Ryushintaro

Journalist. Born in Fukuoka Prefecture on December 11, 1900. After graduating from Tokyo University of Commerce (now Hitotsubashi University), he joined the Ohara Institute of Social Research and studied economic issues. In January 1936 (Showa 11), he joined the Asahi Shimbun Company on the recommendation of Taketora Ogata, and was in charge of economic issues as an editorial writer. During this time, his book "Reorganization of the Japanese Economy," published in 1939, was highly praised. He also played an active role as a leading member of the Showa Research Association, which was said to be the brains behind Fumimaro Konoe. In 1940, he left Japan as a German correspondent, and was in Switzerland when Japan lost the war. He reported the actual situation in European countries to Japan until his return in 1948 (Showa 23). After returning to Japan, he served as chief editorial writer and managing director, and was valued as a representative of the good sense of the Asahi Shimbun, but resigned in 1962 and retired to become an advisor. Kasa's path was one of scholar, journalist, and later in life an enlightened thinker concerned about the future of Japan. He passed away on December 4, 1967. His books include "New Europe," "How to Look at Things," "The West and Japan," "The Economy of Sake at Cherry Blossom Viewing," "Japan's Posture," and "Looking at the Facts."

[Masao Takasu]

"The Complete Works of Shintaro Kasa, 8 volumes (1968-1969, Asahi Shimbun Company)" ▽ "On the Way of Looking at Things" (Kadokawa Bunko)

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

ジャーナリスト。明治33年12月11日福岡県生まれ。東京商科大学（現、一橋大学）卒業後、大原社会問題研究所に入り、経済問題の研究にあたる。1936年（昭和11）1月、緒方竹虎(おがたたけとら)の推薦で朝日新聞社に入社、論説委員として経済問題を担当。この間、1939年に出版した『日本経済の再編成』は高い評価を受けた。一方、近衛文麿(このえふみまろ)のブレーンといわれた昭和研究会の有力メンバーとしても活躍した。1940年ドイツ特派員として出国、スイスで敗戦を迎え、1948年（昭和23）帰国するまで欧州各国の実状を日本へ伝えた。帰国後、論説主幹、常務取締役を歴任、『朝日新聞』の良識を代表する人物として重きをなしたが、1962年辞任、顧問に退いた。学者から新聞記者、さらに晩年は日本の前途を憂える啓蒙(けいもう)的思想家というのが笠の歩いた道であった。昭和42年12月4日死去。著書には『新しい欧洲(おうしゅう)』『ものの見方について』『西洋と日本』『花見酒の経済』『日本の姿勢』『事実を視(み)る』などがある。

［高須正郎］

『『笠信太郎全集』全8巻（1968～1969・朝日新聞社）』▽『『ものの見方について』（角川文庫）』

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