Searching for a “black sky” in the Andes Mountains: A migratory process and identity formation of a Japanese astronomer in Peru

This paper examines the transnational migratory process and identity formation of a Japanese astronomer, Mutsumi Ishitkuta (born 1930). He moved to Peru in 1957 to build a solar observatory in the Andes Mountains, and settled there to develop a foundation for basic sciences in Peru. Through life story interviews, I explore the transnational migratory process of this scientist focusing on his profession in relationship to certain people, events, and situations that contributed to his identity formation. Tracing Ishitsuka’s story may enable us to deepen our thoughts of scientists’ identity and their role for the society.