Abstract: In a Japanese context, the “early modern”(kinsei) is strongly associated with the Edo period. Yet in fact there are manifold early modernities in Japan. But what exactly are they? When do they start and end, where are they located and how are they performed? These are the kinds of questions I would like to discuss in my talk. The project is still work in progress, so do not expect me to have all the answers, but I have a hunch that green beans and the General Government of colonial Korea might be worthwhile entry points into the fascinating world of 20th century early modernities.