Abstract
Through an analysis of debates surrounding the peer review system of Progress of Theoretical Physics in the 1950s, this paper sheds light on a specific aspect of the Japanese Elementary Particle Theory Group. Within the Group, there existed a hierarchical structure comprising ōbosu (big bosses, researchers who graduated before the Pacific War), chūbosu (middle bosses who graduated during and after the Pacific War and held positions at universities and other research institutions), kobosu (small bosses who graduated after the Pacific War and were not employed), and wakate (juniors, including undergraduate and graduate students). There were constant debates between chūbosu and kobosu/wakate on issues such as employment and further education, and the relationship between the two has been described as that of employed/unemployed and supervisor/student. However, analysis based on the “Register of Papers” of Progress of Theoretical Physics between 1953 and 1955 indicates the emergence of a new relationship: referee/author. The criticism of peer review and referees expressed in an aggressive letter can be understood as a criticism against chūbosu by kobosu and wakate. Their criticism arose from the democratic atmosphere within the postwar Japanese Elementary Particle Theory Group.
https://ror.org/02kpeqv85 
