In Memoriam: Theodore Bestor, 1951–2021

Dear Colleagues,

We mourn the recent passing of Professor Theodore Bestor, who had suffered from cancer over the past few years. He was the Reischauer Institute Professor of Social Anthropology and Japanese Studies, and had also served as the Chair of the Department of Anthropology and Director of the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies. Over the past two decades, Professor Bestor served on the Program’s Faculty Advisory Committee, and has been a valued source of advice and support. He was featured in our Program seminar series speaking on topics that ranged from Japanese cuisine to the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster, and his lectures always drew enthusiastic crowds and sparked lively discussion. He will be long remembered for his influential scholarship and active contribution to the Harvard community.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his friends and family.

Sincerely,

Christina

Christina L. Davis

Professor, Department of Government

Director, Program on U.S.-Japan Relations

Susan S. and Kenneth L. Wallach Professor at the Radcliffe Institute