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a c k n o w l e d g m e n t s This book is the culmination of an intellectual odyssey that lasted over a decade. It had its genesis in my many conversations with my mentor and colleague in the United States, James Bartholomew. He has shaped my lifelong exploration in the field of history of technology in Japan. He read and commented on all parts of my project as it took shape, showing himself to be patient, kind, and generous at all times. He was also always critical without being harsh in his meticulous feedback, which I cherished at every stage. Of all of the chapters, chapter 1 in particular shows his gentle and detailed guidance in its approach, framework, and focus—those familiar with his scholarly work may well recognize him in these pages. All that I owe to him is beyond words. My utmost appreciation also goes to my unfailing mentor in Japan, Hashimoto Takehiko. He kindly hosted my two-year stay at the Research Center for the Advanced Science and Technology, Tokyo University, where he and his students at the time opened my eyes and made me rethink about the history and historiography of technology in Japan. Without his generosity and mentorship, little of my research and writing in Japan would have been possible; without his unreserved support even after my stay at Tokyo University, my transformation into a historian would have been inconceivable. For more than a decade, both Jim and Hashimoto-sensei have tirelessly supported my efforts with their time, understanding, and advice, as well as with much encouragement. They steered my research morally, academically, and internationally across geographical borders —all of which I am eternally grateful for. Both are my sensei in scholarship and in life. Other colleagues of mine kindly gave their time to read earlier versions of these chapters and to offer valuable feedback along the way. Philip Brown commented on previous drafts of various chapters. His suggestions were always concrete , practical, and constructive, which was a blessing in the completion of this x Acknowledgments book and in other projects. Like Jim and Hashimoto-sensei, Phil coached me in many aspects of my professional preparation. John F. Guilmartin fostered, defined, and refined my interest and thinking in the field of history of military technology. A former pilot in the United States Air Force and a veteran with impressive accolades, Joe always cheered me up with his experience, wit, and advice . Chapters 2 and 3, which are about military aviation, resulted in part from my countless conversations with him. Mizuno Hiromi and especially Walter Grunden offered their thoughtful and helpful feedback on parts of my drafts. Daqing Yang generously shared his expertise with me, which shows in chapter 5. I would also like to thank Robert Kargon and Laurence Principe for kindly inviting me to speak at Johns Hopkins University, where I received useful suggestions, particularly from Stuart Leslie, which I incorporated into chapters 4, 6, and 7. I am also grateful to the following colleagues who inspired me with their experiences, research, and insights: Emily Anderson, Yōko Brown, Hyungsub Choi, Maureen Donovan, Shigehisa Kuriyama, Christopher Reed, Franziska Seraphim, Otsubo Sumiko, Michiko Takeuchi, and Sharon Traweek. At the State University of New York, Brockport, I was privileged to have wonderful colleagues especially in the world-history caucus. Alison Parker offered wholehearted support for my leave of absence, and James Spiller provided important suggestions on scholarship and teaching. My postdoctoral research on the MIT campus was indispensable in my intellectual journey as I sought the meanings of technology and culture, and of war and peace. Rosalind Williams took me under her wing before, during, and after my stay at the Dibner Institute for the History of Science and Technology, opening the door for me to teach in the Science, Technology, and Society Program, from which I benefited immensely. I owe a debt of gratitude to David Kaiser and Merritt Roe Smith for sharing their thoughts on war, science, and technology during casual conversations. Richard Samuels helped me reformulate my research question about Japan and the time period after 1868, which he explored in his well-known monograph, Rich Nation, Strong Army. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to John Dower who allowed me to audit his history courses on cultures of war. Every moment of my conversations with him in and outside of his office was stimulating in many ways. In good faith, he prompted me...

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