Seiko Mimaki

Ms. Mimaki s work is focused on obtaining a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between the United States and Japan during World Wars I and II. Historians have traditionally seen the US-Japan relationship from WWI until the end of the WWII as antagonistic with little common ground. These scholars tend to paint the two countries as having entirely different world views that were incompatible with one another. Ms. Mimaki seeks to refine this position by examining the role of WWI settlement failures in the ultimate Japanese decision to break the post WWI order, despite attempts at compromise. She also hopes to look at the role of this hard lesson in creating a more effective peace following WWII, including the formation of the United Nations.