Japanese writer, Shiba ryoutarou, in works related to China, often expresses his unique thought about history, especially his ideas for refugee culture. Shiba thinks that the root and foundation of Chinese history as well as its formation are all linked to refugees. Frankly speaking, Shiba regards the issue of food as a key to influence the transition of Chinese Dynasties, for it is the number of saved refugees that determines a hero's character. Hence, the aim for this essay is to analyze Shiba's view on this issue from aspects such as geographical surrounding, historical events and modern Chinese equipments as well as other cultural phenomenon. Finally, through the analysis of his historical novel, 《Kouu to Ryuuhou》, I will show how Shiba demonstrates his theory of ”the refugee culture” in this work.
Shiba has done a common survey on geographical surrounding, historical events and modern Chinese equipments as well as other cultural phenomenon. From his investigation, he points out the important role of food in the whole Chinese history. The issue of food as a cultural phenomenon reveals its characters through the life details of general public, the action of historical figures and even through the political orientation in recent era.
The major difference that distinguishes Shiba's work 《Kouu to Ryuuhou》 from other works concern with the competition of Chu and Han is that Shiba aims to find an answer to the cultural phenomenon while not neglecting both historical facts and characterization of the protagonists. In short, this very answer is the close relationship between refugees, food and heroes. Liu Bang wins because his camp understands the importance of food. In this way, he keeps the food depository under guard and thus absorbs a large amount of refugees, making his camp larger and larger. Because of this, though not very talented and virtuous, Liu Bang is able to establish the great Han Empire. To conclude, from Shih Chi, Han Shu to the works in modern China and Japan, Shiba is undoubtedly the first to point out the close relationship between food and the birth of great heroes.
