We, the founding members of the East Asian Sociological Association (hereafter, EASA), hereby declare that the EASA has been established in Wuhan, China, on the 29th of October 2017, on the occasion of the 15th East Asian Sociologists’ Network (hereafter, EASN) Conference.
The EASA finds its roots in the activities of the EASN, which has flourished over the past fifteen years. The EASN was first launched during the meetings of the Korean Sociological Association in 2002. Since its inception, East Asian sociologists have engaged in academic exchange under the EASN across various cities, including Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, and others. Over this period, scholarly exchange has been accompanied by deepening friendship and solidarity, cultivating shared values among participants. Central figures in these exchanges have included, but are not limited to, Bing Zheng, Li Peilin, Yazawa Shujiro, Han Sang-Jin, Kim Seungkuk, and Li See-Jae, alongside numerous sociologists from China, Japan, Korea, and other regions of East Asia.
The long-standing academic exchange, friendship, and solidarity enabled the members to announce the Sophia Resolution at Sophia University, Tokyo, in 2012. This resolution proposed the creation of an East Asian Community— a non-political academic network aimed at addressing issues of East Asian history and territorial disputes. In 2014, the EASN further advanced scholarly collaboration with the publication of A Quest for East Asian Sociologies (Seoul National University Press), a volume that integrates Western sociological theories with the context of East Asian history and realities, signaling the emergence of East Asian sociologies to the world.
Recognizing the increasing regional tensions and the threat of conflict, we affirm the urgent need for shared understanding among East Asian sociologists. To advance beyond individual friendship and solidarity, we acknowledge that institutionalization of the network is essential. We also recognize the necessity of broadening membership and embracing diverse research topics to strengthen East Asian sociology as a leading sociological perspective rooted in regional history.
Following preparatory meetings in Beijing (May 2016), Seoul (November 2016), Beijing (March 2017), and Shanghai (July 2017), we have deliberated extensively and hereby declare the establishment of the EASA in Wuhan on the 29th of October 2017.
From this day forward, the EASA shall serve as the central platform for the development of East Asian sociology. All members shall participate in one or more Research Networks, and the EASA shall function as a network of Research Networks, facilitating both existing and new collaborations. This platform shall be open not only to East Asian sociologists but also to all those interested in the region.
We commit to advancing East Asian sociology, contributing to global sociological knowledge, and promoting peace and progress in East Asia. We resolve to uphold these goals with the highest dedication and academic integrity.
October 29, 2017