抄録
This paper will study Japanese occupational groups from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Most of the previous research regarding to modern Japanese occupational groups has shortcomings related to the fact that those studies were usually a comparison between Japanese occupational groups and European craft unions, and tended to underestimate Japanese occupational groups by labeling their non-European characteristics as evidence of backwardness. Departing from the weaknesses mentioned above, recent studies have gradually realized, the importance of reevaluating the characteristics unique to Japanese occupational groups and describing their historical significance. This paper will aim at giving an account of the unique characteristics of Japanese occupational groups by focusing on miners, and more specifically, the social solidarity that existed among them. Japanese miners in the past formed communities known as Tomoko, which were characterized by high levels of solidarity and mutual aid, even though these workers were highly mobile. Tomoko communities expanded the most when the mining industry was undergoing rapid modernization. Rapid development of the mining industry caused a shortage of labor and brought about a great demand for miners. During that time, miners frequently changed their workplaces, moving from one mine to another within short periods of time. Even under these circumstances, strong solidarity was created at the Tomoko communities. What then, was the bond that united miners who constantly moved from one place to another? In other words, how could these unstable miners brought together into the communities? This paper will aim at discovering the source of the solidarity within occupational groups by examining the correlation between mobility and solidarity, two apparently contradictory phenomena that are attributed to miners.
