About Us

A Hub for China Studies in Tokyo

Established in 2026, Scholars' House is a center for the academic study of China based in Tokyo. We call ourselves a hub because we are a place that brings people together--where scholars can base themselves to pursue research, meet others in related fields, and share ideas to deepen our understanding of China and its international presence. We were founded to address a widening gap: at a time when the study of China and its relations with the world are of heightened importance, scholarly research has failed to keep pace. There is a growing disconnect between the level of global attention and the depth and quantity of scholarly work. Scholars' House supports scholars do insightful, impactful research on China in various fields.

As a nonprofit institution, Scholars' House is independent and globally open. In collaboration with the University of Tokyo, Harvard University, and other institutions, we connect international scholars, foster sustained exchanges, and build unique research resources. With our partnerships, we work to strengthen cross-border collaboration and build an infrastructure of scholarly ties across the social sciences.

Vision

Building a future in which China studies are rigorous and responsive, extend across international borders, and sustain an open and resilient academic ecosystem in which scholars can thrive, collaborate, and make enduring contributions.

Mission

The central mission of Scholars’ House is to promote scholarly exchange and enable more research on China and its relations with the world—by providing a base where scholars can access resources, data, and networks unavailable elsewhere.

Events

2026 Symposium “Innovation, Technology, and Geoeconomics: Japan, China, and the World”

Scholars' House joined with co-sponsor Tokyo College to gather scholars, policymakers, and business leaders for a conference at the University of Tokyo to discuss China's dominance of high-tech industries and how Japan and other countries can respond.

View conference

Programs

In collaboration with Tokyo College at the University of Tokyo, Scholars’ House offers residential fellowships for both Distinguished Visiting Scholars and Early Career Researchers working on contemporary China across the social science disciplines. This joint program seeks outstanding candidates and is looking for truly extraordinary scholars.

Both fellowships are open to candidates of all nationalities conducting social science research on contemporary China. Eligible fields include, but are not limited to, economics, political science, history, sociology, anthropology, media studies, urban studies, human geography, law, and related interdisciplinary studies.

Explore our Program

Academic Committee

David Y. Yang

Professor, Harvard University; Chair of Academic Committee

political economy
davidyyang.com

Takeo Hoshi

Emeritus Professor, University of Tokyo

economicsfinanceJapanese economy
tc.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Yingyi Qian

Emeritus Professor, Tsinghua University

comparative economicsinstitutional economicseconomics of transitionChinese Economythe education in China
sem.tsinghua.edu.cn

Susan Shirk

Research Professor, University of California at San Diego Director Emeritus, 21st Century China Center, University of California at San Diego

political scienceinternational relationsChina studies
gps.ucsd.edu

Our Team

Director

David Y. Yang

Yvonne P.L. Lui Professor, Department of Economics, Harvard University Director, Center for History and Economics, Harvard University

davidyang@scholarshouse.orgdavidyyang.com
Executive Director

Lingzi

Cambridge Gates Scholar Ph.D. in Social Anthropology

lingzi@scholarshouse.org
Co-Executive Director

Martin Fackler

Former Tokyo bureau chief of The New York Times Book author and journalist

martinfackler@scholarshouse.org