Formation of Jewish Communities in the Empire of Japan in the 1920-1940s

In the modern world, where multiculturalism plays an increasingly important role, studying the history of lesser-known ethnic groups, such as the Jewish communities in Japan in the 1920-1940s is of particular significance. Moreover, as the number of studies on the history of imperial Japan increases, its image in historical discourse becomes considered by scientists to be more multifaceted than simply an ally of Germany and Italy. This becomes especially noticeable when examining the independent policy of the Japanese Empire towards the Jewish communities that lived in territories under its control. However, despite some scientists focusing on this historical phenomenon, their work tends to overlook the practical implementation of Japanese Jewish policy and its regional differences. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the formation and development of Jewish communities in Japan, as well as the related policies of the Japanese state, with a special focus on regional differences. With this aim in mind, we will employ a historical research design that involves historical-genetic and comparative methods and content analysis of primary sources of various types. Translating and comparing the official decisions from the Conference of Five Ministers (1938) and the Liaison Conference (1942) with interviews and memoirs of Jews who lived in Japan could contribute to further studies in the corresponding field, illuminating the practical implementation of the officially announced policies. Furthermore, since our study focuses on both the Jewish communities and Japanese policy towards them, it may be useful for scholars in fields as diverse as ethnic minority studies and Japanese-German relations during World War II. Key words: Japanese Jewish policy, Conference of Five Ministers, Liaison Conference, Manchukuo, “Mainland Japan”, Shanghai Ghetto.