Overview

John Forman Howes (June 19, 1924 – February 4, 2017) was an American-born educator and scholar who became a prominent figure in Canadian Asian studies. He served for more than three decades as Professor of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, where he taught and advised students, helped develop curriculum, and promoted research and exchange focused on Japan and East Asia. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Howes spent much of his professional life in Canada while maintaining deep ties with Japanese academic and cultural communities.

Early life and career

Howes was raised in the United States and pursued a career in education that eventually centered on the history, culture, and society of Japan. Over his long academic career he combined classroom teaching with public outreach, scholarly writing, and institutional development. At UBC he was known for mentoring graduate students and for fostering interdisciplinary approaches to Asian studies that connected history, literature, religion, and contemporary social issues.

Academic exchange and contributions

Throughout his tenure Howes organized and participated in conferences, study abroad programs, and faculty exchanges that strengthened ties between Canadian and Japanese universities. After retiring from UBC he continued to teach in Japan, including periods at Obirin University near Tokyo, bringing Canadian perspectives to Japanese classrooms and helping build ongoing scholarly relationships. His work contributed to a broader understanding of Japan in Canadian academic and public spheres.

Honors

In 2003 Howes was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun in recognition of his contributions to Canada–Japan relations and to mutual understanding between the two countries. The decoration, conferred by the Emperor of Japan, acknowledged his sustained efforts in education, exchange, and public engagement; official announcements and a citation are referenced in public records and announcements (citation).

Later life and legacy

Howes remained active after retirement, continuing to teach and participate in scholarly exchanges. He is remembered for mentoring generations of students, for his role in institutionalizing Japan-focused scholarship at a major Canadian university, and for bridging academic communities across the Pacific. His career exemplifies how sustained academic engagement can support cross-cultural understanding and long-term relationships between nations.

Key dates and places