2024년 검정 통과 일본 중학교 역사 교과서 속의 한국고대사

Abstract

This study analyzes the descriptions related to Korean ancient history in Japanese middle school history textbooks approved in 2024. The analysis revealed the following characteristics. Firstly, regarding cultural transmission, while most textbooks attempted to provide relatively objective narratives, there remains a tendency to frame the Korean Peninsula as merely a conduit for cultural transmission.This suggests an underlying issue with historical perception. Furthermore, the Jiyūshya textbook, still uses the term “naturalized people” (歸化人), which remains problematic. Another issue is that maps depicting the regions of the Han Commanderies and Gaya do not align with historical realities. In particular, the “Process of Shrinking Imna Territory” map in the Jiyūshya textbook reflects the perspective of the Imna Japan Headquarters Theory (任那 日本府說), which necessitates revision. In descriptions of the relationship between various Korean Peninsula states and the Japanese Wa polity during the 4th to 6th centuries, some textbooks still suggest that Wa’s influence extended over the Korean Peninsula. This remains problematic. The Jiyūshya textbook is particularly notable for interpreting ancient Korean-Japanese relations in a way that emphasizes Japanese superiority, with certain regressions evident in the 2024 approved version. Conversely, the Ikuhōshya textbook, which also has a right-leaning orientation, shows significant improvements in content and editing. A review of the factors contributing to these improvements is necessary. To address the problematic narratives in Japanese history textbooks positively, it is essential for the academic communities of both Korea and Japan to engage in dialogue. Research that accurately reflects the historical realities of ancient Korean-Japanese relations should be produced and incorporated into textbook narratives in both countries.