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Satoshi Ikeuchi

いけうち さとし

Ikeuchi Satoshi

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1973-09-24 （Tokyo, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Tokyo, Japan (birthplace) → Washington, D.C., USA (Wilson Center, visiting scholar) → Alexandria, Egypt (Alexandria University, visiting professor) → Cambridge, UK (Clare Hall, visiting fellow)

Career

Occupations
Islamic studies scholar, Professor, Translator, Commentator
Active Years
2001-
Affiliations
Institute of Developing Economies (IDE), JETRO, International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken), Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo (RCAST), Wilson Center (visiting scholar), Clare Hall, University of Cambridge (visiting fellow)
Influenced By
Toshihiko Izutsu

Education

Tokyo Metropolitan Kunitachi High School
Degree: 高等学校卒業
Year of Graduation: 1992
Country: Japan
University of Tokyo, Faculty of Letters
Faculty of Letters / Department of Thought and Culture (Islamic Studies)
Degree: 学士 (Bachelor of Arts)
Year of Graduation: 1996
Country: Japan
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Area Studies (Master's program)
Degree: 修士 (Master of Arts)
Year of Graduation: 1998
Country: Japan
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Area Studies (Doctoral program)
Year of Graduation: 2001
Country: Japan
Withdrew from doctoral program after obtaining required credits (did not complete PhD)

Awards

Osaragi Jirō Forum Prize
2002
Work: Modern Arab Social Thought: Eschatology and Islamism
Result: 受賞
Mainichi Book Review Award
2006
Work: The Fate of Books
Result: 受賞
Suntory Academic Prize
2009
Work: On Discussing the Islamic World
Result: 受賞
Mainichi Publishing Culture Award
2015
Work: The Shock of the Islamic State
Result: 受賞
Yasuhiro Nakasone Award
2016
Category: 優秀賞
Result: 受賞 (優秀賞)

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Modern Arab Social Thought: Eschatology and Islamism

2002 Academic non-fiction (social thought)

A study analyzing contemporary Arab thought and Islamism, focusing on eschatological narratives and ideological currents.

IslamismEschatologyArab thought

Reading Contemporary Arab Politics

2004 Political analysis / Commentary

An accessible overview of Middle Eastern political changes and key issues, discussing major debates in contemporary Arab politics.

Middle Eastern politicsNation-statePolitical change

The Fate of Books

2006 Essays / Book reviews

A collection of essays on books and reading; through reviews and historical reflections it explores the meaning of reading culture.

Reading cultureCultural commentaryBook review

On Discussing the Islamic World

2008 Introductory / Intellectual history

Examines methodologies for discussing the Islamic world from multiple angles, offering critical perspectives on misunderstandings and biases.

Understanding IslamComparative thoughtPublic discourse

Reading the Epicenter of Middle Eastern Crises

2009 Reporting / Analysis

Explains the complex structures of Middle Eastern crises by combining on-the-ground perspectives with historical analysis.

Middle East crisesArea studiesGeopolitics

The Shock of the Islamic State

2015 Current affairs / Security studies

Analyzes the rise of the Islamic State (IS/ISIL), its background, and the spread of global jihadism.

ISIS/ISILJihadTerrorism and security

Sykes–Picot Agreement: A Century of Curse

2016 Historical analysis / International relations

Considers the historical impact of the Sykes–Picot Agreement after World War I and its continuing effects on the modern Middle East.

Sykes–PicotImperialismBorders and state formation

Shi'a and Sunni

2018 Introductory / Religious history

Outlines historical and social differences between Shi'a and Sunni Islam and their political implications in the Middle East.

SectarianismReligious historyMiddle East politics

What Was the 'Arab Spring'?

2018 Contemporary history / Commentary

Compares the trajectories and outcomes of the Arab Spring across countries and discusses its consequences.

Arab SpringDemocratizationComparative regional studies

Bibliography

  • Modern Arab Social Thought: Eschatology and Islamism
  • Reading Contemporary Arab Politics
  • The Fate of Books
  • On Discussing the Islamic World
  • Reading the Epicenter of Middle Eastern Crises
  • The Shock of the Islamic State
  • Sykes–Picot Agreement: A Century of Curse
  • Shi'a and Sunni
  • What Was the 'Arab Spring'?

Translations by Author

  • Bruce Lawrence, 'The Qur'an' (translation into Japanese)
  • Bruce Lawrence, 'How to Read the Qur'an: Uncovering Islamic Thought' (translation into Japanese)
  • Jill Kepe(l), 'Middle East: A Political Guide for the Post-9/11 Era' (translation into Japanese)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Scholarly and analyticalAccessible explanatory style for general readersCombines academic argument with opinion/commentary
Recurring Motifs
Islamic political thoughtEschatologyJihad and terrorismNation-state and colonial legacy (Sykes–Picot)Middle East regional politics

Legacy

One of Japan's prominent scholars of the Middle East and Islamic studies. Known for both academic work and accessible public commentary; his critical stance on aspects of Islam has generated debate and criticism as well as recognition.