In his insightful new book, Wei Yu Wayne Tan offers a comprehensive examination of the experiences and evolving roles of blind individuals in the Tokugawa period of Japan (1603–1868). The initial chapters focus on Japanese ophthalmology, the organization of medical knowledge about blindness, and the influence of popular medical culture and patient perspectives. Subsequent chapters provide detailed analyses of the daily lives, identities, and support networks of blind individuals, both within and beyond the traditional guild system known as “Tōdō” (当道) or “Tōdōza” (当道座). The narrative peaks in the final chapters, which highlight the significant cultural contributions of blind musicians and the emergence of new professions, such as acupuncture and massage. Tan’s analysis explores the intricate interplay of medical, social, and cultural factors that shaped the lives of the blind community, contributing substantially to the field of disability studies.
