundation to promote the further development of historical materialism in China.