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Research Articles
Submitted: 2024-07-24
Published: 2026-08-12

A “Modern” Corporeality of Imperialism: Intersectionality of Equine and Human Bodies in Meiji (1868–1912) Japan

Kyoto University
imperialism colonialism intersectionality warfare horse racing discipline

Abstract

This paper delves into the ways in which the subjugation of the equine body was intricately linked to the discipline of the human body in early Meiji Japan (1868–1912). Horse racing, in conjunction with the notion of a modern corporeality, played a significant role in Japan’s pursuit to establish itself as an imperial power following the imposition of unequal treaties. The violence of colonialism instigated a modernization process aligned with Western standards of power, body, and governance, demanding the transformation of both human and equine corporeality. This process essentially aimed to prepare individuals to effectively partake in “modern” pursuits, especially warfare. Horse racing, in this context, was not merely entertainment but a tool of imperial nation-building, providing both a financial base and a training ground for cavalry horses, while forming part of the westernization initiative that directly contributed to Japan’s transition into an imperial power. The discipline of the equine body in horse racing relied fundamentally on the rider’s ability to regulate and control their own body; thus, this interlinked discipline of human and horse was integral to the broader project of imperialism. Accordingly, a comprehensive understanding of the interrelated nature of all forms of violence is imperative to the study of imperialism and the pursuit of liberation.

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