Kaname Saruya, a Japanese essayist and well-known scholar and author of numerous books on American history, died of prostate cancer on Jan. 3, his family said Friday. He was 87.
Having experienced World War II as a young man, he developed his interest in the United States as an enemy country and later worked on American history, with a particular focus on the history of blacks. His funeral was attended by close relatives.
Born in Tokyo, the University of Tokyo graduate became a professor at Tokyo Woman's Christian University and Komazawa Women's University after studying at U.S. schools, including Harvard University, as a guest researcher.
As one of Japan's most recognized authorities on American history, he often appeared on television to explain the differences between Japan and the United States based on his personal American connections and experience.