I am a historian whose work focuses mainly on East Asia (particularly Japan and Korea), but also extends more broadly to the Pacific and beyond. I am particularly fascinated by the histories of frontiers, human cross border mobility and grassroots social action. My research also explores themes of memory and reconciliation in East Asia, and of the role of art in the representation of culture, nature and war. My current projects include research on the social and environmental impact of commercial whaling in the nineteenth century Pacific. I am also completing a book looking at representations of "The East", nature and war in the work of the twin artists Edward and Maurice Detmold. For further information about my publications and projects, please click here: tessamorrissuzuki.org

Career highlights

Fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs (2020); Laureate of the Academic Award, Fukuoka Prize (2013); ARC Laureate Fellow (2012); Council member, International Council on Human Rights Policy (2011-2012); Convenor, Asian Civil Rights Network (2003-present); Convenor, Asian Studies in Asia Network (1999-2005); Member, Foreign Affairs Council (1998-2001); President, Asian Studies Association of Australia (2000-2002); International Secretary, Australian Academy of the Humanities (1995-98); Chair of Faculty, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University (1994-96).

The past and present of the indigenous people of the Russo-Japanese border area (Hokkaido, Sakhalin, the Kurile Ilsands and the Lower Amur region); grassroots movements and survival politics in Northeast Asia;  national identity and ethnic minorities in Japan; memory and reconciliation in Northeast Asia; empire, art and war (with particular reference to East Asia).